The latest survey from the University of Saskatchewan’s “Taking the Pulse of Saskatchewan” series indicates Saskatchewan residents need a reality check when it comes to health and well-being.

Most people think the standard of health and well-being in the province is good — but those results conflict with statistics that indicate there are problems with alcohol abuse, mental illness among youth, obesity, and HIV/AIDS.

Professor Pamela Down says two-thirds of respondents did not see HIV as a problem, even though Saskatchewan’s infection rate is twice the national average:

“Some 60% of our respondents disagreed with the statement that HIV is a problem in their community.  However, those that were most likely to agree with that statement were those identified as First Nations, Metis or Inuit.”

Most new cases of HIV infection in Sasktchewan are the result of sharing dirty needles, and about 75% of those cases are in the Aboriginal community.