Occurrence of and referral to specialists for pain-related diagnoses in First Nations and non–First Nations children and youth

First Nations children were diagnosed with more pain than non-First Nations children, but did not access specific specialists or mental health services, and were not diagnosed with mental health conditions, at the same rate as their non-First Nations counterparts. Discrepancies in pain-related diagnoses and treatment are evident in these specific comparative cohorts. Community-based health care access and treatment inquiries are required to determine ways to improve care delivery for common childhood conditions that affect health and development.