The impact of Métis Nation of Ontario citizens’ housing satisfaction on self-reported health: a population-based retrospective cross-sectional study

Introduction Distinction-based research on the relationship between housing and health for Métis people is limited, despite a recognised housing crisis for Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This study examines the association between housing conditions and repairs with self-rated physical, mental, and overall balance of health in citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO). Methods An MNO-led, population-based online survey was conducted between 6 May 2022 and 13 June 2022. Census sampling was used to invite all MNO citizens, aged 16 and older, with a valid email on file, to participate. Respondents were asked to rate their physical, mental and overall balance of health, and satisfaction with their housing conditions on five-point Likert scales. Level of repair (major, minor or none) and sociodemographic information were also collected. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression models were used. Results In total, 4164 (30%) MNO citizens completed the survey. Housing satisfaction and level of repair were strongly associated with self-reported physical, mental and overall balance of health. The adjusted odds of reporting good physical health (OR=3.3; 95% CI 2.61 to 4.21), mental health (OR=4.1; 95% CI 3.19 to 5.20), and overall balance of health (OR=3.8; 95% CI 2.51 to 5.68) were significantly higher among those satisfied with their housing conditions versus dissatisfied. Similar associations were observed with repair. Conclusions Our results contribute to closing the gap in Métis health research and provide the MNO citizen-specific housing information to inform the planning and evaluation of Métis-specific housing programmes.