Joanne Pocock March 27, 2008

1. Health and Social Survey Information for Quebec’s English-speaking CommunitiesHighlights from the CHSSN Baseline Data Report 2007-2008 Joanne Pocock March 27, 2008

2. Baseline Data Report 2007-08 as a Community Resource • The CHSSN Baseline Data Reports (BDR) • The 2007-08 BDR will enable communities to link their regional socio-economic profile with an associated health and social services status

3. Quebec Health and Social Survey1998 • Conducted by Institut de la statistique du Quebec • Approximately 20,000 respondents participated with some 18,000 French mother tongue and 1,000 English mother tongue • Comparisons are made with 1978 and 1992-1993 data • Some 270 translated and highlighted tables

4. Sample Population: Language variances • English mother tongue group had a proportionally greater number of seniors • Anglophones were more likely to report being poor or very poor (under 15,000 annually) and more likely to report high income ($60,000 and over) • Anglophones were less likely to report low levels of scolarity • For Francophones, the province of Quebec was much more frequently cited as the Mother’s place of birth • Anglophone respondents were more likely to be dissatisfied with health services in their region

5. General Health Portrait • 64% of survey respondents reported having 1 or more health problems • The likelihood of one or more problems increases with age • A substantially greater portion of females reported having one or more health problems • Anglophone respondents were more likely than Francophones to report more than one health problem and/or a long term problem • In 17 of the 30 listed ailments, a greater proportion of Anglophones are affected. This is also true in 6 of 7 of the most prevalent health problems. • Unemployment and low income are associated with greater likelihood of long term health problems

6. Low-income in Quebec’s English-speaking Communities: 2001 census data • In relative terms, Quebec Anglophones are 26% more likely than Francophones to have incomes that fall below LICO. • Centre-du-Quebec (59%), Mauricie (41%) show particularly high levels • Younger Anglophones (25-44) more likely to compare poorly to Francophone majority than other age cohorts • Quebec Anglophones living in lone-parent households are more likely than Francophones to be living below LICO • Anglophones are somewhat more likely to live in a single person household or to be a single parent with children under 18

7. Health Challenges for ESQ:Low Income Population (1) • Living in a single-parent family, unemployment and low income tend to be predictors of food insecurity • Obesity and severe obesity and lower rates of physical activity are linked with low income • The presence of suicidal ideas linked with poor and very poor income levels • Lower satisfaction with social life and weaker social support

8. Health Challenges for ESQ: Low Income Population (2) • Low income is linked with increased hospitalization • Respondents reporting low income also consumed higher levels of prescribed medication • Low income is associated with a lower likelihood of private health care coverage • The group most likely to have no one that can respond in time of need

9. Health Challenges of ESQC: Women • Only 25.8% of women 15-24 engaged in recreational physical activity 3 times a week compared to 43.3% of men • Female headed single parent families are poorer than male headed, claim lower scolarity levels and are much less likely to be employed • 45.2% of women 25-44 reported more than 1 health problem compared to 29% of men of the same age • Women consume substantially higher levels of both prescribed and non-prescribed medication

10. Health Challenges of ESC:Mental Health • Relatively speaking, Anglophones were 58% more likely to report mental health problems • Anglophone respondents were more than twice as likely as Francophones to perceive their mental health as poor • When 1978, 1992-1993 and 1998 are compared we find women consistently report higher levels of distress • The highest levels of psychological distress are reported by the 15-24 years age group • Strong correlation between perception of mental health and level of satisfaction with social life

11. Health Challenges for ESC:Social Support Environment • Survey respondents with a weak social environment were more likely to report psychological distress and long term health problems • Weak social support is found among those aged 25-44 and 45-64 • Unemployed respondents were more likely than employed to report having no friends or confidants and no persons to respond to needs • Anglophone respondents were more reliant than Francophones upon family and friends for post-hospital aid at home.

12. Health Challenges for ESQ:Recourse to Health Professionals and Services • Anglophone respondents were more likely than Francophones to travel more than 20 km to see a general physician • Respondents aged 65 years and over were the most likely to have visited a professional in two-week period • Anglophones were much less likely to be aware of CLSC Info-Sante. Among those who were aware, also much less likely to use the service.

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