The Medical journal of Australia
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To describe the epidemiology of infectious syphilis among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) people in Australia. ⋯ These data demonstrate that Australia has two distinct patterns of infectious syphilis: a substantially declining occurrence in Indigenous remote communities and an increasing incidence in males residing in urban and regional areas. Given the decline in notification rates in Indigenous remote communities, now might be the right time to move toward eliminating infectious syphilis from Indigenous communities.
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To explore the associations between self-reported racism and health and wellbeing outcomes for young Aboriginal Australian people. ⋯ Self-reported racism was associated with poor social and emotional wellbeing outcomes, including anxiety, depression, suicide risk and poor overall mental health.
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To describe the clinical and epidemiological features of sepsis and severe sepsis in the population of the tropical Top End of the Northern Territory of Australia and compare these with published estimates for temperate Australia, the United States and Europe. ⋯ The incidence of sepsis in the tropical NT is substantially higher than that for temperate Australia, the United States and Europe, and these differences are mainly accounted for by the high rates of sepsis in Indigenous people. The findings support strategies to improve housing and access to health services, and reduce comorbidities, alcohol and tobacco use in Indigenous Australians. The burden of sepsis in indigenous populations worldwide requires further study to guide appropriate resourcing of health care and preventive strategies.
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The Australian Health Survey will deliver key health measures for all Australian children and adults, and collect information across Australia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has consulted widely on the development of the Survey, and has shaped the survey according to strong and consistent advice in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is hoped that this approach will maximise survey response rates and place us in good trust to embark on the next survey round.