HealthBulletin 2(3)

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.

Andrews B, Simmons P, Long I, Wilson R (2002)
Identifying and overcoming the barriers to Aboriginal access to general practitioner services in rural New South Wales.
Australian Journal of Rural Health;10:196-201.

This article outlines the strategies, aims, and outcomes of the Wiradjuri General Practitioners and Aboriginal Health Workers Project designed to improve Aboriginal health in central western NSW. The results of the project support the suggestion that alternative models for funding are needed to optimise health service delivery.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Atkinson J, Graham J, Pettit G, Lewis L (2002)
Broadening the focus of research into the health of Indigenous Australians [editorial].
Medical Journal of Australia;177:286-287.
View full paper (HTML)
View full paper (PDF)

Chang AB, Grimwood K, Mulholland EK, Torzillo PJ (2002)
Bronchiectasis in Indigenous children in remote Australian communities.
Medical Journal of Australia;177:200-204.
View full paper (HTML)
View full paper (PDF)

Coates HL, Morris PS, Leach AJ, Couzos S (2002)
Otitis media in Aboriginal children: tackling a major health problem [editorial].
Medical Journal of Australia;177:177-178.
View full paper (HTML)
View full paper (PDF)

Colditz PB, Shannon C (2002)
Indigenous neonatal outcomes: what do we expect? [editorial].
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health;38:4-5.

This editorial discusses the findings of an article describing a hospital-based audit of outcomes for Indigenous infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. The article under discussion is authored by Panaretto et al. (view abstract) and appears in the same issue of the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. The article's conclusions are discussed and questions are raised regarding the reliability and validity of the data. How achievements in Indigenous health should be measured is also the subject of discussion.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Currie B, Brewster D (2002)
Rheumatic fever in Aboriginal children [editorial].
Journal of Paediatric Child Health;38:223-225.

In this editorial, the role of environmental factors in rheumatic heart disease is reviewed. Issues surrounding the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease are discussed, and the environmental conditions which lead to its development in Aboriginal children are outlined.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

da Cruz L, Dadour I, McAllister I, Jackson A, Isaacs T (2002)
Seasonal variation in trachoma and bush flies in north-western Australian Aboriginal communities.
Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology;30:80-83.

This paper investigates the seasonal variation of trachoma in Kimberley communities and seeks to establish whether there is an association between bush fly populations and trachoma. The study compares the prevalence of trachoma between three Indigenous communities with differences in adult bush fly populations in the wet and dry seasons. Until recently the majority of trachoma screening programmes have been conducted during the dry season. The study findings suggest that wet season trachoma screening trips should be considered. The authors also highlight the need to consider whether public health measures to control bush fly populations may decrease cross-infection rates.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Faa AG, Holt PJ (2002)
Melioidosis in the Torres Strait Islands of far north Queensland.
Communicable Diseases Intelligence;26:279-283.

During the six-year period from 1995 to 2000, 23 cases of melioidosis were diagnosed from the Torres Strait islands that lie between northern Queensland and Papua New Guinea. This represents an average annual incidence of 42.7 per 100,000 population, the highest documented to date in this region. This probably reflects the extremely high prevalence of diabetes, the high seasonal rainfall in the area, and the lifestyle of Torres Strait Islanders. The majority of patients (20 out of 23) acquired their disease in one of the more remote outer island indigenous communities. Most patients presented with a community-acquired pneumonia or with deep seated abscesses. One patient presented with the first case of suppurative parotitis due to melioidosis recorded in Australia. Diabetes was the overwhelming risk factor, being present in over three-quarters of all cases. Five patients (22%) died. Strategies to try to minimise illness and death due to melioidosis in the Torres Strait are discussed.

Communicable Diseases Intelligence abstract - copyright Commonwealth of Australia reproduced by permission.

Available in full on the Communicable Diseases Australia website:
View full paper (HTML)
View full paper (PDF)

Holmes W, Stewart P, Garrow A, Anderson I, Thorpe L (2002)
Researching Aboriginal health: experience from a study of urban young people's health and well-being.
Social Science and Medicine;54:1267-1279.

This paper describes the first stage of a longitudinal study conducted by the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS). The aims of the study include description and exploration of the prevalence, incidence and determinants of a range of health problems, and an increase in the capacity of the VAHS to carry out research.

The paper discusses various issues raised during the initial stage of the study, including the difficulties of obtaining a representative sample and the need to recruit a wide range of peer interviewers. A number of achievements have been documented and these are outlined along with the constraints encountered thus far. Through this analysis the authors hope to demonstrate the value of research conducted under Aboriginal community control.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Hunter E, Harvey D (2002)
Indigenous suicide in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States.
Emergency Medicine;14:14-23.

This paper reviews literature on self-harm and suicide among Indigenous populations in four nations with a history of British colonisation. The article carefully considers primary care issues in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, and concludes by outlining considerations in the primary care management of Indigenous self-harm.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Mooney G, Jan S, Wiseman V (2002)
Staking a claim for claims: a case study of resource allocation in Australian Aboriginal health care.
Social Science and Medicine;54:1657-1667.

Equity, a value-driven notion, is subject to individual interpretation and preferences and has thus been described in numerous ways in the literature. This paper considers how the various value judgements associated with the notion of equity pose problems for the examination of resource allocation in Aboriginal health services. It discusses ways in which a number of accepted standards for equity can be applied to decisions regarding the allocation of resources in Aboriginal health.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Panaretto KS, Smallwood VE, Cole P, Elston J, Whitehall JS (2002)
Sudden infant death syndrome risk factors in north Queensland: a survey of infant-care practices in Indigenous and non-Indigenous women.
Journal of Paediatric Child Health;38:129-134.

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) risk factors among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in the north Queensland town of Townsville. Study findings suggest that the prevalence of SIDS risk factors is higher in the Indigenous population, and a new approach to education is urgently needed to promote SIDS awareness among Indigenous women.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Prociv P (2002)
Parasite elimination programs: home and away [letter].
Medical Journal of Australia;177:335-336.
View full paper (HTML)
View full paper (PDF)

Verheijden MW, Ton A, James AL, Wood M, Musk AW (2002)
Respiratory morbidity and lung function in two Aboriginal communities in Western Australia.
Respirology;7:247-251.

This article examines the differences in the rates of respiratory symptoms, asthma and levels of lung function in two remote Aboriginal communities, one from the central desert and the other from the tropical north of Western Australia. The article discusses the role of environmental factors as a possible cause for the observed differences between the communities in the prevalence of respiratory morbidity. It also considers the role of infection and lower lung function.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Watson J, Hodson K, Johnson R (2002)
Developing strategies to gather information about the maternity experiences of Indigenous women in acute care settings.
Australian Journal of Rural Health;10:147-153.

This paper discusses the first stage of a three stage project exploring the child birthing experiences of Indigenous women from the Northern Territory who deliver in an acute care setting (view abstracts for: stage two, stage three). A significant number of pregnant Indigenous women travel from remote and rural communities to major hospitals to have children. For many this presents particular difficulties: it is their first experience of the hospital environment; their first time away from their families and communities; and English is a second or third language. In stage one of the project a modified Delphi method was used to interview ten purposefully chosen professional Indigenous women regarding research methods and appropriate data collection processes. Stages two and three involved development of an interview schedule, face-to-face interviews and development of a questionnaire to be delivered to health care professionals. The aim of the project is to develop educational resources based on information obtained from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and health care professionals.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Watson J, Hodson K, Johnson R, Kemp K (2002)
The maternity experiences of Indigenous women admitted to an acute care setting.
Australian Journal of Rural Health;10:154-160.

This paper discusses stage two of a three stage project exploring the child birthing experiences of Indigenous women from the Northern Territory who deliver in an acute care setting (view abstracts for: stage one, stage three). It explores the experiences of twelve Indigenous women during and after giving birth in an acute care setting. Interview responses demonstrated broad variation in the birthing experiences of these women but miscommunication and lack of cultural and spiritual understanding on the part of health professionals was a recurring theme. Results confirm the need for preparation of Indigenous women prior to admission to an acute care setting.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Watson J, Hodson K, Johnson R, Kemp K, May (2002)
Opinions of healthcare professionals regarding the maternity experiences of Indigenous women in an acute care setting.
Australian Journal of Rural Health;10:161-167.

This paper discusses stage two of a three stage project exploring the child birthing experiences of Indigenous women from the Northern Territory who deliver in an acute care setting (view abstracts for: stage one, stage two). This paper documents the opinions of healthcare professionals regarding cultural, social and economic issues that influence the maternity experiences of Indigenous women. Surveys were administered to one Indigenous and 18 non-Indigenous healthcare professionals. The methodology of the survey, demographics and perceptions of healthcare professionals who participated in the project are examined in the paper. The similarities and differences between the issues raised by the healthcare professionals and those raised by Indigenous women in stage two of the project are discussed.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Williams GF, Chaboyer WP, Schluter PJ (2002)
Assault-related admissions to hospital in Central Australia.
Medical Journal of Australia;177:300-304.
View full paper (HTML)
View full paper (PDF)



Australian Indigenous HealthBulletin Vol.2 No.3 July 2002 - September 2002: ISSN 1445-7253 An electronic journal from the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet Journal articles 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. Assault-related admissions to hospital in Central Australia added 20 September 2002 Broadening the focus of research into the health of Indigenous Australians [editorial] added 17 July 2002 Bronchiectasis in Indigenous children in remote Australian communities added 23 August 2002 Developing strategies to gather information about the maternity experiences of Indigenous women in acute care settings added 24 July 2002 Identifying and overcoming the barriers to Aboriginal access to general practitioner services in rural New South Wales added 12 September 2002 Indigenous neonatal outcomes: what do we expect? [editorial] added 1 July 2002 Indigenous suicide in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States added 4 September 2002 Melioidosis in the Torres Strait Islands of far north Queensland added 7 August 2002 Opinions of healthcare professionals regarding the maternity experiences of Indigenous women in an acute care setting added 16 August 2002 Otitis media in Aboriginal children: tackling a major health problem [editorial] added 19 August 2002 Parasite elimination programs: home and away [letter] added 24 September 2002 Researching Aboriginal health: experience from a study of urban young people's health and well-being added 4 July 2002 Respiratory morbidity and lung function in two Aboriginal communities in Western Australia added 2 September 2002 Rheumatic fever in Aboriginal children [editorial] added 28 August 2002 Seasonal variation in trachoma and bush flies in north-western Australian Aboriginal communities added 12 July 2002 Staking a claim for claims: a case study of resource allocation in Australian Aboriginal health care added 16 July 2002 Sudden infant death syndrome risk factors in north Queensland: a survey of infant-care practices in Indigenous and non-Indigenous women added 12 August 2002 The maternity experiences of Indigenous women admitted to an acute care setting added 29 July 2002 Andrews B, Simmons P, Long I, Wilson R (2002) Identifying and overcoming the barriers to Aboriginal access to general practitioner services in rural New South Wales. Australian Journal of Rural Health;10:196-201. This article outlines the strategies, aims, and outcomes of the Wiradjuri General Practitioners and Aboriginal Health Workers Project designed to improve Aboriginal health in central western NSW. The results of the project support the suggestion that alternative models for funding are needed to optimise health service delivery. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract Atkinson J, Graham J, Pettit G, Lewis L (2002) Broadening the focus of research into the health of Indigenous Australians [editorial]. Medical Journal of Australia;177:286-287. View full paper (HTML) View full paper (PDF) Chang AB, Grimwood K, Mulholland EK, Torzillo PJ (2002) Bronchiectasis in Indigenous children in remote Australian communities. Medical Journal of Australia;177:200-204. View full paper (HTML) View full paper (PDF) Coates HL, Morris PS, Leach AJ, Couzos S (2002) Otitis media in Aboriginal children: tackling a major health problem [editorial]. Medical Journal of Australia;177:177-178. View full paper (HTML) View full paper (PDF) Colditz PB, Shannon C (2002) Indigenous neonatal outcomes: what do we expect? [editorial]. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health;38:4-5. This editorial discusses the findings of an article describing a hospital-based audit of outcomes for Indigenous infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. The article under discussion is authored by Panaretto et al. (view abstract) and appears in the same issue of the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. The article's conclusions are discussed and questions are raised regarding the reliability and validity of the data. How achievements in Indigenous health should be measured is also the subject of discussion. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract Currie B, Brewster D (2002) Rheumatic fever in Aboriginal children [editorial]. Journal of Paediatric Child Health;38:223-225. In this editorial, the role of environmental factors in rheumatic heart disease is reviewed. Issues surrounding the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease are discussed, and the environmental conditions which lead to its development in Aboriginal children are outlined. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract da Cruz L, Dadour I, McAllister I, Jackson A, Isaacs T (2002) Seasonal variation in trachoma and bush flies in north-western Australian Aboriginal communities. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology;30:80-83. This paper investigates the seasonal variation of trachoma in Kimberley communities and seeks to establish whether there is an association between bush fly populations and trachoma. The study compares the prevalence of trachoma between three Indigenous communities with differences in adult bush fly populations in the wet and dry seasons. Until recently the majority of trachoma screening programmes have been conducted during the dry season. The study findings suggest that wet season trachoma screening trips should be considered. The authors also highlight the need to consider whether public health measures to control bush fly populations may decrease cross-infection rates. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract Faa AG, Holt PJ (2002) Melioidosis in the Torres Strait Islands of far north Queensland. Communicable Diseases Intelligence;26:279-283. During the six-year period from 1995 to 2000, 23 cases of melioidosis were diagnosed from the Torres Strait islands that lie between northern Queensland and Papua New Guinea. This represents an average annual incidence of 42.7 per 100,000 population, the highest documented to date in this region. This probably reflects the extremely high prevalence of diabetes, the high seasonal rainfall in the area, and the lifestyle of Torres Strait Islanders. The majority of patients (20 out of 23) acquired their disease in one of the more remote outer island indigenous communities. Most patients presented with a community-acquired pneumonia or with deep seated abscesses. One patient presented with the first case of suppurative parotitis due to melioidosis recorded in Australia. Diabetes was the overwhelming risk factor, being present in over three-quarters of all cases. Five patients (22%) died. Strategies to try to minimise illness and death due to melioidosis in the Torres Strait are discussed. Communicable Diseases Intelligence abstract - copyright Commonwealth of Australia reproduced by permission. Available in full on the Communicable Diseases Australia website: View full paper (HTML) View full paper (PDF) Holmes W, Stewart P, Garrow A, Anderson I, Thorpe L (2002) Researching Aboriginal health: experience from a study of urban young people's health and well-being. Social Science and Medicine;54:1267-1279. This paper describes the first stage of a longitudinal study conducted by the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS). The aims of the study include description and exploration of the prevalence, incidence and determinants of a range of health problems, and an increase in the capacity of the VAHS to carry out research. The paper discusses various issues raised during the initial stage of the study, including the difficulties of obtaining a representative sample and the need to recruit a wide range of peer interviewers. A number of achievements have been documented and these are outlined along with the constraints encountered thus far. Through this analysis the authors hope to demonstrate the value of research conducted under Aboriginal community control. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract Hunter E, Harvey D (2002) Indigenous suicide in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. Emergency Medicine;14:14-23. This paper reviews literature on self-harm and suicide among Indigenous populations in four nations with a history of British colonisation. The article carefully considers primary care issues in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, and concludes by outlining considerations in the primary care management of Indigenous self-harm. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract Mooney G, Jan S, Wiseman V (2002) Staking a claim for claims: a case study of resource allocation in Australian Aboriginal health care. Social Science and Medicine;54:1657-1667. Equity, a value-driven notion, is subject to individual interpretation and preferences and has thus been described in numerous ways in the literature. This paper considers how the various value judgements associated with the notion of equity pose problems for the examination of resource allocation in Aboriginal health services. It discusses ways in which a number of accepted standards for equity can be applied to decisions regarding the allocation of resources in Aboriginal health. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract Panaretto KS, Smallwood VE, Cole P, Elston J, Whitehall JS (2002) Sudden infant death syndrome risk factors in north Queensland: a survey of infant-care practices in Indigenous and non-Indigenous women. Journal of Paediatric Child Health;38:129-134. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) risk factors among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in the north Queensland town of Townsville. Study findings suggest that the prevalence of SIDS risk factors is higher in the Indigenous population, and a new approach to education is urgently needed to promote SIDS awareness among Indigenous women. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract Prociv P (2002) Parasite elimination programs: home and away [letter]. Medical Journal of Australia;177:335-336. View full paper (HTML) View full paper (PDF) Verheijden MW, Ton A, James AL, Wood M, Musk AW (2002) Respiratory morbidity and lung function in two Aboriginal communities in Western Australia. Respirology;7:247-251. This article examines the differences in the rates of respiratory symptoms, asthma and levels of lung function in two remote Aboriginal communities, one from the central desert and the other from the tropical north of Western Australia. The article discusses the role of environmental factors as a possible cause for the observed differences between the communities in the prevalence of respiratory morbidity. It also considers the role of infection and lower lung function. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract Watson J, Hodson K, Johnson R (2002) Developing strategies to gather information about the maternity experiences of Indigenous women in acute care settings. Australian Journal of Rural Health;10:147-153. This paper discusses the first stage of a three stage project exploring the child birthing experiences of Indigenous women from the Northern Territory who deliver in an acute care setting (view abstracts for: stage two, stage three). A significant number of pregnant Indigenous women travel from remote and rural communities to major hospitals to have children. For many this presents particular difficulties: it is their first experience of the hospital environment; their first time away from their families and communities; and English is a second or third language. In stage one of the project a modified Delphi method was used to interview ten purposefully chosen professional Indigenous women regarding research methods and appropriate data collection processes. Stages two and three involved development of an interview schedule, face-to-face interviews and development of a questionnaire to be delivered to health care professionals. The aim of the project is to develop educational resources based on information obtained from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and health care professionals. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract Watson J, Hodson K, Johnson R, Kemp K (2002) The maternity experiences of Indigenous women admitted to an acute care setting. Australian Journal of Rural Health;10:154-160. This paper discusses stage two of a three stage project exploring the child birthing experiences of Indigenous women from the Northern Territory who deliver in an acute care setting (view abstracts for: stage one, stage three). It explores the experiences of twelve Indigenous women during and after giving birth in an acute care setting. Interview responses demonstrated broad variation in the birthing experiences of these women but miscommunication and lack of cultural and spiritual understanding on the part of health professionals was a recurring theme. Results confirm the need for preparation of Indigenous women prior to admission to an acute care setting. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract Watson J, Hodson K, Johnson R, Kemp K, May (2002) Opinions of healthcare professionals regarding the maternity experiences of Indigenous women in an acute care setting. Australian Journal of Rural Health;10:161-167. This paper discusses stage two of a three stage project exploring the child birthing experiences of Indigenous women from the Northern Territory who deliver in an acute care setting (view abstracts for: stage one, stage two). This paper documents the opinions of healthcare professionals regarding cultural, social and economic issues that influence the maternity experiences of Indigenous women. Surveys were administered to one Indigenous and 18 non-Indigenous healthcare professionals. The methodology of the survey, demographics and perceptions of healthcare professionals who participated in the project are examined in the paper. The similarities and differences between the issues raised by the healthcare professionals and those raised by Indigenous women in stage two of the project are discussed. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract Williams GF, Chaboyer WP, Schluter PJ (2002) Assault-related admissions to hospital in Central Australia. Medical Journal of Australia;177:300-304. View full paper (HTML) View full paper (PDF)

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