Publications
Statistics Canada Data Sources on Official-Language Minorities
7. Health
Archived Content
Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please "contact us" to request a format other than those available.
Survey on Ageing and Independence (SAI) (1991)
Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) (2007)
Canadian Community Health Survey - Mental Health and Well-being (CCHS) (cycle 1.2) (2002)
Canadian Community Health Survey - Nutrition (CCHS cycle 2.2) (2004)
Canadian Community Health Survey - Healthy Aging (CCHS) (cycle 4.2) (2008)
National Population Health Survey (NPHS)
National Population Health Survey (NPHS)
Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS) (2006)
Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) (2007 to 2009)
Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey (CTUMS) (2007)
Health Promotion Survey (HPS) (1990)
Survey on Ageing and Independence (SAI) (1991)
Record number: 3885
Summary
The purpose of the Survey on Ageing and Independence (SAI) is to provide "baseline" information on factors important to remaining independent and to measure a wide range of characteristics of Canadians, 45 years of age and older. Three main factors, which influence independence later in life, are identified: physical and mental wellbeing, social life and income.
Frequency
One time only, 1991
Target population
The target population includes the Canadian population aged 45 and over. Specifically excluded from the survey's coverage are residents of the Yukon and Northwest Territories, persons living on Indian Reserves, full-time members of the Canadian Armed Forces and residents of institutions
Sample size
The final sample size is 20,036 respondents.
Sample size based on main linguistic characteristic
The main linguistic characteristic used to determine the size of the samples of official-language minorities is the question on knowledge of languages, namely "What languages do you speak well enough to conduct a conversation?"
Table 7.1 Sample size for official-language minorities, based on the criterion of knowledge of languages, Survey on Ageing and Independence, 1991Available linguistic characteristics
What languages do you speak well enough to conduct a conversation?
What is your main language that is the language in which you are most at ease?
Website: Survey on Ageing and Independence
Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) (2007)
Record number: 3226
Summary
The Canadian Community Health Survey is a cross-sectional survey that collects information related to health status, health care utilization and health determinants for the Canadian population. It relies upon a large sample of respondents and is designed to provide reliable estimates at the health region level. The Canadian Community Health Survey has the following objectives:
- Support health surveillance programs by providing health data at the national, provincial and infraprovincial levels;
- Provide a single data source for health research on small populations and rare characteristics;
- Timely release of information easily accessible to a diverse community of users;
- Create a flexible survey instrument that includes a rapid response option to address emerging issues related to the health of the population.
The Canadian Community Health Survey has four content components: the core content, the theme content, the optional content and the rapid response content. The core content is collected from all survey respondents and will remain relatively unchanged over several years. The theme content, also collected from the entire sample, varies from year to year. The optional content fulfils the need for data at the health region level. This content, while often harmonized across the province, is unique to each region or province and may vary from year to year. Lastly, the rapid response component is offered to organizations interested in national estimates on an emerging or specific issue related to the population's health. The rapid response content may be included in the survey in each collection period, that is, in every two month period.
In addition to the main cycles, the CCHS has special surveys on specific themes: cycle 1.2 on mental health (2002, record number 5015), cycle 2.2 on nutrition (2004, record number 5049) and cycle 4.2 on healthy aging (December 2008, record number 5146). These three surveys are indexed in this document.
Frequency
The main survey (cycles .1) has been annual since 2007, while special surveys are occasional.
- Cycle 1.1: 2001
- Cycle 1.2 on mental health: 2002 (survey number 5015)
- Cycle 2.1: 2003
- Cycle 2.2 on nutrition: 2004 (survey number 5049)
- Cycle 3.1: 2005
- Cycle 3.2: There is none
- Cycle 4.1: 2007
- Cycle 4.2 on healthy aging: 2008 (survey number 5146)
Before 2007, data collection took place every two years and covered a one-year period. Data are available for 2001, 2003 and 2005. In 2007, major changes were made to the design of the survey. These changes were proposed in order to increase the efficiency and flexibility of the survey by collecting data on an ongoing basis. Data are now collected each year, rather than every two years as was done before 2007.
Target population
The target population of the CCHS is all Canadians aged 12 and over residing in the ten provinces and 3 territories. Excluded from the sampling frame are individuals living on Indian Reserves and on Crown Lands, institutional residents, full-time members of the Canadian Forces, and residents of certain remote regions.
Sample size
The total sample size for each of the CCHS cycles is shown in table 7.2.
Sample size based on main linguistic characteristic
The main linguistic characteristic used for the CCHS is mother tongue, namely the first language learned at home in childhood and still understood. Only single responses are included in the table.
Table 7.2
Available linguistic variables
What is the language that you first learned at home in childhood and can still understand?
In what languages can you conduct a conversation?
What language do you speak most often at home?
Do you and this doctor usually speak in English, in French, or in another language?
Website: Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)
Canadian Community Health Survey - Mental Health and Well-being(cycle 1.2) (2002)
Record number: 5015
Summary
Cycle 1.2 mainly measures aspects linked to the mental health of Canadians. This cycle was then named "Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health and Well-being". The primary objectives of the CCHS Mental Health and Well-being are to:
- Provide timely, reliable, cross-sectional estimates of mental health determinants, mental health status and mental health system utilization across Canada;
- Determine prevalence rates of selected mental disorders to assess the impact of burden of illness;
- Juxtapose access and utilization of mental health services with respect to perceived needs; and
- Assess the disabilities associated with mental health problems to individuals and society.
Frequency
One time only, 2002
Target population
This survey targets persons aged 15 years and older living in private occupied dwellings in the ten provinces. The survey excludes from its target population those living in the three territories, on Indian Reserves and Crown lands, residents of institutions, full-time members of the Canadian Armed Forces and residents of some remote areas.
Sample size
The final size of the sample is 36,984 persons.
Sample size based on main linguistic characteristic
The main characteristic used for determining the size of the samples of official-language minorities in the CCHS, cycle 1.2, is mother tongue, namely the first language learned in childhood and still understood. The data presented cover single responses only.
Available linguistic characteristics
What is the language that you first learned at home in childhood and can still understand?
In what languages can you conduct a conversation?
Website: Canadian Community Health Survey - Mental Health and Well-being (CCHS)
Canadian Community Health Survey - Nutrition (CCHS cycle 2.2) (2004)
Record number: 5049
Summary
In recognition of a critical need for more extensive and recent information about the nutrition of Canadians, it was decided that cycle 2.2 of CCHS would focus on nutrition in 2004. The primary goal of the Nutrition Survey is to provide reliable, timely information about dietary intake, nutritional well-being and their key determinants to inform and guide programs, policies and activities of federal and provincial governments and local health agencies.
The main objectives of the survey include:
- estimating the distribution of usual dietary intake in terms of foods, food groups, dietary supplements, nutrients and eating patterns among a representative sample of Canadians at national and provincial levels using a 24-hour dietary recall;
- gathering physical measurements for accurate body height and weight assessment;
- measuring the prevalence of household food insecurity;
- collecting data on selected health conditions and socio-economic and demographic characteristics of respondents.
Frequency
One time only, 2004
Target population
The survey targets respondents from all age groups living in private occupied dwellings in the ten provinces. Excluded from the sampling frame were residents of the three territories, persons living on Indian reserves or Crown lands, persons living in institutions, full-time members of the Canadian Forces and residents of some remote regions.
Sample size
The size of the final sample is 35,107 persons.
Sample size based on main linguistic characteristic
The main characteristic retained for determining the size of the sample of official-language minorities is mother tongue, namely the first language learned in childhood and still understood. The data presented cover single responses only.
Available linguistic variables
What is the language that you first learned at home in childhood and can still understand?
In what languages can you conduct a conversation?
What language do you speak most often at home?
Website: Canadian Community Health Survey - Nutrition (CCHS)
Canadian Community Health Survey - Healthy Aging (CCHS) (cycle 4.2) (2008)
Record number: 5146
Summary
The purpose of the Canadian Community Health Survey - Healthy Aging is to collect new information about the factors, influences and processes that contribute to healthy aging through a multidisciplinary approach focusing on health, social and economic determinants. The survey focuses on the health of Canadians aged 45 and over by examining the various factors that impact healthy aging, such as general health and well-being, physical activity, use of health care services, social participation, as well as the transition from work to retirement.
Frequency
One time only, 2009
Target population
The target population of the Healthy Aging component of the Canadian Community Health Survey includes Canadians and permanent residents aged 45 and over living in private occupied dwellings in the ten provinces. Excluded from the sampling frame were residents of the three territories, persons living on Indian reserves or Crown lands, persons living in institutions, full-time members of the Canadian Forces and residents of some remote regions.
Sample size
The data are not yet available.
Available linguistic variables
What is the language that you first learned at home in childhood and can still understand?
What language do you speak most often at home?
In what languages can you conduct a conversation?
Website: Canadian Community Health Survey - Healthy Aging (CCHS)
National Population Health Survey - (NPHS)
Record number: 3225 (household component – longitudinal)
Summary
The National Population Health Survey (NPHS) collects longitudinal information related to the health of the Canadian population and related socio-demographic information. It was developed following a recommendation by the National Health Information Council (NHIC) to conduct an ongoing national survey of population health.
The Household component started in 1994/1995 and is conducted every two years. The first three cycles (1994/1995, 1996/1997 and 1998/1999) were both cross-sectional and longitudinal (see NPHS, record number 3236). Beginning in cycle 4 (2000/2001) the Household component became strictly longitudinal (for example, collecting health information from the same individuals each cycle). Since 2000, the Canadian Community Health Survey (record number 3226) became the vehicle for the cross-sectional component.
Each cycle, a common set of health questions is asked to the respondents which allow analyzing changes in the health of the respondents over time. In addition to the common set of questions asked in cycles 1, 2 and 3, the questionnaire does include focus content and supplements that change from cycle to cycle.
The subjects covered by the NPHS are the following:
- Injuries
- Factors influencing health
- Disability
- Diseases and health conditions
- Measures of health (i.e., self-reported height and weight)
- Prevention and detection of disease
- Health services performance and utilization
- Mental health and well-being
- Health
The National Population Health Survey also has a health care institution component (survey number 5003; longitudinal, biennial: 1994/1995 to 2002/2003) and a North component (survey number 5004; longitudinal, biennial: 1994/1995, 1996/1997, 1998/1999). The former does not contain any questions on linguistic characteristics. The latter has a sample of 1,500 respondents for the Northwest Territories (including Nunavut) and 1,500 for Yukon.
Frequency
Survey number 3225 is longitudinal and biennial; since 1994/1995.
Target population
The target population of the longitudinal NPHS Household component includes household residents in the ten Canadian provinces in 1994/1995 excluding persons living on Indian Reserves and Crown Lands, residents of health institutions, full-time members of the Canadian Forces Bases and some remote areas in Ontario and Quebec.
Sample size
The sample size for the longitudinal component is 17,276 respondents, followed up every two years since 1994/1995.
Sample size based on main linguistic characteristic
The main linguistic characteristic used to identify official-language minorities in the NPHS, longitudinal Household component, is mother tongue, namely the first language learned and still understood by the respondent (single responses).
Available linguistic characteristics
What is the language that you first learned at home in childhood and can still understand?
In what languages can you conduct a conversation?
Are you usually able to be understood completely when speaking with strangers in your own language?
Are you able to be understood partially when speaking with strangers?
Website: National Population Health Survey - Household Component - Longitudinal (NPHS)
National Population Health Survey (NPHS)
Record number: 3236 (household component – cross-sectional)
Summary
The first three cycles of the NPHS included longitudinal and cross-sectional components. Since cycle 4 (2000-2001), it became just longitudinal (see record number 3225). The cross-sectional component is now a part of the Canadian Community Health Survey (record number 3226).
The general file of the cross-sectional household component contains data taken from questions posed to all household members relating to their socio-demographic characteristics and on the state of their general health. The file on health contained data taken from detailed questions on the health of the respondent chosen as the head of the household.
Target population
The target population of the cross-sectional NPHS included all age household residents from all provinces, with the principal exclusion of populations on Indian Reserves, Canadian Forces Bases and some remote areas in Quebec and Ontario.
Sample size
The size of the samples for the three cross-sectional cycles of the NPHS is shown in table 7.6.
Sample size based on main linguistic characteristic
The main linguistic characteristic used to identify official-language minorities is mother tongue, namely the first language learned and still understood by the respondent.
Available linguistic variables
What is the language that you first learned at home in childhood and can still understand?
In what languages can you conduct a conversation?
Website: National Population Health Survey - Household Component - Cross-sectional (NPHS)
Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS) (2006)
Record number: 3251
Summary
Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS) is a post-censal survey that collects data on persons (adults and children) whose day-to-day activities may be limited because of a condition or health problem. Survey results will help to identify difficulties and barriers these Canadians may face.
The Health and Activity Limitation Survey (record number 3251) was about persons with disabilities in 1986 and 1991. In 2001 the Health and Activity Limitation Survey was renamed the Participation and Activity Limitation Survey.
Frequency
Cross-sectional, since 2001, post-censal.
Target population
The population covered by PALS includes all persons who were living in Canada at the time of the census and who answered yes to one of the census questions on activity limitations. The target population of PALS is the subset of the surveyed population that also reported disabilities in PALS.
The scope of the survey is limited to persons living in private households and some collective households in the ten provinces and the three territories. Excluded are residents of First Nation reserves, residents of institutional collective dwellings and individuals living on military bases, Canadian Armed Forces vessels, merchant vessels or coast guard vessels or in campgrounds or parks.
Sample size
The final size of the 2006 PALS sample is 35,704 individuals: 7,072 children (persons under 15 years of age) and 28,632 adults (aged 15 and over).
Sample size based on main linguistic characteristic
The main linguistic characteristic used to identify official-language minorities is mother tongue. The totals included single responses and "English and French" responses.
Available linguistic characteristics
The questions on linguistic characteristics in the PALS database come directly from the census database. They are therefore not included in the survey's interview questionnaire. These questions are as follows:
What is the language that this person first learned at home in childhood and still understands?
Can this person speak English or French well enough to conduct a conversation?
What language(s), other than English or French, can this person speak well enough to conduct a conversation?
What language(s) does this person speak most often at home?
Does this person speak any other languages on a regular basis at home?
In this job, what language did this person use most often?
Did this person use any other languages on a regular basis in this job?
First official language spoken (derived variable)
Website: Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS)
Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) (2007 to 2009)
Record number: 5071
Summary
The Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) aims to collect important information on the health of the Canadian population through a questionnaire (on-site computer-assisted interview) and direct physical measurements at a mobile clinic. Collection will take place at 15 sites in Canada over a 24 month period.
By administering the questionnaire to households, the CHMS will gather information related to nutrition, smoking habits, alcohol use, medical history, current health status, sexual behaviour, lifestyle and physical activity, as well as demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. At the mobile clinic, direct measurements will be taken, such as blood pressure, height and weight, and respondents' physical fitness will be assessed. There will also be a clinical oral health examination to evaluate the association of oral health with major health concerns such as diabetes and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the survey is will collect blood and urine samples to test for chronic and infectious diseases, nutrition problems and environment markers.
All of this valuable information will create national baseline data on the extent of such major health concerns as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, exposure to infectious diseases, and exposure to environmental contaminants. In addition, the survey will provide clues about illness and the extent to which many diseases may be undiagnosed among Canadians. The survey data will be used to examine the relationship between disease-related risk factors and health status on the basis of direct measurements. The survey will also provide a platform for exploring emerging health issues and new measurement techniques.
Up to now, in Canada we have been evaluating the health status of the population on the basis of self-reported information, isolated clinical studies and data drawn from U.S. studies. The Canadian Health Measures Survey will collect health information about Canadians that cannot be otherwise captured or that may be inaccurately reported through self-report questionnaires or health care records. Hospital and medical records do provide data, but only on those who have received or are undergoing treatment, or on those who seek medical advice regularly.
The Canadian Health Measures Survey will fill these gaps by collecting physical measurements from a random sample drawn from the Canadian population, therefore including healthy and less healthy persons who may or may not be receiving medical treatment. By examining such a cross-sectional sample, the CHMS will more easily be able to estimate the number of Canadians who have symptoms of an illness undiagnosed up to now or who might have health problems without knowing it.
Frequency
One time only, 2007 to 2009.
Target population
The target population for the CHMS covers those individuals between 6 and 79 years of age living in private occupied dwellings in the ten provinces and the three territories. Persons living on Indian Reserves or Crown lands, residents of institutions, full-time members of the Canadian Forces and residents of certain remote regions are excluded from this survey.
Sample
The sample was allocated over 10 age-gender groups, and 500 units per group will be required to produce national estimates, for a total of 5,000 reporting units.
Since reporting units have to go to a clinic located near their home for the physical measurements, site areas were limited to a radius of about 50 km (or up to 100 km for rural areas). To achieve this, collection sites were created using the Labour Force Survey's (LFS) area frame. The Labour Force Survey geographic units used to define the sites were also grouped with respect to provincial and census metropolitan-area boundaries and population density criteria.
Using this frame, 257 sites were created, including 2 sites in the territories. These sites were stratified based on the five regions of Canada: Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairies (including Yellowknife) and British Columbia (including Whitehorse). It was decided that a sample of 15 collection sites was required. These sites have been allocated by region in proportion to their populations: Atlantic (1), Quebec (4), Ontario (6), Prairies (2) and British Columbia (2).
Sample size
Collection is still underway; the final sample size is not yet available.
Available linguistic variables
What is the language that you first learned at home in childhood and can still understand?
What language do you speak most often at home?
In what languages can you conduct a conversation?
Website: Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS)
Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey (CTUMS) (2007)
Record number: 4440
Summary
The Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey (CTUMS) has been conducted for Health Canada since 1999, and provides data on tobacco use and related issues. The primary objective of the survey is to track changes in smoking status, especially for populations most at risk, such as the 15 to 24 year olds. The survey allows Health Canada to estimate smoking prevalence by province-sex-age groups on a semi-annual basis.
The cycle 1 (February to June of each year) data are released separately. The cycle 2 (July to December of each year) data are released within the annual summary.
Frequency
Cross-sectional and semi-annual since 2000. Information is available for reference periods after November 2000 only.
- February to June 2000 (cycle 1)
- July to December 2000 (cycle 2)
- February to June 2001 (cycle 1)
- July to December 2001 (cycle 2)
- February to June 2002 (cycle 1)
- July to December 2002 (cycle 2)
- February to June 2003 (cycle 1)
- July to December 2003 (cycle 2)
- February to June 2004 (cycle 1)
- July to December 2004 (cycle 2)
- February to June 2005 (cycle 1)
- July to December 2005 (cycle 2)
- February to June 2006 (cycle 1)
- July to December 2006 (cycle 2)
- February to June 2007 (cycle 1)
- July to December 2007 (cycle 2)
- February to June 2008 (cycle 1)
Target population
The target population covers all persons 15 years of age and over living in excluding the following people:
- residents of the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, and
- full-time residents of institutions.
Sample size
The final sample is 9,547 persons.
Sample size based on main linguistic characteristic
According to the questions available in CTUMS, the main linguistic characteristic that will be used to identify official-language minorities is the language used most often at home.
Available linguistic variables
What language do you speak most often at home?
Website: Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey (CTUMS)
Health Promotion Survey (HPS) (1990)
Record number: 3828
Summary
The objectives of the Health Promotion Survey (HPS) were to update and expand the national and provincial baseline data on the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, intentions and behaviours of adult Canadians on a wide range of health promotion issues.
Health and Welfare Canada (now Health Canada) was interested in collecting information to assist them in planning programs to encourage Canadians to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. The Health Promotion Survey, conducted in 1985, provided the baseline information on current attitudes and behaviours. The survey was conducted again in 1990 to evaluate programs initiated by Health and Welfare to promote health.
Although this survey has been discontinued, it remains a source of historical data on the health of Canadians, and some products and services are still available.
Frequency
Cross-sectional, every five years, 1985 and 1990.
Target population
The target population for the HPS was all persons 15 years of age or older living in Canada with the following two exceptions:
- residents of the Yukon and the Northwest Territories;
- full-time residents of institutions.
Sample size
The size of the 1990 final sample is 13,792.
Sample size based on main linguistic characteristic
The information shown is based on the language spoken most often at home. It is drawn from the 1990 survey.
Available linguistic variables
What language do you speak most often at home?
Website: Health Promotion Survey (HPS)
- Date modified: