Australian Indigenous

Australian Indigenous HealthBulletin
Vol 4 No 2 April 2004 - June 2004: ISSN 1445-7253

A peer-reviewed electronic journal from the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Journal articles

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Armstrong R, Van der Weyden MB (2004)
Indigenous health: tell us your story.
Medical Journal of Austalia;180(10):492
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Cass A, Cunningham J, Snelling P, Wang Z, Hoy W (2004)
Exploring the pathways leading from disadvantage to end-stage renal disease for Indigenous Australians.
Social Science and Medicine;58(4):767-785

This article explores and documents some possible explanations (such as genetics, development, and socio-economic factors) for the excess burden of renal disease in Australian Indigenous populations. Discussion includes the strengths and weaknesses of these explanations and the development of a new hypothesis that considers existing evidence.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Condon JR, Barnes T, Cunningham J, Armstrong BK (2004)
Long-term trends in cancer mortality for Indigenous Australians in the Northern Territory.
Medical Journal of Austalia;180(10):504-511
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Dawson AP (2004)
Asthma in the Australian Indigenous population: a review of the evidence.
Rural and Remote Health;4(online):238. Retrieved from http://rrh.deakin.edu.au/home/defaultnew.asp
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Fenwick C, Stevens J (2004)
Post operative pain experiences of Central Australian Aboriginal women: what do we understand?
Australian Journal of Rural Health;12(1):22-27

This paper outlines the findings of an exploratory study into the postoperative pain experiences of Central Australian Aboriginal women and the interpretation of pain experiences by their non-Aboriginal female nurses. The findings point to culture as part of the pain experience of Aboriginal women, and highlight the importance of mutual understanding between Aboriginal women and their non-Aboriginal nurses.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Glazebrook R, Manahan D, Chater B, et al. (2004)
Educational needs of rural and remote Australian non-specialist medical practitioners for obstetric ultrasound.
Australian Journal of Rural Health;12:73-80

This paper presents the findings of a survey designed to determine the educational needs of non-specialist Australian doctors providing obstetric ultrasound services in rural and remote Australia. The findings suggest that there are significant gaps in education about obstetric ultrasound among rural and remote non-specialist doctors. The study conclusions have been used to guide the design of a national professional development program.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Hanna JN, Morgan AK, McCulloch BG (2004)
Uptake of influenza vaccine among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island adults in north Queensland, 2003.
Communicable Diseases Intelligence;28(1):80-82
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Henry BR, Houston S, Mooney GH (2004)
Institutional racism in Australian healthcare: a plea for decency.
Medical Journal of Austalia;180(10):517-520
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Ivers R (2004)
An evidence-based approach to planning tobacco interventions for Aboriginal people.
Drug and Alcohol Review;23(1):5-9

This paper reviews previous studies of tobacco cessation interventions to assess transferability to Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory. A systematic review of existing study findings was conducted, and emerging themes were identified and discussed. The findings highlight the importance of conducting further research to assess the effectiveness of tobacco interventions within the Indigenous population.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Kendall E, Marshall CA (2004)
Factors that prevent equitable access to rehabilitation for Aboriginal Australians with disabilities: the need for culturally safe rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation Psychology;49(1):5-13

This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study investigating the barriers that prevent Aboriginal people with disabilities from accessing rehabilitation services. Six major themes surrounding issues of culture and service provider cultural stereotypes were identified as influencing access to services. The discussion includes recommendations for enhancing access.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Lowe JB, Saeck L, Brough M, Carmont SA, Clavarino A, Stanton W, Balanda K, Shannon C (2004)
Smoking behaviour among Indigenous secondary school students in North Queensland.
Drug and Alcohol Review; 23:101-106

This article presents the findings of a study investigating smoking behaviour among Indigenous youth in a sample of schools in north Queensland. Prevalence of smoking behaviour in Indigenous and non-Indigenous students was compared, and details relating to cultural, social, and psychological factors associated with cigarette smoking were documented. It is anticipated that the findings will inform the development of culturally appropriate school resources for Indigenous secondary school students.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

McDermott RA, Tulip F, Schmidt B (2004)
Diabetes care in remote northern Australian Indigenous communities.
Medical Journal of Austalia;180(10):512-516
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Raja C, Hansen RD, Colagiuri S, Allen BJ (2003)
Body composition of Aboriginal Australian women: comparison with age-matched Caucasians.
Acta Diabetologica;40(Supplement 1):S314-S316

This paper presents the findings from a study comparing the distribution of body fat in Aboriginal and Caucasian women. Aboriginal and Caucasian women of the same age and weight were compared for abdominal fat, fat-to-lean soft tissue, and fat percentage, in order to develop android fat deposition profiles. The findings have implications for understanding the significance of type 2 diabetes and the development of cardiovascular conditions among Aboriginal and Caucasian women.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Shore JH, Spicer P (2004)
A model for alcohol-mediated violence in an Australian Aboriginal community.
Social Science & Medicine;58:2509-2521

This article introduces a new model for understanding the effects of alcohol use and violence in a contemporary Aboriginal community. The model is based on ethnographic and survey data collected in the community, and examines community and individual factors surrounding alcohol use and associated violence. It is anticipated that the model will form a useful framework for future research to examine alcohol-mediated conflict in Indigenous communities.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Taylor J, Cheers B, Weetra C, Gentle I (2004)
Supporting community solutions to family violence.
Australian Social Work;57(1):71-83

This article discusses the social and political issues that contribute to an understanding of Indigenous family violence and argues that community-initiated solutions must be supported by policy and funding options based on this understanding. Domestic violence is defined, social issues are discussed, the perceptions of Aboriginal communities are considered, and a holistic model to address family violence is identified.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Thomas DP (2004)
The upsurge of interest in Indigenous health in the 1950s and 1960s: Barry Christophers' letters to the MJA editor about Indigenous health.
Medical Journal of Austalia;180(10):521-523
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Wang Z, Hoy WE (2004)
Association between diabetes and coronary heart disease in Aboriginal people: are women disadvantaged?
Medical Journal of Austalia;180(10):508-511
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Zhao Y, Guthridge S, Magnus A, Vos T (2004)
Burden of disease and injury in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations in the Northern Territory.
Medical Journal of Australia;180(10):498-502.
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