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Social support and thriving health: A new approach to understanding the health of indigenous Canadians

Author

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  • Richmond, C.A.M.
  • Ross, N.A.
  • Egeland, G.M.

Abstract

Objectives. We examined the importance of social support in promoting thriving health among indigenous Canadians, a disadvantaged population. Methods. We categorized the self-reported health status of 31 625 adult indigenous Canadians as thriving (excellent, very good) or nonthriving (good, fair, poor). We measured social support with indices of positive interaction, emotional support, tangible support, and affection and intimacy. We used multivariable logistic regression analyses to estimate odds of reporting thriving health, using social support as the key independent variable, and we controlled for educational attainment and labor force status. Results. Compared with women reporting low levels of social support, those reporting high levels of positive interaction (odds ratio [OR]=1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.2, 1.6), emotional support (OR=2.1; 95% CI=1.8, 2.4), and tangible support (OR=1.4; 95% CI=1.2, 1.5) were significantly more likely to report thriving health. Among men, only emotional support was significantly related to thriving health (OR=1.7; 95% CI=1.5, 1.9). Thriving health status was also significantly mediated by age, aboriginal status (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit), educational attainment, and labor force status. Conclusions. Social support is a strong determinant of thriving health, particularly among women. Research that emphasizes thriving represents a positive and necessary turn in the indigenous health discourse.

Suggested Citation

  • Richmond, C.A.M. & Ross, N.A. & Egeland, G.M., 2007. "Social support and thriving health: A new approach to understanding the health of indigenous Canadians," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(10), pages 1827-1833.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2006.096917_8
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2006.096917
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    Cited by:

    1. María José Martos-Méndez & Luis Gómez-Jacinto & Isabel Hombrados-Mendieta & Anabel Melguizo-Garín & Iván Ruiz-Rodríguez, 2022. "Psychosocial and Sociodemographic Determinants Related to Chronic Diseases in Immigrants Residing in Spain," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-15, March.
    2. Sarah Prout, 2012. "Indigenous Wellbeing Frameworks in Australia and the Quest for Quantification," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 109(2), pages 317-336, November.
    3. Bryan Tanner & Ningwakwe George & Laura Jane Brubacher & Melody E. Morton Ninomiya & Laura Peach & Sharon Bernards & Renee Linklater & Julie George & Samantha Wells, 2022. "Navigating Paths to Wellness: A Strengths-Based Photovoice Study Conducted with One First Nation in Southern Ontario, Canada," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-17, September.
    4. Waterworth, Pippa & Rosenberg, Michael & Braham, Rebecca & Pescud, Melanie & Dimmock, James, 2014. "The effect of social support on the health of Indigenous Australians in a metropolitan community," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 139-146.
    5. Liamputtong, Pranee & Suwankhong, Dusanee, 2015. "Therapeutic landscapes and living with breast cancer: The lived experiences of Thai women," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 263-271.
    6. Mylène Riva & Christina Larsen & Peter Bjerregaard, 2014. "Household crowding and psychosocial health among Inuit in Greenland," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 59(5), pages 739-748, October.
    7. Anna Bunce & James Ford & Sherilee Harper & Victoria Edge, 2016. "Vulnerability and adaptive capacity of Inuit women to climate change: a case study from Iqaluit, Nunavut," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 83(3), pages 1419-1441, September.
    8. Senese, Laura C. & Wilson, Kathi, 2013. "Aboriginal urbanization and rights in Canada: Examining implications for health," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 219-228.
    9. Pedro Henrique Ribeiro Santiago & Gustavo Hermes Soares & Lisa Gaye Smithers & Rachel Roberts & Lisa Jamieson, 2022. "Psychological Network of Stress, Coping and Social Support in an Aboriginal Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-22, November.
    10. Sonja Wicklum & Elsy Willis & Ashley Amson & K. Ashlee McGuire & Lynden Lindsay Crowshoe & Kerry McBrien & Rita Henderson, 2021. "A Systematic Literature Review of Physical Activity-Based Health Programs for Indigenous Women: Impacts on Physical Activity Levels, Obesity, and Community Building," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(2), pages 21582440211, June.
    11. Bryan Tanner & Sara Plain & Tracey George & Julie George & Christopher J. Mushquash & Sharon Bernards & Melody Morton Ninomiya & Samantha Wells, 2022. "Understanding Social Determinants of First Nations Health Using a Four-Domain Model of Health and Wellness Based on the Medicine Wheel: Findings from a Community Survey in One First Nation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-10, February.
    12. Marie Baron & Mylène Riva & Christopher Fletcher & Melody Lynch & Marie-Claude Lyonnais & Elhadji A. Laouan Sidi, 2021. "Conceptualisation and Operationalisation of a Holistic Indicator of Health for Older Inuit: Results of a Sequential Mixed-Methods Project," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 155(1), pages 47-72, May.

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