Table 1:

Description of selected studies for scoping review on Métis health in Canada from 2012 to 2022*

Author and yearTypeLocationStudy aimsAge, yrMain findingsConsultation with communitiesUsed national survey data
Anderson et al. 2017 (15)QuantitativeCanadaTo examine gender and sense of community belonging influences on sedentary behaviourAdults, ages unspecifiedCommunity belonging among Métis men may reduce sedentary behaviour, but increased community belonging among Métis women may increase sedentary behaviour.NoNo
Atzema et al. 2015 (16)QuantitativeOntarioTo determine rates of cardiovascular diseases in Métis populationUnspecifiedCardiovascular disease was higher among Métis people than the general population; the prevalence of 5 cardiovascular conditions was 25%–77% higher.NoNo
Auger 2019 (3)QualitativeBritish ColumbiaTo contribute to an increased understanding of Métis Peoples’ experiences in mental health and wellness18–84 (mean 46)Mental health is a priority for Métis people in British Columbia, and there is a need for increased access to culturally responsive health care.YesNo
Auger 2021 (17)QualitativeBritish ColumbiaTo explores Métis Peoples’ experiences and conceptualizations of mental health and cultural continuity≥ 19Identified themes of Métis stories of culture, identity and mental health; the importance of community; and intergenerational knowledge transmission.YesNo
Carrière et al. 2017 (18)QuantitativeCanadaTo describe hospital admissions for ambulatory care–sensitive conditions among urban Métis adults relative to non-Aboriginal adults18–74The age-standardized rates of hospital admission for ambulatory care–sensitive conditions among urban Métis adults were twice that of non-Aboriginal adults. These admissions were for diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.NoYes
Cooke et al. 2013 (19)QuantitativeCanadaTo examine the socioeconomic, behavioural and Métis-specific factors that predict obesity among Métis children6–14An estimated 18.5% of Métis boys and 14.4% of Métis girls were obese. Risk factors included living in a lone-parent family, living in rural areas, and having a caregiver with a history with residential schooling. The effects were negative among older girls.NoYes
Cooper et al. 2020 (20)QualitativeManitobaTo identify current supports, needs and expectations of unpaid Métis caregivers caring for Métis seniorsAdults, ages unspecifiedNeed to have tools in place to help people age and to care for aging family members in a culturally responsive manner.YesNo
Driedger et al. 2014 (21)Mixed methodsManitobaTo evaluate the 2009/10 H1N1 influenza pandemic door-to-door risk communication campaign that focused on at-risk Métis18–65This intervention ultimately did not meet its intended goals. Efforts can be made during interpandemic periods to build on established relationships, learn from past experiences and develop new solutions.YesNo
Driedger et al. 2015 (22)QualitativeManitobaTo connect vaccine behaviour with the attitudes and beliefs that influenced Métis study participants’ H1N1 influenza vaccine decision-makingAdults, ages unspecifiedThe negatively influential factors were lack of knowledge about the vaccine and the pandemic, as well as concerns about vaccine safety. Risk of contracting H1N1 was the biggest positively influencing factor.YesNo
Gershon et al. 2014 (23)QuantitativeOntarioTo measure and compare burden of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease between Métis and non-Métis populationsAdults (asthma ≥ 20 yr, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ≥ 35 yr)Prevalence of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were 30% and 70% higher, respectively, among Métis people. Lower rates of physician visits suggested barriers in access to primary care services.NoNo
Ginn et al. 2021 (24)QualitativeAlbertaTo explore links among health, spirituality and well-being for Métis28–80Connection between ancestry, land, community and tradition contributed to well-being.YesNo
Hayward et al. 2017 (25)QuantitativeOntarioTo compare the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and incidence of acute kidney injury and end-stage kidney disease among registered Métis citizens to general population≥ 18Prevalence of chronic kidney disease was lightly higher among Métis citizens compared with the general population.NoNo
Hutchinson et al. 2014 (26)Mixed methodsBritish ColumbiaTo investigate health benefits of participating in cultural activities (e.g., harvesting) and demonstrate how applying mixed methods meets and informs these research standards and creates a unique, participatory Indigenous research method relevant for Métis PeopleUnspecifiedDetails of the physical benefits of participating in the traditional activity of hunting, while also describing the holistic health and well-being benefits related to harvesting among the Métis People.YesNo
Jandoc et al. 2015 (27)QuantitativeOntarioTo examine osteoporosis management and common osteoporosis-related fractures among Métis citizens compared with the general population of older adults residing in OntarioOlder adults (> 50 yr and > 65 yr)Identified significantly lower sex-specific and age-standardized rates of bone mineral density testing among Métis people compared with the general population, but found little difference in fracture rates (both sexes) or pharmacotherapy (females only). They found age-standardized fracture rates for Métis people were similar to those of the general population.NoNo
Kaspar 2014 (28)QuantitativeCanadaTo explore link between suicidal ideation and major depressive episode among Métis who were fostered v. not fosteredAdults, ages unspecifiedMore than one-third of emancipated respondents reported a past-year major depressive episode, a prevalence rate nearly 50% higher than the rate of major depressive episodes among Métis respondents without a history of placement in foster care. The 25% lifetime prevalence rate of suicidal ideation in the emancipated group was more than twice the rate observed in the non-fostered group.NoYes
King et al. 2022 (29)Mixed methodsAlbertaTo describe the unique approach in implementing Canada’s first Métis-led SARS-CoV-2 immunization clinicUnspecifiedThirteen hundred people were vaccinated. Visitors shared appreciation for the culturally specific aspects of the clinic, which contributed to increased safety and comfort.YesNo
Kumar et al. 201230’QuantitativeCanadaTo determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation among Métis people and identify its associated risk and protective factors20–59Prevalence of suicidal ideation was higher among Métis men than men who did not report Aboriginal identity. Métis women were more likely to report suicidal ideation than Métis men (14.9% v. 11.5%, respectively).NoYes
Landy et al. 2022 (31)QualitativeAlbertaTo explore the experiences of Métis community members participating in dried blood spot testing for HIVAdults, unspecifiedFour broad themes related to the participants’ experiences included ease of process, overcoming logistical challenges associated with existing testing, reducing stigma through health role models and events, and Métis-specific services.YesNo
Mazereeuw et al. 2018 (32)QuantitativeCanadaTo estimate site-specific incidence rates and survival for the most common cancers among Métis people25–99Incidence was significantly higher among Métis adults than among non-Aboriginal adults for lung, liver, larynx, gallbladder, cervix and female breast cancers. Métis people had poorer survival for prostate cancer. For all cancers and both sexes combined, cancer incidence was similar for Métis and non-Aboriginal adults.NoYes
Monchalin et al. 2020 (11)QualitativeOntarioTo learn from Métis women’s experiences to build an understanding on steps toward filling the health service gapAdults, ages unspecifiedMétis women experienced racial discrimination such as witnessing, absorbing and facing racism in mainstream service settings, as well as lateral violence and discrimination in Indigenous-specific services.YesNo
Monchalin et al. 2019 (33)QualitativeOntarioTo gather recommendations made by urban Métis women for improving access to health and social services in Toronto, Canada≥ 15Recommendations include Métis presence, holistic interior design, Métis-specific or informed service space, welcoming reception or front desk and culturally informed service providers.YesNo
Nickel et al. 2022 (34)QuantitativeManitobaTo examine patterns of prescription opioid dispensing among Red River Métis and compare them to other residents of Manitoba> 10Métis were more likely to live in lower-income, rural areas and were more likely to have received a diagnosis of a mood, anxiety or substance use disorder in the previous 5 years. Rates of opioid prescription dispensing were consistently higher than the general Manitoba population.YesNo
Ramage-Morin and Bougie 2017 (35)QuantitativeCanadaTo better understand family networks and self-perceived general and mental health among Métis people≥ 45Strong family networks were associated with positive self-perceived general and mental health among Métis adults.NoYes
Ryan et al. 2015 (36)QuantitativeCanadaTo examine the correlates of current smoking among Métis with a particular focus on culturally specific factors≥ 18The article found 39.9% of adult Métis respondents in the sample were current smokers. Adult Métis who reported a high level of spirituality were less likely to be current smokers. Those who spoke an Indigenous language, or who lived in a house where one was spoken, were more likely to be current smokers.NoYes
Ryan et al. 2018 (37)QuantitativeCanadaTo investigate correlates of leisure-time physical activity and active transportation (walking) among adult Métis, with a focus on culturally specific variables20–64Having attended a Métis cultural event in the previous year was positively associated with leisure-time physical activity, as was a high level of spirituality.NoYes
Sanchez-Ramirez et al. 2016 (38)QuantitativeAlbertaTo explore cancer incidence and mortality burden among Métis and to compare disease estimates with non-Métis populationsAll ages based on Alberta registryA higher incidence of bronchus or lung cancer was found among Métis men. No other statistically significant differences in cancer incidence or mortality were found between Métis and non-Métis groups.NoNo
Sanchez-Ramirez et al. 2019 (39)QuantitativeAlbertaTo examine injury-related health service use, defined as hospital admissions and emergency department visits, as well as mortality among Métis People in AlbertaAdults, ages unspecifiedInjury-related hospital admissions were 35% higher for Métis than non-Métis people; injuries were a concern among Métis people.NoNo
Wesche 2013 (40)QualitativeBritish ColumbiaTo examine links between Métis identity and health and well-being for Métis women at risk of sexual exploitation25–54Métis identity and well-being were strongly linked. Many Métis women reported negative experiences in accessing a range of both Aboriginal and mainstream services because of perceived prejudice. Métis-specific or Métis-inclusive services were desired but currently limited.YesNo
  • * Please note that the term “Aboriginal” is only used as a consistency of how it was reported in studies. We note our preference for the language to be Indigenous.