Prevalence and factors associated with pain-related disabilities among Inuit in Canada in 2017: a cross-sectional study

Working with an Indigenous Advisory Committee, including an Inuit Health Advisor and Researcher, we analyzed the 2017 Aboriginal Peoples Survey to examine prevalence and factors associated with pain-related disabilities (PRDs) among Inuit in Canada. Self-reported data were collected from Inuit ≥15 years. PRDs were defined as 'sometimes', 'often', or 'always' experiencing activity limitations due to pain from a long-term condition lasting ≥ six months. We computed PRD prevalence [95% CI] overall, and by geographic location, age, sex, type and number of co-existing disabilities. Modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimation modelled associations between Inuit social determinants of health and PRDs. Person-level and bootstrap weights were applied for all analyses. Among Inuit, 11.1% [10.0, 12.4] reported PRDs. Females [13.4% (11.8, 15.1)], individuals 55 + [23.7% (21.6, 25.9)], and those who lived outside Inuit Nunangat [17.1% (14.1, 20.5)] experienced higher prevalence of PRDs. Prevalence increased with the number of disabilities-highest among those with co-existing physical disabilities. Additionally, higher education, residential school attendance, and those who experienced difficulties related to food, housing, employment, and health were more likely to report PRDs. Characteristics which may increase the risk of PRDs need to be shared with Inuit stakeholders to guide next steps for awareness, advocacy, services and interventions.