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Differences between Indigenous Samis and Norwegians in Mental Disorders and Background Factors: Patients Listed as Under Treatment at the DPS–Lakselv (County District Psychiatric Centre), Finnmark, Spring 2000

Oppenvardspsykiatrin, SE-78200 Malung, Sweden.p-o.trosell{at}glocalnet.net

Background: Earlier comparisons of adult Samis and Norwegians living within the same area are–thus far–unknown concerning mental well being/health and possible background factors.

Aim: To compare patients from the two communities in search of differences which may be useful in planning health services.

Method: Retrospective and anonymised data collected from journals. Comprises 48 ‘Samis’ and 70 ‘Norwegians’ in 108 ‘demographic cells’ according to ethnicity, sex, municipality, education and age.

Results: ‘Samis’ rated higher in schizophrenia/psychosis (0.05 < p < 0.1) and crises (0.1 < p < 0.25), ‘Norwegians’ rated higher in anxiety disorders (0.001 < p < 0.005), low self-esteem (0.005 < p < 0.01), illegal drugs (0.01 < p < 0.025) and in identity/existential problems (0.1 < p< 0.25). ‘Samis’ appeared to have suffered more at provincial boarding schools (0.005 < p < 0.01), while ‘Norwegians’ presented more mental illnesses in their families (0.025 < p < 0.05), more family break-ups (0.05 < p < 0.1) and earlier alcohol/drug abuse (0.05 < p< 0.1).

Conclusion: Significant differences were found. ‘In the black box’ results will raise interesting questions for further research, but will also be useful for planning health services.

International Journal of Social Psychiatry, Vol. 50, No. 2, 163-173 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/0020764004043122


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