A report released today by the federal government says First Nations people off reserve aged 15 years or older are more likely to have health issues compared to the Canadian population.

Over 60% of First Nations people reported being diagnosed with at least one chronic condition, compared with 49% of the total Canadian population.

In turn, 60% of First Nations people living off reserve reported their mental health as very good or excellent, compared with 72% of the general Canadian population.

The findings were based on data from the 2012 Aboriginal Peoples Survey and the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey.

The report said living in a house in need of major repairs and food insecurity resulted in poor health outcomes for First Nations

Off reserve First Nations people who experienced food insecurity were significantly more likely to report being diagnosed with at least one chronic condition compared with those who were food secure.

Other social factors found to predict poor health outcomes among the off-reserve First Nations population aged 15 and older, included smoking, unemployment, having unmet health care needs and having no one to turn to for support in a time of need.