Profiles of childhood adversities in Inuit from Nunavik: description and associations with indicators of socioeconomic characteristics, support, and community involvement

TL;DR

This study identifies different types of childhood adversity among Inuit in Nunavik and links them to adult outcomes like employment and community involvement.

Contribution

The study introduces distinct profiles of childhood adversity among Inuit and their associations with socioeconomic and community indicators.

Findings

77.6% of Nunavik Inuit reported at least one childhood adversity.

Multiple childhood adversities predict lower employment rates and community involvement in adulthood.

Residential school history influences adversity profiles in older Inuit populations.

Abstract

Distress and associated health problems reported by Nunavik Inuit emanate from heterogeneous roots, including adverse childhood experiences. This study aims to (1) identify distinct childhood adversity profiles and (2) examine associations between these profiles and sex, socioeconomic characteristics, social support, and community involvement among Nunavimmiut.

In a sample of 1109 adult Nunavimmiut, sex, socioeconomic characteristics, support, community involvement, residential school attendance, and 10 forms of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were documented using questionnaires. Latent class analyses and weighted comparisons were performed for three subgroups: 18–49 years; 50 years and above with experience of residential school; and 50 years and above without experience of residential school. The analysis design, the manuscript drafts, and the key findings were discussed and co-interpreted with the collaboration of community representatives, taking into consideration Inuit culture and needs.

A total of 77.6% of Nunavimmiut reported having experienced at least one form of childhood adversity. Three ACE profiles were identified among the 18–49-year-olds: low ACEs (43.0%), household stressors (30.7%), and multiple ACEs (26.3%). Two profiles characterized ACEs experienced among the 50-year-olds and over with and without history of residential schooling: low ACEs (80.1% and 77.2%, respectively) and multiple ACEs (19.9% and 22.8%, respectively). Among the group of 18–49-year-olds, as compared to the low ACE profile, the profile with household stressors included proportionally more women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5) and was associated with lower involvement in volunteering and community activities (mean score reduced by 0.29 standard deviation [SD]) and lower family cohesion (SD = − 0.11), while the multiple ACE profile was related to a lower rate of employment (OR = 0.62), lower family cohesion (SD = − 0.28), and lower satisfaction with ability to practice traditional activities (SD = − 0.26).

Childhood adversities among Nunavimmiut do not occur in isolation and experiencing multiple forms of childhood adversities predicts lower socioeconomic status, support, and community involvement in adulthood. Implications for the planning of health and community services in Nunavik are discussed.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.17269/s41997-023-00750-z.

Figures