CMAJ study finds First Nations children feel pain more frequently, but are less likely to seek treatment

A study led by Dalhousie University found that between 1997 and 2015, First Nations children were more likely to require neonatal intensive care and had higher incidences of headaches, dental problems and throat and ear infections. The data also suggested that Aboriginal children are less likely to be diagnosed with a mental disorder. The study contends that's likely due to a lack of access to mental health specialists for young First Nations patients rather than a lower rate of incidence. In fact, the research pointed to access to healthcare as the primary issue causing the discrepancies seen in the data.