The Medical journal of Australia
-
To analyse rates of avoidable hospitalisations in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents of the Northern Territory, 1998-99 to 2005-06, and to consider the implications for primary care interventions. ⋯ The significantly higher rates of avoidable hospitalisations in NT Aboriginal people reflect the emerging epidemic of chronic disease in this population, highlight barriers to Aboriginal people accessing effective primary care, and emphasise the extent of potential health gains with appropriate interventions.
-
To investigate associations between "caring for country" -- an activity that Indigenous peoples assert promotes good health -- and health outcomes relevant to excess Indigenous morbidity and mortality. ⋯ Greater Indigenous participation in caring for country activities is associated with significantly better health. Although the causal direction of these associations requires clarification, our findings suggest that investment in caring for country may be a means to foster sustainable economic development and gains for both ecological and Indigenous peoples' health.
-
To identify factors associated with antenatal smoking and explore characteristics of smoking behaviour among pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. ⋯ Shifted population norms among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are accompanied by a shift in the factors that can effectively differentiate between smokers and non-smokers within this population. Rather than the traditional, mainstream predictors of antenatal smoking, interventions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women should focus on the social environment, and the influences of social networks and partners on the behaviour of individuals.
-
To determine whether the current planned transfer of pregnant women from Cape York communities to Cairns at 36 weeks' gestation for birthing is medically appropriate. ⋯ Aiming for 36 weeks' gestation for transfer is medically appropriate, but results in long periods of separation of women from Cape communities from family and friends, with detrimental social, cultural and financial consequences. Reopening maternity units in towns serving the Cape communities could reduce the number of women from the region having to travel to Cairns for pregnancy care and birth.