Factors associated with HIV among First Nation living off reserves, Metis, and Inuit persons

Abstract

Human immune deficiency virus (HIV) disproportionately affects the Indigenous Peoples of Canada and requires further research. For this thesis, data from the 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey were analyzed to better understand (1) demographic factors and comorbidities associated with a positive HIV diagnosis, and (2) social determinants of health for HIV among First Nation living off-reserve, Metis, and Inuit persons. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to identify factors associated with a positive HIV diagnosis. Higher adjusted odds of HIV-positivity were associated with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, asthma, and cancer, as well as among those reporting a male same-sex married or common-law partner, those in the second lowest income quartile, those who were unemployed, and those whose parent or grandparent had been a student at a residential school. Lower adjusted odds of positive HIV diagnosis were among those who had not completed high school, and those who lived with one or more other person.