Australian Indigenous

 

This section of the Bulletin identifies recent journal articles. If you are aware of any journal articles that would be appropriate for inclusion in this section please contact us.

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Atkins, R.C. (2001).
How bright is their future? Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis in Indigenous communities in Australia [editorial].
Medical Journal of Austalia, 174, 489-490.
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Brandt, E.R., Sriprakash, K.S., Hobb, R.I., Hayman, W.A., Zeng, W., Batzloff, M.R., Jackson, D.C., & Good, M.F. (2000).
New multi-determinant strategy for a group A streptococcal vaccine designed for the Australian Aboriginal population.
Nature Medicine, 6(4), 455-460.

This article describes the latest efforts to design a vaccine to combat group A streptococcal infections in the Indigenous population. The vaccine has yet to be tested in humans but has demonstrated excellent immunogenicity and protection in mice. The development of such a vaccine has particular significance for Indigenous Australians, who bear a disproportionate burden of many of the diseases associated with group A streptococcal infections, including rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Bauert, P.A., Brown, N.J., Collins, B., & Martin, C.M. (2001).
Indigenous Australian children: educating for health [editorial].
Medical Journal of Austalia, 174, 488-489.
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Coory, M. (2000).
Trends in birth rates for teenagers in Queensland, 1988 to 1997: an analysis by economic disadvantage and geographic remoteness.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 24(3), 316-319.

An analysis of routine data from the Queensland Perinatal Data Collection for the period 1988 to 1997 showed that birth rates for teenagers living in disadvantaged areas were 2-4 times higher than total Queensland rates, and 10-20 times higher than the rates in affluent areas. The highest rates observed were in remote disadvantaged statistical local areas, where 62% of the population identified as Indigenous at the last Census. The article identifies that a possible extension of this study could be an examination of birth rate trends for Indigenous teenage mothers, asserting that teenagers having babies is a concern, as it can contribute to social problems such as limited educational opportunities, social isolation, and welfare dependence.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Dunne, M.P., Yeo, M.A., Keane, J., & Elkins, D.B. (2000).
Substance use by Indigenous and non-Indigenous primary school students.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 24(5): 546-549.

Research indicating that Indigenous youth aged 13-16 years were more likely to smoke tobacco and cannabis than non-Indigenous youth prompted a study into whether this pattern exists among younger Indigenous children. A school-based, self-report survey of four primary schools (one in Brisbane, the others in far north Queensland) showed that significant numbers of children had experimented with recreational drugs but Indigenous children were less likely to report experience with alcohol, tobacco or marijuana than non-Indigenous children. The article draws attention to the need for preventive education in primary schools, to avoid the apparent excessive uptake of drug use among Indigenous youth in secondary school.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Gracey, M. (2000).
Historical, cultural, political, and social influences on dietary patterns and nutrition in Australian Aboriginal children. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 72 (suppl), 1361S -1367S.

The rapid transition of Australian Indigenous people from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle and diet to a predominantly westernised one has had detrimental effects on their health and wellbeing. Among Indigenous children, poor growth and weight gain are consequences of poor nutrition experienced in the first few years of life. A deficit of systematic, longitudinal information on growth of Indigenous children from age 5 years to teenage years points to a need for more attention to be directed to eating patterns among Indigenous children, and the consequences of these patterns on growth, nutritional status and long-term health.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Jackson, L.W. and Ward, J.E. (2000).
An analysis of resources for Indigenous women in NSW about cervical screening.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 24(3), 327-330.

An examination of cervical screening resources available to Indigenous women in New South Wales showed that most resources were not Indigenous-specific. Materials were analysed for format, content and readability and appeal to Indigenous women. Only four resources (two NSW-based and two others) were deemed to be appropriate for Indigenous women, highlighting a need for further development of culturally sensitive resources.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Kinnear, A.N. (2000).
Journeying home: the story of one of a stolen generation.
Arena Magazine June 2000: 7.

In this article, the experiences of being a 'stolen child' are illustrated. The article explains that the effects this and other events have had on Aboriginal people is profound, resulting in intense feelings of loss and grief for many.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Leishman, B. (2000).
Indigenous community attitudes: the big 'shame'.
QPP Alive, March/April 2000, 14-15.

This article discusses issues surrounding HIV/AIDS in Indigenous communities, identifying barriers to successful treatment. Important issues identified are the usual late diagnosis of HIV among Indigenous people, with diagnosis often occurring after symptoms of an AIDS-related disease manifest. The article highlights that communication barriers, poor access to medical services, low levels of literacy, and lack of education of HIV/AIDS all pose problems in achieving adequate treatment. An observation that Indigenous people do not attend medical services until their illness or injury requires professional assistance highlights that good treatment is already compromised by the time of diagnosis. The article outlines a number of initiatives of the Indigenous Project, QuAC, that are addressing HIV/AIDS issues among Indigenous Australians.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Loff, B. & Cordner, S. (2000).
UN condemns Australia over Aborigines.
Lancet, 356(9234): 1011.

This article details the United Nations Committee for Economic Social and Cultural Rights expression of 'deep concern' for Indigenous Australians, condemning Australia for failing to improve the status of Indigenous people. The Committee discussed the persistent poor health experienced by Indigenous Australians, highlighting that Indigenous people also experience discrimination in health, economic, social and cultural rights.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

McMichael, C., Kirk, M., Manderson, L., Hoban, E., & Potts, H. (2000).
Indigenous women's perceptions of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Queensland.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 24(5): 515-519.

This article reports on a qualitative study of the social, structural and personal factors surrounding detection and treatment of breast cancers among Indigenous women in Queensland. Privacy, and a lack of confidence in technique and ability to recognise breast cancer were acknowledged as barriers to performing breast self-examinations. Issues such as personal history with health services, information about mammography, costs of treatment and care, and availability of support were identified as contributors to women's willingness to access services and continue with treatment. The article stresses that barriers can be addressed by improving women's knowledge of breast cancer and of the benefits of preventive health care.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Pockley, P. (2000).
Nossal kneads social issues.
Australasian Science, Incorporating Search, 21, 17.

This article centres on the plans of Sir Gustav Nossal, Australian of the Year, 2000. The article notes that Nossal, a medical researcher, plans to focus on several issues, including difficulties faced by Indigenous Australians in regard to health and to reconciliation.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Roberts, C. & Algert, C.S. (2000).
The urban and rural divide for women giving birth in NSW, 1990-1997.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 24(3), 291-297.

This article describes trends in pregnancy profile and outcomes in urban and rural women, using statistics from the New South Wales Midwives Data Collection from 1990-1997. Differences in risk factor profile were evident between Indigenous mothers in remote areas and those in metropolitan areas. In particular, Indigenous mothers in remote areas were more likely to smoke than their urban-living counterparts. This may have partially accounted for the fact that there were higher rates of small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants born to Indigenous mothers in remote areas compared with Indigenous metropolitan mothers.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Robinson, J. (2000).
Record funding an illusion.
Impact Budget Special, June 2000, 14.

Discussing the Federal Budget of 2000, this article notes the areas of the budget that will impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It notes that the funding of an additional 1500 places for the Community Development Employment Program (CDEP), a boost in funding for rural and regional health, and additional resourcing for diversionary programs for juveniles in the Northern Territory are components which will be of benefit to Indigenous Australians.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Roden, D. (2000).
Trachoma on the decline.
Rural Practice, 30-32.

This article provides an overview of trachoma, a rare disease among non-Indigenous people but persistent among some Indigenous communities in remote inland parts of the country, such as the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Selected locations such as Broome, Derby and Kununurra are identified as experiencing a decline in the prevalence of trachoma, with success attributed to screening and treatment programs. Attention is drawn to the World Health Organization grading system for trachoma, which recommends daily face washing as a means of primary prevention. Results from a recent survey in the Kimberley region are described, showing that acute infections among children still exist but that few people have advanced trachoma and that surgery is rarely needed.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Rowley, K.G, Daniel, M., Skinner, K., Skinner, M., White, G.A., & O'Dea, K. (2000).
Effectiveness of a community-based 'healthy lifestyle' program in a remote Australian Aboriginal community.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 24(2), 136-144.

This article reports on the efficacy of a community-initiated lifestyle intervention program focusing on primary and secondary prevention of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Measurements of body mass index, glucose tolerance, plasma insulin and triglyceride concentrations over two years showed some protective effects among the high risk group, although weight loss was not sustained. Among the cross-sectional community samples, improvements deemed to be sustainable were achieved for dietary intake and level of physical activity. The article emphasises that interventions initiated, planned, implemented and owned by the community are practicable in achieving sustainable health outcomes.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Sanderson, C. (2000).
Addressing Aboriginal health inequalities.
Australian Nursing Journal, 7, 20-22.

This article explains how nurses can assist in improving the current Indigenous health situation. Suggestions for improvement include emphasising prevention activities, particularly health education and promotion, and incorporating Indigenous cultural awareness education into nursing training. The article describes transcultural nursing, holistic nursing and cultural safety and how these apply to nursing in Australia and among Indigenous people. Acknowledgement of the unique experiences and culture of Australia's Indigenous peoples are deemed imperative in achieving better health outcomes.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Sparke, C. (2000).
The rise of Indigenous doctors.
Australian Doctor, 17 March 2000, 37-38.

With the introduction of a new university medical course and five federally funded places for Indigenous students, this article states that numbers of Indigenous doctors are expected to slowly increase. The article details the current Australian situation, with only 35 Indigenous doctors (most of them junior) - and a further 60 Indigenous medical students enrolled in courses around Australia. The importance of Indigenous doctors is highlighted, not just in regard to medical care, but also as powerful role models for other Indigenous people.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Sweet, M. (2000).
Hurricane Kerin.
Australian Doctor, 21 July 2000, 27-29.

This article profiles Kerin O'Dea, appointed in 2000 as the head of the Menzies School of Public Health Research in Darwin. The article describes O'Dea's career, from her initial training in biochemistry and pharmacology, to her current work in public health, focussing on obesity and diabetes. O'Dea's involvement with Indigenous communities is described, with particular reference to her research on the link between rapid westernisation and Indigenous peoples' susceptibility to diabetes, and to her discussions of the thrifty gene hypothesis. O'Dea's priorities of the position are listed as raising the Menzies' profile, building collaborative networks with other researchers, attracting private funding, and promoting success stories about Indigenous health.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Taor, A. (2000).
Sense and sensitivity.
Australian Doctor, 18 August 2000, 31-32.

A new draft statement from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) recognises that detrimental effects of European settlement on Indigenous peoples and their cultures have resulted in a myriad of mental and physical health problems for Indigenous people. Like the Public Health Association of Australia's position statement, the RACGP draft position statement offers an apology to Indigenous people for damage done by discriminatory policies and practices. The RACGP position statement also addresses issues such as the role of general practice in improving health services for Indigenous people, and the racism which still exists among members of the medical profession.

The article contrasts the experiences of Indigenous people with Macassans and with Europeans to illustrate the point that interactions between Indigenous people and general practitioners should be based on mutual respect and trust, and should not involve an imposition of the practitioner's cultural ideals and beliefs.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Thompson, S.J., Gifford, S.M & Thorpe, L. (2000).
The social and cultural context of risk and prevention: food and physical activity in an urban aboriginal community.
Health Education and Behavior 27(6): 725-743.

This article details how an ethnographic approach was used to conceptualise health behavioural risk factors for type 2 diabetes among Aboriginal people living in Melbourne, Victoria. The article outlines that the risk factors of diet and exercise could not be separated from cultural or social contexts, recognising that social identity, connections with family, land and the past, and a sense of coherence and control play major roles in understanding how risk factors relate to health outcomes. The complexity of issues should be considered if public health interventions are to have any chance of success.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Wang, Z., Hoy, W., McDonald, S. (2000).
Body mass index in Aboriginal Australians in remote communities.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 24(6), 570-575.

This article documents a study of body mass index (BMI) among Aboriginal people living in the Tiwi Islands, in the Top End of the Northern Territory. Estimates of the prevalence of potential chronic energy deficiency and obesity illustrate the age-related changes in BMI. Comparisons with other Indigenous Australians showed that these communities had a higher prevalence of chronic energy deficiency and lower prevalence of obesity, perhaps reflecting differences in socioeconomic and nutritional status.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

White, A.V., Hoy, W.E., & McCredie, D.A. (2001).
Childhood post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis as a risk factor for chronic renal disease in later life.
Medical Journal of Australia, 174, 492-496.
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