Gender, sex and health data
Both gender and sex can have negative and positive influences on a person's health. When data is collected, it's based on the gender data available or how a person has self-identified.
Choices, risks and behaviours
Rates of smoking, heavy drinking and injuries are high in the Yukon compared to the rest of Canada. Although these rates are higher for all Yukoners, data shows there are higher rates among men. Prevalence of these behaviours differs depending on age and location.
For youth, substance use can relate to school climate and peer and family support.
Gender, age and location influence self-care and wellness
In the Yukon, rates of perceived health are similar between genders. But women are more likely to engage in self-care behaviours, like healthy eating and going to a doctor.
According to a study, girls in grades 9 and 10 in rural communities have the poorest health. They also have higher smoking rates and are most likely to have had an alcoholic drink in the past 30 days.
Active Yukoners
Most Yukoners are moderately active or active during their leisure time. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, people who are physically active:
- live longer;
- are more productive;
- have a higher quality of life; and
- experience less illness and injury.
Gender and sports
Positive experiences with sport contribute to healthy self-esteem for young women. And increased self-esteem allows women and girls to positively engage with their community.
Barriers to sport participation
There are many barriers to sport participation. These can include:
- income;
- living in a remote community;
- disabilities; or
- having recently moved to Canada from another country.
There are also barriers for women, girls, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, 2-spirit plus people in sport.
Time-based
These barriers stem from responsibilities like school, work or family responsibilities.
Access and opportunity
This includes cost, lack of transportation and lack of culturally relevant opportunities.
Programming
Including a lack of female-only or safer options for gender diverse Yukoners.
Sports for women
The most popular sport that women in the Yukon engage in is cross-country skiing. They also take part in:
- traditional Indigenous sports like archery and arctic sports;
- dance;
- hiking; and
- biking.
What are the indicators?
The indicators below tell us more about sex, gender and health in the Yukon. The last 2 indicators tell us about gender, sports and physical activity in the Yukon.
Perceived health
Perceived mental health
Perceived life satisfaction
Perceived life stress
Yukoners with diabetes
Students who brush their teeth
Yukoners with a mood disorder
Students engaging in certain behaviours
Yukoners who smoke cigarettes
Yukoners who report heavy drinking
Students reporting having smoked tobacco in the last 30 days
Students reporting alcohol consumption in the last 30 days
Students reporting cannabis use in the last 30 days
Students who use condoms during sexual intercourse
Students who agree or strongly agree with the statement “I have a happy home life”
Students who felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for 2 weeks or more in a row, that they stopped doing some usual activities, during the past 12 months