| Summary: | Objectives. Inuit in Nunavik (Northern Quebec) have high rates of suicide among youth in recent years. Suicide may be a manifestation of other co-existing mental health problems. This study examined correlates of psychological distress to identify factors that may be targeted for preventive interventions. Method. Potential correlates of distress were identified through a literature review and secondary analysis of the 1992 Sante Quebec Health Survey of Inuit, in which data was collected from 284 households in fourteen villages (N=584). Bivariate analysis was followed by multiple linear regression to identify independent contributors. Results. Correlates of psychological distress varied by age and gender strata and included sociodemographic characteristics, alcohol/solvent use, social support, significant life events, and country food consumption. Conclusion. In addition to well-established correlates of distress, there were some specific risk and protective factors which varied by age and gender. Further research is required to clarify causal pathways and identify feasible interventions.
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