The Population Survey as a Tool for Assessing Family Health in the Keewatin Region, NWT, Canada

The Keewatin Health Assessment Study surveyed a sample of 874 individuals, including 440 children & adolescents under age 18. Data was gathered on child growth & development, nutrition & diet, social pathologies (suicide attempts & sexual abuse), oral & audiologic health. 18% of respondents indicated that they had planned or attempted suicide. Multivariate analysis showed that the single most important factor associated with a history of suicide attempts is a history of sexual abuse. (18 refs.)