The Medical journal of Australia
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The total number of Aboriginal deaths occurring in selected country regions of New South Wales in 1980 and 1981 has been estimated, based on the deaths reported by Aboriginal health workers and those identified on the newly modified Form of Notification of Death. Aboriginal mortality was more than four times that of the total NSW population, with young and middle-aged adults having death rates up to 12 times higher. ⋯ The principal causes of death were diseases of the circulatory system and injuries. The effect of alcohol appeared to be substantial, particularly in the 35-44 year age group.
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Comparative Study
Review of available Aboriginal mortality data, 1980-1982.
An analysis of the available population and death data confirms that the level of Aboriginal mortality is significantly higher than that of the total Australian population. The mortality of Aborigines in the Kimberley region of Western Australia in 1980-1982 was twice that of the total Australian population in 1981; for the Northern Territory, and for 14 Queensland and five South Australian Aboriginal communities the level was 3-31/2 times higher. In 1980-1981, Aboriginal mortality in country regions of New South Wales was 41/2 times the 1981 Australian total population level. In 1980-1982, specific indices of Aboriginal fetal and infant mortality in these regions and for Western Australia (excluding the Kimberley region) were generally at least 2-4 times those of non-Aboriginal Australians, and up to 7 times higher for deaths occurring after the neonatal period.
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The value of routine real-time scanning by Aboriginal health workers at antenatal clinics in a remote area of Australia was assessed using data derived from 206 women. The accuracy of the health workers' reports, the detection of high risk factors, the selection of a place for the delivery and the degree of antenatal attendance are discussed.
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Information on 555 Aboriginal births which occurred during 1981 and 1982 was forwarded by midwives to the South Australian perinatal statistics unit. Corresponding information was also supplied for all other births in the state. This information showed that Aboriginal women appear to have a higher fertility rate than do other women, particularly in the teenage years. ⋯ Aboriginal babies are characterized by low birthweights, low Apgar scores, and prematurity. There is an indication that Aboriginal babies may have a high perinatal mortality rate in the country areas of South Australia. It is intended that this information be used as a baseline for evaluating trends in the health status of Aborigines.