Determining the Impact of Key Social Determinants on Mental Wellbeing of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada

Mental health ailments are on the rise across the world. Across Canada, it is believed that one out of every fifth person experiences some form of mental healthcare issue. The present study builds on the Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) 2017 to determine the impact of socioeconomic and demographic factors including age, gender, household income, mental health condition (anxiety disorder), highest level of education, housing conditions, and total 2016 personal income on the self-perceived mental health status of Aboriginal peoples. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS. Data analysis was carried out using multinomial regression analysis and descriptive statistics. Results collected from statistical analysis revealed that income (total income level in a year and household income to meet basic needs) plays a significant role in how Aboriginal peoples perceive their current mental health status. Satisfaction levels with housing conditions and pre-existing mental health conditions also influence the mental health and well-being of the indigenous people. The linkage between income and mental health could be used to develop future well-being policies for Aboriginal peoples that focus on providing better income and earning opportunities to these people.