International journal of environmental research and public health
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Int J Environ Res Public Health · Dec 2018
Testing the Price of Healthy and Current Diets in Remote Aboriginal Communities to Improve Food Security: Development of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healthy Diets ASAP (Australian Standardised Affordability and Pricing) Methods.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples suffer higher rates of food insecurity and diet-related disease than other Australians. However, assessment of food insecurity in specific population groups is sub-optimal, as in many developed countries. This study tailors the Healthy Diets ASAP (Australian Standardised Affordability and Pricing) methods protocol to be more relevant to Indigenous groups in assessing one important component of food security. ⋯ Aided by community store pricing policies, healthy (recommended) diets are around 20% more affordable than current diets in these communities, but at 38.7% of disposable household income still unaffordable for most households. Further studies in urban communities, and on other socioeconomic, political and commercial determinants of food security in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities appear warranted. The development of the tailored method provides an example of how national tools can be adapted to better inform policy actions to improve food security and help reduce rates of diet-related chronic disease more equitably in developed countries.
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Int J Environ Res Public Health · Dec 2018
Mushroom Poisoning-A 17 Year Retrospective Study at a Level I University Emergency Department in Switzerland.
The consequences of mushroom poisoning range from mild, mostly gastrointestinal, disturbances to organ failure or even death. This retrospective study describes presentations related to mushroom poisoning at an emergency department in Bern (Switzerland) from January 2001 to October 2017. Gastrointestinal disturbances were reported in 86% of the 51 cases. ⋯ Mushroom poisoning does not appear to be a common reason for emergency consultation and most presentations were of minor severity and related to edible species (e.g., due to incorrect processing). Nevertheless, poisonous mushrooms and severe complications were also recorded. Collaboration with a poison centre and/or mycologists is of great importance, especially in high risk cases.
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Int J Environ Res Public Health · Dec 2018
ReviewThe Relationship between Infectious Diseases and Housing Maintenance in Indigenous Australian Households.
This research aimed to identify systemic housing-level contributions to infectious disease transmission for Indigenous Australians, in response to the Government program to 'close the gap' of health and other inequalities. A narrative literature review was performed in accordance to PRISMA guidelines. ⋯ Gastrointestinal, skin, ear, eye, and respiratory illnesses are related in various ways to health hardware functionality, removal and treatment of sewage, crowding, presence of pests and vermin, and the growth of mould and mildew. The research concluded that infectious disease transmission can be reduced by improving housing conditions, including adequate and timely housing repair and maintenance, and the enabling environment to perform healthy behaviours.
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Int J Environ Res Public Health · Dec 2018
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain, Self-Reported Health and Quality of Life among Older Populations in South Africa and Uganda.
Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is a serious health concern especially among the elderly population and has significant bearing on health and quality of life. Not much is known about the relationship between chronic pain with self-reported health and quality of life among older populations in low-resource settings. Based on sub-national data from South Africa and Uganda, the present study aimed to explore whether the older population living with CMP report health and quality of life differently compared to those with no CMP complaints. ⋯ Compared to having no generalised pain, having Mild/Moderate [OR = 2.309, 95% CI = 1.219, 7.438] and Severe/Extreme [OR = 2.271, 95% CI = 1.447, 4.143] generalised pain was associated with significantly higher odds of poor self-rated health in South Africa. An overwhelmingly high proportion of the sample population reported poor health, quality of life and depression. Among older individuals, health interventions that address CMP may help promote subjective health and quality and life and improve psychological health.
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Artificial intelligence and automation are topics dominating global discussions on the future of professional employment, societal change, and economic performance. In this paper, we describe fundamental concepts underlying AI and Big Data and their significance to public health. ⋯ The possible benefits of advanced data analytics and machine learning are described in the context of recently reported research. Problems are identified and discussed with respect to ethical issues and the future roles of professionals and specialists in the age of artificial intelligence.