Researchers examining children's experiences with pain say their new data reflects what communities have been saying for years — that First Nations children are more likely to suffer painful conditions, but are less likely to see specialists or access mental-health services. It also determined First Nations children have higher rates of other painful conditions, including headaches, dental problems, and throat and ear infections. The research, "Occurrence of and referral to specialists for pain-related diagnoses in First Nations and non–First Nations children and youth," was published in the December issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Sharon Rudderham is the health director in Eskasoni First Nation who co-authored the research into the pain of First Nations children. Communities have high rates of poverty so travel to access services can also be a challenge for families, she said.

Source: CBC News December 23, 2018 10:00 UTC