| Summary: | The purpose of the present study was to establish the prevalence of sensory, neurological and systemic impairments in the Inuit pediatric population (0-18 years) in 13 communities of the Baffin region of the Northwest Territories, Canada. A data collection instrument (DCI) was developed to obtain clinical data from medical files in each of the Community Health Centres. Impairments rather than disabilities were described and possible causal factors were identified. Data collection took place during the month of June, 1989. Nearly 13% of Inuit children living in the Baffin area have impairments. Of this group, 15.9% have multiple impairments. The prevalence of children with sensory impairments is 49.4/1000, with neurological impairments is 28.7/1000, with systemic impairments is 30.2/1000 and with multiple impairments is 20.5/1000 children. Over 50% of the impairments reported were due to infectious diseases such as meningitis and chronic otitis media. The results of this study provide a basis for the development of community based programs which emphasize prevention of impairments in children. Recommendations for the development of appropriate rehabilitation programs are discussed in the context of the policies of the Canadian government pertaining to the needs of Aboriginal persons with disabilities.
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