Executive Summary
The First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey (RHS) is a survey that is culturally defined by First Nations for First Nations. The main objectives of the RHS are to provide scientifically and culturally validated information, while enhancing First Nations capacity and control over research. It is conducted across the ten regions in Canada, surveying participants in over two hundred First Nation communities. Regional Health Survey Brochure [pdf] Download
The information gathered becomes a powerful tool for learning and understanding the health and wellness of First Nations communities. The model or framework used to interpret the information collected as part of the RHS is based on a holistic perspective of health, involving the different components of mind, body, spirit and emotional well being with each contributing to a structure that services to strengthen our understanding of health.
Regional Health Survey Logo Contest
The First Nations Health Council (FNHC) is preparing a report on the 2008/2009 First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Surveys (RHS). The theme of the report is “Healthy Children, Health Families, and Health Communities: The Road to Wellness”. We are currently looking for a new logo for the report.
RHS reports will be widely distributed to all First Nations communities in BC, First Nations Health Organizations, the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, the Ministry of Health Services, and National Aboriginal Health organizations and the Assembly of First Nations among others. This is a good opportunity for the youth in your community to show off their creative side.
Who: First Nation Youth in BC (Ages 10-18)
What: Design a logo with respects to First Nation community wellness. Briefly explain the meaning of your logo and how it relates to First Nations Health & Wellness.
When: All entries must be submitted by August 31, 2010
Why: The RHS Logo winner will win a Nintendo Wii
For full contest details please download the guidelines | pdf download |
Tell us about Health Innovations in your Community
The First nations Health Council (FNHC) is preparing a report on the 2009/2010 First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Surveys (RHS). The theme of the report is “Healthy Children, Health Families, and Health Communities: The Road to Wellness”. As a part of the report we would like to showcase community health programs that are working toward improving health and well being.
RHS reports will be widely distributed to all First Nations communities in BC, First Nations Health Organizations, the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, the Ministry of Health Services, and National Aboriginal Health organizations and the Assembly of First Nations among others. This is a good opportunity not only to showcase the positive work that is occurring in our communities, but to share valuable information and ideas with other communities for use and planning.
Who should submit?
• First Nation communities or community organizations.
What should be submitted?
• A brief description (maximum one page) of the program, initiatives, or services. (what are you doing, how was it developed, how has the community responded, how is it improving the health and well being of your community)
• Pictures of your community members in motion
• Your contact information
Criteria for Submissions
• Any health-related program involving First Nations children, youth, adults, or elders living on reserve
• Examples: Community Gardens, tobacco cessation initiatives, Physical activity promotion, food and nutrition initiatives, mental health promotion, Housing initiatives, child care, early childhood education, promotion of education, prevention and intervention initiatives , promotion of health lifestyles for youth, elder support and health promotion, preservation for traditional culture.
Please forward your submission or direct your questions to Brittany McKay by August 1, 2010
Via:
Telephone: 604-913-2080 or Toll free: 1-866-913-0033
Fax: 604-913-2081
Email:
The 2008 Adult, Youth, and Child questionnaires have been developed and are available for information purposes here:
2008 Adult Survey [pdf] Download -Adult (age 18 years and over, self-reported)
2008 Youth Survey [pdf] Download -Youth (age 12-17 years, self-reported)
2008 Child Survey [pdf] Download -Child (age 0-11 years, completed by primary care giver)
We anticipate carrying forward with the core sample to be followed with the extra FNRHS communities in two separate phases beginning with the first.
Information presentations on the FN Regional Health Survey are available and selected FNRHS communities are encouraged to contact the regional FNRHS Coordinator.
Data collectors (warriors) will be hired and trained by the First Nations Health Council at no cost to the participating First Nations RHS community.
Background
There were three Canadian longitudinal studies conducted in 1994 which examined issues related to general health, child development/wellness and economic well being of the overall Canadian population. The surveys excluded First Nations people. Based on this exclusion and on the history of research in First Nations communities, the Chiefs Committee on Health (CCOH) of the Assembly of First Nations developed a First Nations Information Governance Committee (FNIGC) to oversee the development and implementation of a First Nations owned and controlled survey.
Through the FNIGC, the First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey was born. The Principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possession came to be the guiding principles to RHS in addition to the adherence to a First Nations Research Code of Ethics.
This survey was developed, administered and analyzed by First Nations people for First Nations people, in providing culturally appropriate community based research.
The FNRHS began with its’ pilot project in 1997 that led to the first cycle or phase in 2002/2003. In alignment with the 02/03 FNRHS, the Ecological Survey was carried out that shed light upon the infrastructure of services at the First Nations community level (e.g., education, employment, housing, social assistance etc).
After the completion of the FNRHS in 02/03, at the National level and Regional level, reports were generated and returned back to the participating FNRHS community. RHS 2002-2003 Regional_Report [pdf]
Program Goals and Objectives
• To generate information that lets us understand the health and wellness of First Nations people over an extended period of time.
• Analyze both population level data (e.g, rate of diabetes) but also individual level data (smokers who develop lung cancer) over the years.
• To promote healthy wellbeing of First Nations people
Health Plan Action Items
• Expand the community health survey to include First Nations
First Nations Data and Research Committee:
As noted previously, at the National level the FNRHS is guided by the First Nations Information Governance Committee.
At the regional level, the existing FNRHS Steering Committee guides the FNRHS whereby it is under review by the First Nations Health Council. This will be done to align itself with the First Nations Health Plan’s item on First Nations Data and Research.
FN Ecological Survey
Due to limited FNRHS funding, we are currently analyzing the 02/03 Ecological survey. Preliminary analysis of the Eco Survey was carried out and preparing for the next steps for the Ecological Survey.
Ecological Survey: The Ecological Survey is a survey that examined the infrastructure of services held at the First Nations community level. This includes the scope of services related to education, employment, health, housing, social services etc. Most of the core sample (39 First Nations communities) completed the Ecological Survey, BC had the highest return nationally in completing the Ecological Survey.
FN Data & Research
First Nations Data and Research was highlighted at the World Café in May 2008, the information gathered at the World Café is presently been worked on. The overall outcome of the Data and Research related to First Nations is that:
• Research must adhere to the principles of OCAP (Ownership, Control, Access and Possession).
• Develop First Nations policies and program development related to First Nations research.
• Develop BC First Nations Research Centre of Excellence.
How to Get involved with RHS
RHS step by step
Band Council Resolution Template
Consent Form
External Links
National RHS Website:
http://www.rhs-ers.ca