The Medical journal of Australia
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To examine what ethics approvals are being sought for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and medical research, and to determine what proportion of this research upholds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethical governance via an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled human research ethics committee (AHREC) by jurisdiction and funding body type. ⋯ We found a concerning lack of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethical governance reported in health and medical research. Acknowledging that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethics guidelines and AHRECs were established due to harm caused to communities, these results suggest a high risk, with research not consistently being deemed safe, respectful and beneficial with appropriate AHREC ethics review and approval. We join calls for the establishment of AHRECs in all jurisdictions and nationally. Furthermore, we urge funding bodies and institutions to uphold requirements for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethical governance in research and funding agreements, as well as institutional policies and procedures.
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To review studies of interventions for reducing the impact of type 2 diabetes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The primary aim was to review and summarise the characteristics and findings of the interventions. The secondary aims were to assess their effects on diabetes and cardiometabolic risk factors, and the proportions of people with type 2 diabetes who achieved therapeutic targets with each intervention. ⋯ Few interventions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with type 2 diabetes have been reported in peer-reviewed publications. Improving diabetes care services resulted in larger proportions of people achieving therapeutic HbA1c targets. Outcomes were better when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities were involved at all levels of an intervention. High quality studies of holistic, culturally safe and accessible interventions should be the focus of research.
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To review studies of interventions for reducing the impact of type 2 diabetes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The primary aim was to review and summarise the characteristics and findings of the interventions. The secondary aims were to assess their effects on diabetes and cardiometabolic risk factors, and the proportions of people with type 2 diabetes who achieved therapeutic targets with each intervention. ⋯ Few interventions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with type 2 diabetes have been reported in peer-reviewed publications. Improving diabetes care services resulted in larger proportions of people achieving therapeutic HbA1c targets. Outcomes were better when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities were involved at all levels of an intervention. High quality studies of holistic, culturally safe and accessible interventions should be the focus of research.
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Scabies is the most common neglected tropical disease with cutaneous manifestations, disproportionately affecting socially disadvantaged populations living in overcrowded settings. Scabies infestation is characterised by a generalised intractable pruritus, and is often complicated by secondary bacterial infection, which can lead to a range of complications. Scabies is a clinical diagnosis and requires an adequate degree of suspicion. ⋯ In Australia, the first-line treatment recommended for scabies is topical permethrin 5% cream, applied to the whole body and repeated in one week. Oral ivermectin is subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme with streamlined authority for patients who have completed and failed treatment with topical therapy, have a contraindication to topical treatment or have crusted scabies. Early identification and prompt initiation of treatment is key to minimise the disease burden of scabies.
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To review evidence regarding the impact of physical activity interventions for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. ⋯ PROSPERO CRD42021247496 (prospective).