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Ross K. Locally acquired strongyloidiasis in remote Australia: why are there still cases? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220435. [PMID: 38008121 PMCID: PMC10676813 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In Australia, strongyloidiasis primarily affects returned travellers, Vietnam veterans and refugees or asylum seekers, and First Nations people. Non-overseas acquired cases are seen almost exclusively in Australian First Nations remote communities. Australian First Nations communities have one of the highest rates of strongyloidiasis in the world. Our work has shown that strongyloidiasis is a disease of poverty. Acknowledging this is important-we need to shift the lens to socioeconomic factors, particularly environmental health hardware such as working toilets and sewerage systems, showers and laundries, and effective wastewater and rubbish removal. The rates of strongyloidiasis in First Nations communities is a result of decades of inadequate, poorly constructed and/or poorly maintained housing, and poor environmental health hardware (hereafter hardware). The solution lies in adequate funding, resulting in well designed and maintained housing and appropriate hardware. Governments need to allow First Nations communities themselves to take the lead role in funding allocation, and design, construction and maintenance of their housing and hardware. This will ensure housing and hardware fulfils cultural and physical needs and desires, and protects health. Improving housing and hardware will also improve other health outcomes. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Strongyloides: omics to worm-free populations'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin Ross
- Environmental Health, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
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McGuffog R, Bryant J, Booth K, Collis F, Brown A, Hughes JT, Chamberlain C, McGhie A, Hobden B, Kennedy M. Exploring the Reported Strengths and Limitations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research: A Narrative Review of Intervention Studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3993. [PMID: 36901001 PMCID: PMC10001772 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
High quality intervention research is needed to inform evidence-based practice and policy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We searched for studies published from 2008-2020 in the PubMed database. A narrative review of intervention literature was conducted, where we identified researcher reported strengths and limitations of their research practice. A total of 240 studies met inclusion criteria which were categorised as evaluations, trials, pilot interventions or implementation studies. Reported strengths included community engagement and partnerships; sample qualities; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander involvement in research; culturally appropriate and safe research practice; capacity building efforts; providing resources or reducing costs for services and communities; understanding local culture and context; and appropriate timelines for completion. Reported limitations included difficulties achieving the target sample size; inadequate time; insufficient funding and resources; limited capacity of health workers and services; and inadequate community involvement and communication issues. This review highlights that community consultation and leadership coupled with appropriate time and funding, enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health intervention research to be conducted. These factors can enable effective intervention research, and consequently can help improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romany McGuffog
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Jamie Bryant
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Kade Booth
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Felicity Collis
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Alex Brown
- Indigenous Genomics, Australia National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jaquelyne T. Hughes
- Rural and Remote Health, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Darwin, NT 0810, Australia
| | - Catherine Chamberlain
- Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Judith Lumley Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Alexandra McGhie
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Breanne Hobden
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Michelle Kennedy
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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Standen JC, Spencer J, Lee GW, Van Buskirk J, Matthews V, Hanigan I, Boylan S, Jegasothy E, Breth-Petersen M, Morgan GG. Aboriginal Population and Climate Change in Australia: Implications for Health and Adaptation Planning. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:7502. [PMID: 35742752 PMCID: PMC9223431 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The health impacts of climate are widely recognised, and extensive modelling is available on predicted changes to climate globally. The impact of these changes may affect populations differently depending on a range of factors, including geography, socioeconomics and culture. This study reviewed current evidence on the health risks of climate change for Australian Aboriginal populations and linked Aboriginal demographic data to historical and projected climate data to describe the distribution of climate-related exposures in Aboriginal compared to non-Aboriginal populations in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The study showed Aboriginal populations were disproportionately exposed to a range of climate extremes in heat, rainfall and drought, and this disproportionate exposure was predicted to increase with climate change over the coming decades. Aboriginal people currently experience higher rates of climate-sensitive health conditions and socioeconomic disadvantages, which will impact their capacity to adapt to climate change. Climate change may also adversely affect cultural practices. These factors will likely impact the health and well-being of Aboriginal people in NSW and inhibit measures to close the gap in health between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations. Climate change, health and equity need to be key considerations in all policies at all levels of government. Effective Aboriginal community engagement is urgently needed to develop and implement climate adaptation responses to improve health and social service preparedness and secure environmental health infrastructure such as drinking water supplies and suitably managed social housing. Further Aboriginal-led research is required to identify the cultural impacts of climate change on health, including adaptive responses based on Aboriginal knowledges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C. Standen
- Health Protection NSW, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (J.S.); (G.W.L.)
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.V.B.); (I.H.); (S.B.); (E.J.); (M.B.-P.); (G.G.M.)
| | - Jessica Spencer
- Health Protection NSW, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (J.S.); (G.W.L.)
| | - Grace W. Lee
- Health Protection NSW, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (J.S.); (G.W.L.)
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.V.B.); (I.H.); (S.B.); (E.J.); (M.B.-P.); (G.G.M.)
| | - Joe Van Buskirk
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.V.B.); (I.H.); (S.B.); (E.J.); (M.B.-P.); (G.G.M.)
| | - Veronica Matthews
- University Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia;
| | - Ivan Hanigan
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.V.B.); (I.H.); (S.B.); (E.J.); (M.B.-P.); (G.G.M.)
| | - Sinead Boylan
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.V.B.); (I.H.); (S.B.); (E.J.); (M.B.-P.); (G.G.M.)
| | - Edward Jegasothy
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.V.B.); (I.H.); (S.B.); (E.J.); (M.B.-P.); (G.G.M.)
- University Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia;
| | - Matilde Breth-Petersen
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.V.B.); (I.H.); (S.B.); (E.J.); (M.B.-P.); (G.G.M.)
| | - Geoffrey G. Morgan
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.V.B.); (I.H.); (S.B.); (E.J.); (M.B.-P.); (G.G.M.)
- University Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia;
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Devlin S, Ross W, Widders R, McAvoy G, Browne K, Lawrence K, MacLaren D, Massey PD, Judd JA. Tuberculosis care designed with barramarrany (family): Participatory action research that prioritised partnership, healthy housing and nutrition. Health Promot J Austr 2021; 33:724-735. [PMID: 34743380 PMCID: PMC9542773 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Issue addressed. Ongoing tuberculosis (TB) transmission in Aboriginal communities in Australia is unfair and unacceptable. Redressing the inequity in TB affecting Aboriginal peoples is a priority in Australia's Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Control. Improving TB care needs not to just identify barriers but do something about them. Privileging the voices of Aboriginal people affected by TB is essential to identify effective and enabling strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Devlin
- North Coast Public Health Unit, New South Wales, Australia.,College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wayne Ross
- Traditional Knowledge Custodian of the Gumanyggirr Nation, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Gregory McAvoy
- North Coast Public Health Unit, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirsty Browne
- North Coast Public Health Unit, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - David MacLaren
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter D Massey
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jenni A Judd
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,Centre of Indigenous Health Equity Research, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia
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