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Background: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Over the past decade, the prevalence of smoking and the number of cigarettes smoked per day have decreased in Canada. Using a contemporary cohort of Canadian men and women, this study measured associations between smoking, smoking cessation and heart disease., Methods: The study is based on nine cycles of data (1994/1995 through 2010/2011) from the National Population Health Survey, which collected information on smoking status every two years. The study sample consists of 4,712 men and 5,715 women aged 25 or older and free from heart disease in 1994/1995. Heart disease was determined by self-report of diagnosis, medication for, or death from heart disease. Relative risks of incident heart disease were compared among current daily smokers, former daily smokers, and those who never smoked daily., Results: Compared with those who had never smoked daily, current daily smokers had a 60% higher risk of incident heart disease during the follow-up period. The risks were lower among current daily smokers who consumed fewer cigarettes. Although smoking cessation was associated with a lower risk of heart disease, 20 or more years of continuous cessation were required for the risk to approach that of people who never smoked daily., Interpretation: Smoking cessation and cutting down the number of cigarettes smoked per day reduce the risk of heart disease.

Background: People who smoke are at increased risk of lung and other cancers, heart attack, stroke, chronic lung disease and premature death. After smoking cessation, these risks diminish, but little is known about the time required to regain the level of health of people who have never smoked. This analysis describes trajectories of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in relation to smoking status, focusing on the time required for former smokers to achieve an HRQL level similar to that of never-smokers., Methods: Data were from nine cycles (1994/1995 through 2010/2011) of the National Population Health Survey. Analyses were based on longitudinal data for 3,341 men and 4,143 women aged 40 or older in 1994/1995. Multi-level growth modelling was used to describe HRQL trajectories over the 16-year follow-up period in relation to smoking status, which was updated every two years., Results: Across all ages and for both sexes, persistent smokers had lower HRQL than did never-smokers. Among men, HRQL improved after 5 years of quitting; after 20 years, HRQL was similar to that of never-smokers. Among women, after 10 years of cessation, the HRQL of former smokers was clinically similar to that of those who had never smoked., Interpretation: At any age, and for both men and women, long-term smoking cessation results in improvements in HRQL.

Background: In Canada, as elsewhere, control of hypertension in older persons who are using antihypertensive medication is more likely in men than in women. The reasons for the observed difference are not known., Data and Methods: Data are from cycle 1 of the 2007 to 2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). The CHMS includes a comprehensive questionnaire, automated blood pressure (BP) measures, and a variety of biological and anthropometric assessments. Frequencies, means, cross-tabulations and multivariate models were produced to study differences between the sexes in hypertension control in a weighted sample representative of the household population aged 60 to 79., Results: The prevalence of hypertension was nearly equal among older men (60%) and women (59%), and the percentage of those with hypertension who were receiving pharmaceutical treatment was not statistically different (84% and 89%, respectively). However, despite current treatment, hypertension was uncontrolled in a substantially higher percentage of women (30%) than men (17%). The difference persisted when age, socio-economic status, co-morbidity, category of medication, anthropometry, and other correlates of hypertension were taken into account., Interpretation: The factors considered in the analysis do not account for the advantage to older men in hypertension control. The findings underscore the importance of efforts to control blood pressure in older women.

Background: Cancer prevalence trends are rarely reported in the published literature, and until now, have not been reported for Canada., Data and Methods: Based on incidence data from the Canadian Cancer Registry linked with mortality data from the Canadian Vital Statistics Death Database, trends in prevalence proportions overtime were calculated by time since diagnosis for a large number of the most common cancers., Results: Statistically significant increases in prevalence proportions were observed for most individual cancers, and most prevalence durations studied. Aging of the population contributed to these increases. Relatively large increases were observed for liver and thyroid cancer, while decreases occurred for cancers of the larynx and cervix uteri., Interpretation: Information on how and why trends vary by cancer can inform resource allocation planning.

Statistics Canada routinely produces cohort-based estimates for cancer survival; the most recent were based on cases diagnosed from 1992-2000. This report provides predicted survival estimates for cases diagnosed more recently. Using records from the Canadian Cancer Registry linked to the Canadian Vital Statistics Death Data Base, cancer- and age-specific estimates of relative survival have been calculated for 2004-2006. The five-year relative survival ratio (RSR) for all cancers combined was 62%, and ranged from 6% for pancreatic cancer to 98% for cancer of the thyroid. The RSR was typically higher at younger than older ages, with exceptions for some common cancers. From 1992-1994 to 2004-2006, the five-year RSR for a number of cancers increased--usually slightly, but in some cases, appreciably (for example, the age-standardized RSR for non-Hodgkin lymphoma rose from 51% to 63%; for leukemia, from 44% to 54%; and for liver, 9% to 17%).

Background: Hypertension is estimated to cause more than one-eighth of all deaths worldwide. In Canada, the last national surveys to include direct measures of blood pressure (BP) took place over the years 1985-1992; hypertension was estimated at 21%., Data and Methods: Data are from cycle 1 of the Canadian Health Measures Survey, conducted from March 2007 through February 2009. The survey included direct BP measures using an automated device. Weighted frequencies, means and cross-tabulations were produced to estimate levels of hypertension awareness, treatment and control in the population aged 20 to 79 years., Results: Among adults aged 20 to 79 years, hypertension (systolic BP higher than or equal to 140 or diastolic BP higher than or equal to 90 mm Hg, or self-reported recent medication use for high BP) was present in 19%. Another 20% had BP in the pre-hypertension range (systolic 120 to 139 or diastolic 80 to 89 mm Hg). Of those with hypertension, 83% were aware, 80% were taking antihypertensive drugs, and 66% were controlled. Uncontrolled hypertension was largely due to high systolic BP., Interpretation: Hypertension prevalence is similar to that reported in 1992. Since then, the level of hypertension control has increased considerably.

Background: Previous Canadian estimates of hospital use by smoking history have been derived by applying disease-specific "smoking-attributable fractions" to administrative data. For this analysis, health survey data were linked to hospitalization data at an individual level, permitting prospective measures of hospital use by smoking status and age., Data and Methods: Data for 28,255 respondents (outside Quebec) to the 2000/2001 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) were linked to the Hospital Person-Oriented Information Database. Days in hospital over four years were quantified for each respondent and examined in relation to smoking status in 2000/2001. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between smoking and hospitalization, while controlling for confounders., Results: During the four years after their CCHS interview, current daily smokers and former daily smokers who had quit in the past five years averaged more than twice as many days in hospital as did never-daily smokers. Altogether, excess hospital days for current and former smokers aged 45 to 74 numbered 7.1 million over four years, and accounted for 32% of all hospital days used by people in this age group.

Objectives: This article provides estimates of the report level of colorectal cancer (CRC) testing in the Canadian population aged 50 or older in 2008., Data Sources and Methods: The data are from the 2008 Canadian Community Health Survey. With weighted data, the percentage of people who had undergone CRC testing (fecal occult blood test in the past two years or endoscopy within the past five years) was estimated. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine testing status in relation to personal, socio-economic and other health-related characteristics., Results: In 2008, an estimated 40% of Canadians aged 50 or older reported that they had had CRC testing. The percentage ranged from 28% in Quebec to 53% in Manitoba. Testing was associated with being 65 or older, higher income, having a regular doctor, being a non-smoker, and being physically active., Interpretation: Organized CRC screening was limited in 2008, but may account for some of the differences in participation among the provinces.

Background: This article updates mammography use by Canadian women aged 50 to 69, and reports trends from 1990 to 2008 among the provinces. Characteristics of non-users are examined., Data Sources and Methods: Data from the 2008 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) were used to update mammography use and to examine factors associated with non-use. Historical estimates were produced using the 2000/2001,2003 and 2005 CCHS, the 1994/1995, 1996/1997 and 1998/1999 National Population Health Survey and the 1990 Health Promotion Survey. Frequency estimates, cross-tabulations and logistic regression analysis were used., Results: In 2008, 72% of women aged 50 to 69 reported having had a mammogram in the past two years, up from 40% in 1990. The increase occurred from 1990 to 2000/2001; rates then stabilized. Between 1990 and 2000/2001, the difference in participation between women in the highest and lowest income quintiles gradually narrowed-from a 26- to a 12-percentage-point difference. In 2008, the disparity widened to 18 percentage points. Non-use was high in British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and Nunavut. Non-use was associated with being an immigrant, living in a lower income household, not having a regular doctor and smoking.

Background: Numerous studies indicate that health care providers, particularly nurses, face a high risk of on-the-job abuse from patients. This article examines physical and emotional abuse from patients in nurses working in hospitals or long-term care facilities., Data and Methods: Data are from the 2005 National Survey of the Work and Health of Nurses. Cross-tabulations were used to examine abuse in relation to personal characteristics of the nurse, job characteristics, and workplace climate factors. Multiple logistic regression modeling was used to examine abuse in relation to staffing and resource adequacy and relations among colleagues, controlling for personal and job characteristics., Results: In 2005, 34% of Canadian nurses providing direct care in hospitals or long-term care facilities reported physical assault by a patient in the previous year; 47% reported emotional abuse. Abuse was related to being male, having less experience, usually working non-day shifts, and perceiving staffing or resources as inadequate, nurse-physician relations as poor, and co-worker and supervisor support as low. Associations between abuse and staffing or resource inadequacy and poor working relations persisted when controlling for personal and job characteristics., Interpretation: Modifiable factors are important to nurses' on-the-job safety.

Background: The rising numbers of cancer diagnoses, together with improvements in survival, have led to increases in the prevalence of cancer in Canada. This article provides more precise and detailed estimates of cancer prevalence than have been available previously., Data and Methods: Based on incidence data from the Canadian Cancer Registry linked with mortality data from the Canadian Vital Statistics Death Database, direct estimates of cancer prevalence as of January 1, 2005 were calculated for an extensive list of cancers, by time since diagnosis, age and sex., Results: Two-, five- and ten-year cancer prevalence counts were 217,089 (675 per 100,000), 454,149 (1,412 per 100,000) and 722,833 (2,248 per 100,000), respectively. Breast (20.6% of ten-year prevalent cases), prostate (18.7%) and colorectal cancer (12.9%) were the most prevalent, together accounting for just over half of all cases. Prevalence proportions for all cancers combined increased dramatically with age, peaking at ages 80 to 84; proportions were higher in females than in males before age 60, and higher in males thereafter., Interpretation: Prevalence data tabulated according to type of cancer, age and time since diagnoses provide important information about the demand for cancer-related health care and social services.

Objectives: This article examines associations between medication error and selected factors in the workplace of hospital-employed registered nurses (RNs) in Canada., Data Sources and Methods: Data are from the 2005 National Survey of the Work and Health of Nurses, and were weighted to be representative of all RNs in Canada who deliver direct care to hospital patients. Correlates of medication error were considered in bivariate and multivariate analyses. Multiple logistic regression modeling was used to examine medication error in relation to work organization and workplace environment, while controlling for personal factors, including nurses' general and mental health, job dissatisfaction, education, years of experience in nursing, and clinical area of employment., Results: Nearly one-fifth (19%) of hospital RNs reported that medication error involving patients in their care had occurred "occasionally" or "frequently" in the past year. In the fully adjusted multivariate model, medication error was positively associated with usually working overtime, role overload, perceived staffing or resource inadequacy, low co-worker support, and low job security. Usually working a 12-hour shift, compared with shorter shifts, was negatively associated with medication error.

Objectives: This article compares work injury occurrence by occupational category, and examines its relationship with selected factors reflecting work organization and environment. Associations between work injury and socio-demographic and other health-related variables are also considered., Data Sources: Data are from the 2003 Canadian Community Health Survey (cycle 2.1)., Analytical Techniques: Cross-sectional estimates of the proportion of workers injured on the job were calculated by occupational category, and by selected work-related, personal and socio-demographic characteristics. Multivariate analyses were used to study associations between work injury and job-related factors, while controlling for other influences., Main Results: In 2003, an estimated 630,000 Canadian workers experienced at least one activity-limiting occupational injury. Of people in trades, transport and equipment operation, 9% sustained an on-the-job injury, compared with 2% of workers in the "white-collar" sector. Work injury was more common in male (5%) than in female workers (2%). In multivariate analysis, some work-related variables were associated with occupational injury for both sexes: employment in trades, transport and equipment operation, primary industries, and processing, manufacturing and utilities; shift work; and heavy labour. Income under $60,000 and working long hours were associated with injury in men, but not in women. Women reporting their jobs as stressful had higher odds of injury; in men, no association with work stress emerged.

Objectives: This article updates information on the leading causes of death for people aged 65 or older, and examines factors associated with death in seniors over an eight-year period. The analysis focuses on psychosocial factors--psychological distress, financial and family stress--in relation to mortality., Data Sources: Data are from the Canadian Mortality Database and the 1994/95 to 2002/03 National Population Health Survey (NPHS), longitudinal file. The NPHS sample analysed contains records for 955 men and 1,445 women., Analytical Techniques: Death certificate information for 2002 and Census population estimates were used to calculate death rates and rank causes of death. NPHS data were cross-tabulated to examine selected characteristics reported in 1994/95 in relation to vital status (dead or alive) by 2002/03. Cox regression was used to calculate hazards ratios for psychological distress, financial and family-related stress in relation to subsequent mortality, while controlling for the effects of age, chronic diseases, and other potential confounders., Main Results: In senior women, psychological distress in 1994/95 was positively associated with mortality over the next eight years, even when controlling for the effects of other variables. The statistical significance of this relationship in senior men disappeared when controlling for chronic conditions.

Objectives: The relationship between body mass index (BMI) category and dependency in men and women aged 45 or older is examined cross-sectionally and prospectively., Data Sources: Data are from the 2003 Canadian Community Health Survey and the 1994/95 through 2002/03 National Population Health Survey, household populations., Analytical Techniques: Cross-sectional data were used to produce weighted frequencies, cross-tabulations and multiple logistic regression models to estimate the prevalence of dependency and its relationship to BMI category. Associations between BMI and dependency two years later were also explored. Models were adjusted for potential confounders., Main Results: The prevalence of dependency was nearly the same among those who were underweight as among those in obese class III--the highest level of obesity. Even when the effects of potential confounders were controlled, underweight and obese people faced higher odds of coexisting dependency, compared with those in the normal BMI range. Obesity was also predictive of subsequent dependency.

Objectives: This article reports incidence rates of arthritis, based on data for people aged 40 or older who were followed over six years. The association between excess weight and arthritis, controlled for possible confounders, is also studied., Data Sources: Data are from the household components of cycle 1.1 of Statistics Canada's Canadian Community Health Survey (2000/01) and from the first four cycles of the National Population Health Survey (1994/95 to 2000/01)., Analytical Techniques: The prevalence of arthritis in 2000/01 was estimated using cross-sectional data; 1994/95-to-2000/01 incidence density is based on longitudinal data. Logistic regression was used to study the association between excess weight and arthritis (respondent-reported, doctor-diagnosed), while controlling for age, household income, smoking, number of physician consultations, strenuous daily activity, and other factors., Main Results: In 2000/01, 19% of men and 31% of women aged 40 or older reported having been diagnosed with arthritis. Incidence rates of arthritis were 31 and 48 cases per 1,000 person-years for men and women, respectively. For both sexes, the odds ratio for obesity (based on self-reported height and weight) in association with subsequent arthritis was significantly elevated, at 1.6.

Objectives: This article reports the estimated lifetime prevalence of bipolar I disorder in the household population and describes characteristics of people of working age (25 to 64) affected by this disorder. The relationship between social support and employment status is examined in people with the disorder., Data Source: Data are from the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-being., Analytical Techniques: Weighted frequencies and cross-tabulations were used to estimate the prevalence of bipolar I disorder. Multiple logistic regression modeling was used to examine four dimensions of social support in relation to having a job, in people with bipolar I disorder., Main Results: An estimated 444,000 (2.6%) people aged 25 to 64 had lifetime bipolar I disorder. Alcohol dependence, asthma, migraine, obesity and panic disorder were far more prevalent among these people, compared with the general population. People with bipolar I disorder who reported readily accessible tangible support had higher odds of being employed, compared with those with less available tangible support.

Objectives: This article investigates the effect of social support on mortality among Canadian seniors., Data Source: The analysis is based on longitudinal household data from the National Population Health Survey (NPHS) for 2,422 people aged 65 or older in 1994/95. Vital status and date of death were established using data collected in 2000/01., Analytical Techniques: Multivariate proportional hazards models were used to study associations between four indicators of social support (marital status; social contacts; participation in organizations; and perceived emotional support) in 1994/95 and death by 2000/01. Separate analyses were performed for men and women., Main Results: When the influence of age, socio-economic status, stress, health-related behaviours and physical/mental health status was taken into account, no association between social support and mortality emerged for women, but such a relationship was evident for men. Married men had a 40% lower hazard of death, compared with their non-married counterparts. Participation in organizations also conferred a reduced likelihood of dying for men.

Objectives: This article examines patterns of alcohol consumption in relation to a subsequent new diagnosis of or death from heart disease., Data Sources: The analysis is based on longitudinal data from the first three cycles of the National Population Health Survey (NPHS), conducted by Statistics Canada in 1994/95, 1996/97 and 1998/99. The data are from a sample of 3,379 women and 2,635 men from the household population, who, in 1994/95, were aged 40 or older and reported that they had not been diagnosed with heart disease. Cause of death was established with information from the Canadian Mortality Database., Analytical Techniques: Descriptive data were produced using bivariate frequencies. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine associations between level of alcohol consumption reported in 1994/95 and a subsequent diagnosis of or death from heart disease., Main Results: Women reporting moderate alcohol consumption--two to nine drinks in the past week--had significantly lower odds of receiving a new diagnosis of or dying from heart disease between 1994/95 and 1998/99, compared with women who reported lifetime abstinence. No association between alcohol consumption and subsequent heart disease emerged for men.

Objectives: This article provides prevalence and incidence estimates of migraine among Canadians aged 12 or older. Associations with selected socio-demographic factors and health characteristics are also examined. Selected health indicators and medication use, as well as health care use and attitudes, are discussed, comparing migraineurs with non-migraineurs., Data Sources: The findings are based on the cross-sectional and longitudinal household components of the first three cycles (1994/95, 1996/97 and 1998/99) of Statistics Canada's National Population Health Survey. Information on hospital stays is from the 1997/98 Hospital Morbidity Database, maintained by the Canadian Institute for Health Information., Analytical Techniques: Cross-tabulations were used to estimate the prevalence and incidence of migraine. Associations of migraine with selected factors were examined using generalized logistic regression., Main Results: In 1998/99, migraine was most prevalent among women, 25- to 54-year-olds, Whites, and individuals in low-income households. The odds of being diagnosed with migraine were higher for women with pre-existing sinusitis, bronchitis or emphysema, compared with women without these conditions. The odds of this disorder for men were associated with previously diagnosed arthritis or rheumatism.

Objectives: This article examines seniors' entry into government-supported home care in relation to changes in levels of social support and in living arrangements., Data Source: The analysis is based on longitudinal data from the household component of the first two cycles of the National Population Health Survey, conducted by Statistics Canada in 1994/95 and 1996/97. Data from a sample of 2,044 people aged 65 or older who were followed prospectively were weighted to represent 2.7 million household-dwelling seniors., Analytical Techniques: Descriptive data were produced using bivariate frequencies. A multiple logistic regression model was used to examine associations between home care entry and changes in levels of social support and in living arrangements, while controlling for demographic and health-related factors., Main Results: Among people aged 65 or older who did not receive government-supported home care in 1994/95, an estimated 7% (192,000) were receiving these services in 1996/97. Changes in social support and in living arrangements between 1994/95 and 1996/97 were significantly associated with home care entry.

Objectives: This article profiles Canadian women aged 15 to 49 who use oral contraceptives (OCs), and compares certain of their characteristics with those of non-users. It also examines associations between OC use and selected characteristics, including cardiovascular risk factors., Data Source: The data are from the cross-sectional household component of Statistics Canada's 1996/97 National Population Health Survey. The analysis is based on a sample of 21,996 women aged 15 to 49, weighted to represent an estimated 7.6 million women., Analytical Techniques: Cross-tabulations were used to estimate the percentage of women aged 15 to 49 who use OCs and to compare selected health behaviours of users and non-users. A multiple logistic regression model was used to model relationships between selected characteristics and OC use., Main Results: An estimated 1.3 million women aged 15 to 49, or 18%, reported using OCs in 1996/97. OC use was significantly associated with being young, unmarried, sexually active, and having prescription drug insurance and relatively high education. About one-third of OC users also smoked.

Objectives: This article provides estimates of the incidence of arthritis between 1994/95 and 1996/97 among women aged 38 or older. It also examines the association between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and a new diagnosis of arthritis by 1996/97., Data Source: The data are from the household component of the National Population Health Survey, conducted by Statistics Canada. Results are based on a sample of 2,673 female respondents who reported that they did not have arthritis in 1994/95. This sample, when weighted, represents 4.3 million women., Analytical Techniques: Two-year incidence of arthritis was estimated using weighted bivariate frequencies. Associations of arthritis with HRT use and numerous covariates were examined using multivariate logistic regression., Main Results: In the two years between 1994/95 and 1996/97, about 8% of women (338,600) aged 38 or older were newly diagnosed with arthritis. The odds of incident arthritis for current HRT users who had used hormones for five years or longer were twice as high as for non-users. These results persisted even after controlling for potential confounders including age, number of medical visits, and body mass index.

Objectives: This article examines associations between the use of selected medications and fall-related fractures in the household population aged 65 or older., Data Source: The analysis was based on cross-sectional data from the household component of the 1996/97 cycle of the National Population Health Survey. Data were from a sample of 13,363 respondents aged 65 or older., Analytical Techniques: Descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses were used to study cross-sectional associations between selected medications used in the previous month and fractures occurring in the previous year. Multiple logistic regression analyses controlled for potentially confounding factors., Main Results: Among elderly individuals who sustained any activity-limiting injury in 1996/97, an estimated 65,000 reported the most serious such injury had been a fall-related fracture. The odds of a fall-related fracture were significantly low among people who were taking diuretics/antihypertensives. Arthritis and urinary incontinence were positively associated with fall-related fractures.

Objectives: This article examines falls that caused a serious injury among people aged 65 or older living in private households. Based on an analysis of people followed over a two-year period, it focuses on the association of a fall in 1994/95 with subsequent health care., Data Source: The data are from the household component of the 1994/95 and 1996/97 cycles of the National Population Health Survey conducted by Statistics Canada. Longitudinal and cross-sectional data are from a sample of 2,081 people aged 65 or older in 1994/95 for whom data were available and who were still alive in 1996/97. An additional 11,282 elderly people in this age group provided cross-sectional data in 1996/97, yielding a total sample of 13,363., Analytical Techniques: In addition to descriptive statistics, multivariate analyses were used to study the associations between injurious falls and subsequent entry into care, controlling for selected factors., Main Results: After controlling for age, decline in ability to perform activities of daily living, and other factors, the odds of entry into care were three times as high for seniors who reported an injurious fall in 1994/95 as for those who did not.

Objectives: This article describes work stress experienced by the employed population. It examines associations between job strain, job insecurity, physical demands, low co-worker support and low supervisor support, and four health outcomes: migraine, work injury, high blood pressure and psychological distress., Data Source: The data are from the household component of the 1994/95 National Population Health Survey conducted by Statistics Canada. Results are based on a sample of 9,023 employed Canadians aged 18 to 64., Analytical Techniques: Multivariate analyses were used to estimate associations between work stress and health problems, while controlling for other potential stressors., Main Results: Among men, job strain was associated with migraine and psychological distress, and among women, with work injury. Job insecurity was associated with migraine among women. High physical demands were related to work injury in both sexes. Low co-worker support was related to migraine among men, and to work injury and psychological distress among women.

Objectives: This article describes the social, socioeconomic and other health-related characteristics of people receiving formal, publicly funded home care services., Data Source: The data are from the household component of the 1994/95 National Population Health Survey. The analysis covers 16,291 respondents aged 18 or older., Analytical Techniques: Recipients of publicly funded home care services were profiled using weighted univariate frequencies and multivariate logistic regression., Main Results: Recipients of publicly funded home care services in 1994/95 numbered over half a million. People who were elderly, female, had two or more chronic conditions or were living with others accounted for large proportions of these recipients. Characteristics significantly associated with receiving home care included old age, poor or fair general health, abstinence from alcohol (compared with regular use), low income, living alone, needing help with some activity of daily living, and having cancer or the effects of a stroke.

Objectives: For people living in the community, this article explores selected health problems and personal characteristics that are associated with having been hospitalized., Data Source: The data, collected from a sample of people aged 15 and over living in 27,263 households in the 10 provinces, are from the household component of the 1994/95 National Population Health Survey., Analytical Techniques: Bivariate and multiple regression analyses were used to determine associations between hospitalization and chronic health problems, demographic characteristics, health-related behaviours, and socioeconomic status., Main Results: Having cancer or a long-term disability was strongly associated with hospitalization throughout adulthood. Among women under age 65, the odds of hospitalization were higher among those with inadequate income than among those with adequate income, even after controlling for differences in health status.

The majority (75%) of people aged 55 and over who live in the community, as opposed to living in long-term health care institutions, report having at least one chronic condition. However, only about one in six has some physical limitation. As well, one in six men and one in four women who live in the community need help with everyday activities such as housework or meal preparation. With advancing age, the prevalence of most chronic conditions increases, as does the prevalence of physical problems and dependency. The contribution of particular conditions to physical limitations and dependency varies. According to Statistics Canada's 1994-95 National Population Health Survey, the conditions most strongly related to physical limitations and to the need for help with activities of daily living were epilepsy and the effects of stroke, neither of which affected a large percentage of the household population aged 55 and over. By contrast, arthritis/rheumatism, non-arthritic back problems and cataracts, which were also associated with physical limitations and dependency, affected a relatively large percentage of community-dwelling seniors. This article shows the prevalence of specific chronic conditions, physical limitations and dependency among people aged 55 and over living in the community, by sex and age. Logistic regression is used to examine relationships between each chronic condition and the existence of physical limitations and dependency.

In 1994, a total of 2,074 people in Canada were diagnosed with tuberculosis, a rate of 7.1 cases per 100,000 population. The same year, tuberculosis and its late effects caused 150 deaths-just over one in every 1,400 deaths. Although tuberculosis is no longer a major health problem in Canada or a leading cause of death, some groups are particularly susceptible to the disease: Aboriginal people, residents of low-income households, immigrants, and the elderly. In the first two instances, the occurrence of tuberculosis is associated with poor living conditions. The risk of tuberculosis among immigrants is high because of the greater likelihood of exposure in their countries of origin. Among the elderly, the potential for developing active tuberculosis is relatively high due to exposure decades ago when the disease was far more prevalent. Since 1980, the rate of pulmonary tuberculosis has declined, while the rate of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis has remained steady. As a result, the proportion of cases attributable to extra-pulmonary tuberculosis has risen.