Multimorbidity and health-related quality of life amongst Indigenous Australians: A longitudinal analysis.

BACKGROUND: The burden of multimorbidity has been observed worldwide and it has significant consequences on health outcomes. In Australia, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is comparatively low amongst Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders, yet no studies have examined the effect of multimorbidity on HRQoL within this at-risk population. This study seeks to fill that gap by employing a longitudinal research design. METHODS: Longitudinal data were derived from three waves (9, 13, and 17) of the household, income and labour dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey. A total of 1007 person-year observations from 592 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individuals aged 15 years and above were included. HRQoL was captured using the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and multimorbidity was defined using self-reports of having been diagnosed with two or more chronic health conditions. Symmetric fixed-effects linear regression models were used to assess how intraindividual changes in multimorbidity were associated with intraindividual changes in HRQoL. RESULTS: Approximately 21% of Indigenous Australians were classified as experiencing multimorbidity. Respondents had statistically significantly lower HRQoL on the SF-36 sub-scales, summary measures, and health-utility index in those observations in which they experienced multimorbidity. Among others, multimorbidity was associated with lower scores on the SF-36 physical-component scale (ß = - 6.527; Standard Error [SE] = 1.579), mental-component scale (ß = - 3.765; SE = 1.590) and short-form six-dimension utility index (ß = - 0.075; SE = 0.017). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that having multiple chronic conditions is statistically significantly associated with lower HRQoL amongst Indigenous Australians. These findings suggest that comprehensive and culturally sensitive health strategies addressing the complex needs of individuals with multimorbidity should be implemented to improve the HRQoL of Indigenous Australians.

Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis B among Indigenous Australians in Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands.

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health problem for all Indigenous Australians. Post-2000, Hepatitis B surface antigen prevalence has decreased, although remaining four times higher among Indigenous compared with non-Indigenous people. AIMS: This study aimed to characterise the HBV from Indigenous populations in Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands. METHODS: Serum samples were collected, with consent, from people within Queensland Indigenous communities prior to 1990 as part of the Queensland Health vaccination programme. Ethics approval was subsequently obtained to further characterise the HBV from 93 of these stored samples. HBV DNA was extracted and genotype was obtained from 82 samples. HBV full genome sequencing was carried out for a subset of 14 samples. RESULTS: Seventy-eight samples were identified as genotype C (2 × C12, 3 × C13 and 73 × C14), one sample as genotype A (A2) and three samples as genotype D (1 × D2, 1 × D3 and 1 × D4). The HBV/C sequences identified were most closely related to sequences isolated from Papua New Guinea and Indonesia (Papua Province). CONCLUSIONS: The HBV isolated from the Torres Strait Islanders was notably different to the HBV/C4 strain isolated from Indigenous people of mainland northern Australia, with no evidence of recombination. This reflects the differences in culture and origin between Torres Strait Islanders and mainland Indigenous people.

Real-world experience of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with solid tumours in the Top End of the Northern Territory, Australia from 2016 to 2021: a retrospective observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is growing, but clinical trial data may not apply to Indigenous patients or patients living in remote areas. AIMS: To provide real-world incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAE) in the Top End of the Northern Territory and compare incidence between demographic subgroups. METHODS: This retrospective, observational, cohort study collected data from electronic records of patients living in the Top End with solid organ cancer treated with immunotherapy between January 2016 and December 2021. The primary outcome was cumulative incidence of any-grade and severe irAE. Secondary outcomes were overall survival, treatment duration and reason for treatment discontinuation. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-six patients received immunotherapy. Forty-eight (21%) lived in a remote or very remote area, and 36 (16%) were Indigenous. Cumulative incidence of any-grade irAE was 54% (122/226 patients); incidence of severe irAE was 26% (59/226 patients). Rates were similar between Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients of any-grade (42% vs 56%, P = 0.11) and severe (11% vs 18%, P = 0.29) irAE. However, Indigenous patients had shorter treatment duration, more frequently discontinued treatment due to patient preference and appeared to have shorter median overall survival than non-Indigenous patients (17.1 vs 30.4 months; hazard ratio (HR) = 1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.92-2.66). There was no difference in mortality between remote and urban patients (median overall survival 27.5 vs 30.2 months; HR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.7-1.7). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of irAE in our cohort are comparable to those in the published literature. There was no significant difference in any-grade or severe irAE incidence observed between Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients.

Identifying barriers and facilitators to physical activity and perceptions of Traditional Indigenous Games among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women: a qualitative study.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are key members of the community who have specific roles within their families that may result in lower levels of physical activity (PA) undertaken. Clearly identifying barriers for women to engage with PA, and exploring culturally based activities (i.e. Traditional Indigenous Games), may help to improve long-term health benefits. Subsequently, the aim of this study was to identify the barriers and facilitators for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women engaging in PA, and their interest in participating in Traditional Indigenous Games. Seventeen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women (34.3 ±â€…10.2 years) participated in focus groups. Through thematic analysis, participants experienced a range of common barriers such as lack of time due to family commitments, limited finances, ageing and poor physical and/or mental health. Common facilitators were also identified such as fun, access and improving mental and/or physical health. Importantly, unique themes were identified for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women including barriers (e.g. racism, shame) and facilitators (e.g. culture, interactions with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women) that influenced PA participation. Notably, Traditional Indigenous Games were considered as an appealing PA mode to engage with their culture, experience nostalgia and be around other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. These key findings will guide future PA programs including Traditional Indigenous Games to improve health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, vital members of the community.

Heads up on concussion: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' knowledge and understanding of mild traumatic brain injury.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Concussion awareness and knowledge among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples residing in Perth, Western Australia and factors preventing presentation at a health service for assessment after such an injury. METHODS: Qualitative study with participants aged between 18 and 65 years. Recruitment was by Facebook advertising and snowball sampling. A semi-structured topic yarning guide was used to guide conversations through 1:1, multi-person or group yarns. Yarns were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. RESULTS: Twenty-four participants were recruited. A good knowledge of modes of concussion injury was identified in these participants. However, they identified difficulty differentiating this injury from other injuries or medical conditions. Multiple factors contributed to a reluctance to seek assessment and further management of a potential concussion. Multiple strategies to enhance education and presentation for assessment were suggested by participants. CONCLUSIONS: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned and led concussion education is the first step in enhancing understanding of this condition. Education must be coupled with improvements in the cultural safety of healthcare services, as without this, patients will continue to fail to present for assessment and management. SO WHAT?: It is recommended that concussion education focuses on the differentiation of concussion as a diagnosis from other injuries. Information regarding where and when to seek medical assessment is recommended, and this must be in a culturally safe environment. Typical recovery and potential sequelae must be explored, in programs led and devised by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples engaged with the community for which the education is proposed.

Significant healthcare resource utilisation in the management of skin and soft tissue infections in the Torres Strait, Australia.

INTRODUCTION: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (First Nations Australians) living in remote communities are hospitalised with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) at three times the rate of non-First Nations Australians. The Torres Strait in tropical northern Australia has a highly dispersed population mainly comprising First Nations Australians. This study aimed to define the health service utilisation and health system costs associated with SSTIs in the Torres Strait and to improve the quality of regional healthcare delivery. METHODS: The research team conducted a retrospective, de-identified audit of health records for a 2-year period, 2018-2019. The aim was to define health service utilisation, episodes of outpatient care, emergency department care, inpatient care and aeromedical retrieval services for SSTIs. RESULTS: Across 2018 - 2019, there were 3509 outpatient episodes of care for SSTIs as well as 507 emergency department visits and 100 hospitalisations. For individuals with an SSTI, the mean outpatient clinic episode cost $240; the mean emergency department episode cost $400.85, the mean inpatient episode cost $8403.05 while an aeromedical retrieval service cost $18,670. The total costs to the health system for all services accessed for SSTI management was $6,169,881 per year, 3% of the total annual health service budget. CONCLUSION: Healthcare costs associated with SSTIs in the Torres Strait are substantial. The implementation of effective preventative and primary care interventions may enable resources to be reallocated to address other health priorities in the Torres Strait.

Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

TOPIC: This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes evidence relating to the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Indigenous Australians suffer disproportionately from diabetes-related complications. Exploring ethnic variation in disease is important for equitable distribution of resources and may lead to identification of ethnic-specific modifiable risk factors. Existing DR prevalence studies comparing Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians have shown conflicting results. METHODS: This study was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute guidance on systematic reviews of prevalence studies (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022259048). We performed searches of Medline (Ovid), EMBASE, and Web of Science until October 2021, using a strategy designed by an information specialist. We included studies reporting DR prevalence among diabetic patients in Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian populations. Two independent reviewers performed quality assessments using a 9-item appraisal tool. Meta-analysis and meta-regression were performed using double arcsine transformation and a random-effects model comparing Indigenous and non-Indigenous subgroups. RESULTS: Fifteen studies with 8219 participants met criteria for inclusion. The Indigenous subgroup scored lower on the appraisal tool than the non-Indigenous subgroup (mean score 50% vs. 72%, P = 0.04). In the unadjusted meta-analysis, DR prevalence in the Indigenous subgroup (30.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 24.9-35.7) did not differ significantly (P = 0.17) from the non-Indigenous subgroup (23.7%; 95% CI, 16.8-31.4). After adjusting for age and quality, DR prevalence was higher in the Indigenous subgroup (P < 0.01), with prevalence ratio point estimates ranging from 1.72 to 2.58, depending on the meta-regression model. For the secondary outcomes, prevalence estimates were higher in the Indigenous subgroup for diabetic macular edema (DME) (8.7% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.02) and vision-threatening DR (VTDR) (8.6% vs. 3.0%, P = 0.03) but not for proliferative DR (2.5% vs. 0.8%, P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Indigenous studies scored lower for methodological quality, raising the possibility that systematic differences in research practices may be leading to underestimation of disease burden. After adjusting for age and quality, we found a higher DR prevalence in the Indigenous subgroup. This contrasts with a previous review that reported the opposite finding of lower DR prevalence using unadjusted pooled estimates. Future epidemiological work exploring DR burden in Indigenous communities should aim to address methodological weaknesses identified by this review.

Oral cavity and oropharyngeal carcinoma disparities in age and survival in Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations of Queensland.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the risk and prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations of Queensland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data from the Queensland Cancer Registry (QCR) between the years 1982-2018. Main outcome measures were age at diagnosis and cumulative survival to compare the risk and prognosis of oral SCC between the populations. RESULTS: 9424 patients with self-declared ethnicity were identified with oral SCC from the QCR, with a male to female ratio of 2.56:1. Of these patients, 9132 were non-Indigenous (96.9%) and 292 Indigenous (3.1%). Indigenous people were significantly younger at diagnosis (mean (SD) age 54.3 (10.1) years), compared to 62.0 (12.1) years in non-Indigenous people. Mean survival in the full cohort was 4.3 years (SD: 5.6), with Indigenous people presenting a significant shorter mean survival of 2.0 years (SD: 3.5) when compared with 4.4 years (SD: 5.7) in non-Indigenous people (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Indigenous Australians are diagnosed at a significantly younger age and present with worse survival and poorer prognosis. Due to missing variables in the Queensland Cancer Registry, it is not possible in the current study to ascertain the scientific or social reasons behind these disparities. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results from this study can inform public policy and raise awareness in Queensland regarding disparity in oral cancer prognosis.

The fraction of life years lost after diagnosis (FLYLAD): a person-centred measure of cancer burden.

BACKGROUND: Cancer control initiatives are informed by quantifying the capacity to reduce cancer burden through effective interventions. Burden measures using health administrative data are a sustainable way to support monitoring and evaluating of outcomes among patients and populations. The Fraction of Life Years Lost After Diagnosis (FLYLAD) is one such burden measure. We use data on Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal South Australians from 1990 to 2010 to show how FLYLAD quantifies disparities in cancer burden: between populations; between sub-population cohorts where stage at diagnosis is available; and when follow-up is constrained to 24-months after diagnosis. METHOD: FLYLADcancer is the fraction of years of life expectancy lost due to cancer (YLLcancer) to life expectancy years at risk at time of cancer diagnosis (LYAR) for each person. The Global Burden of Disease standard life table provides referent life expectancies. FLYLADcancer was estimated for the population of cancer cases diagnosed in South Australia from 1990 to 2010. Cancer stage at diagnosis was also available for cancers diagnosed in Aboriginal people and a cohort of non-Aboriginal people matched by sex, year of birth, primary cancer site and year of diagnosis. RESULTS: Cancers diagnoses (N = 144,891) included 777 among Aboriginal people. Cancer burden described by FLYLADcancer was higher among Aboriginal than non-Aboriginal (0.55, 95% CIs 0.52-0.59 versus 0.39, 95% CIs 0.39-0.40). Diagnoses at younger ages among Aboriginal people, 7 year higher LYAR (31.0, 95% CIs 30.0-32.0 versus 24.1, 95% CIs 24.1-24.2) and higher premature cancer mortality (YLLcancer = 16.3, 95% CIs 15.1-17.5 versus YLLcancer = 8.2, 95% CIs 8.2-8.3) influenced this. Disparities in cancer burden between the matched Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cohorts manifested 24-months after diagnosis with FLYLADcancer 0.44, 95% CIs 0.40-0.47 and 0.28, 95% CIs 0.25-0.31 respectively. CONCLUSION: FLYLAD described disproportionately higher cancer burden among Aboriginal people in comparisons involving: all people diagnosed with cancer; the matched cohorts; and, within groups diagnosed with same staged disease. The extent of disparities were evident 24-months after diagnosis. This is evidence of Aboriginal peoples' substantial capacity to benefit from cancer control initiatives, particularly those leading to earlier detection and treatment of cancers. FLYLAD's use of readily available, person-level administrative records can help evaluate health care initiatives addressing this need.

Depression, childhood trauma, and physical activity in older Indigenous Australians.

OBJECTIVES: Indigenous Australians experience higher levels of psychological distress compared to the general population. Physical activity is a culturally acceptable approach, associated with reduction of depressive symptoms. The protective properties of physical activity for depressive symptoms are yet to be evaluated in older Indigenous Australians. DESIGN: A two-phase study design comprised of a qualitative thematic analysis following a quantitative regression and moderation analysis. PARTICIPANTS: Firstly, a total of 336 Indigenous Australians aged 60 years and over from five NSW areas participated in assessments on mental health, physical activity participation, and childhood trauma. Secondly, a focus group of seven Indigenous Australians was conducted to evaluate barriers and facilitators to physical activity. MEASUREMENTS: Regression and moderation analyses examined links between depression, childhood trauma, and physical activity. Thematic analysis was conducted exploring facilitators and barriers to physical activity following the focus group. RESULTS: Childhood trauma severity and intensity of physical activity predicted depressive symptoms. Physical activity did not affect the strength of the relationship between childhood trauma and depression. Family support and low impact activities facilitated commitment to physical activity. In contrast, poor mental health, trauma, and illness acted as barriers. CONCLUSION: Physical activity is an appropriate approach for reducing depressive symptoms and integral in maintaining health and quality of life. While situational factors, health problems and trauma impact physical activity, accessing low-impact group activities with social support was identified to help navigate these barriers.

Health literacy of critical care patients in a remote area health service: A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Lower life expectancy, higher rates of chronic disease, and poorer uptake of health services are common in remote patient populations. Patients with poor health literacy (HL) are less likely to attend appointments, adhere to medications, and have higher rates of chronic illness. Evidence underpinning the relationship between HL and inequity in remote critical care populations is sparse. OBJECTIVES: The primary study aim was to explore a multidimensional HL profile of patients requiring critical care in a remote area health service. Secondary aims were to explore HL in subgroups of the sample and to explore associations between HL and emergency department representation and discharge against medical advice. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of consecutive eligible patients admitted to the Mount Isa hospital intensive care unit. The Health Literacy Questionnaire was administered in a semistructured interview. RESULTS: In a 5-month period, there were 141 patient admissions to the five-bed intensive care unit, 67 patients (47.5%) met inclusion criteria and were not discharged prior to recruitment, and 37 (26.2%) agreed to participate. Participants felt understood and supported by healthcare providers, had sufficient information to manage their health, proactively engaged with healthcare providers, and had strong social supports. More challenging was their capacity to advocate on their own behalf, to explore and appraise information and to navigate healthcare systems. Patients who represented to the emergency department (n = 8, 21.6%) felt more empowered to seek healthcare advice. Of the 11 patients that discharged against medical advice, only one participated in the study. CONCLUSION: Trends in the data showed that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants were marginally less likely to be information explorers and to understand all written information. Findings provide guidance for the development of interventions to progress a reduction in health disparities experienced by this population.

Prospective analysis of stroke recognition, stroke risk factors, thrombolysis rates and outcomes in Indigenous Australians from a large rural referral hospital.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death and disability in indigenous communities but limited prospective data exist about stroke. AIMS: To estimate the difference in stroke recognition, risk factors, treatment rates and outcomes between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples admitted to the Wagga Wagga Rural Referral Hospital (WWRRH) over a 5-year period with a suspected acute stroke. METHODS: All suspected strokes presenting to the 33 peripheral hospitals within the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) were transferred to the WWRRH and prospectively assessed over a 5-year period from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2017. Actions at stroke onset, risks factors, stroke type, treatment and outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 1843 patients were included. Of these, 45 (2.5%) patients were indigenous. Only 26.6% of indigenous and 34% of non-indigenous patients knew of the face, arm, speech, time (FAST) acronym. Indigenous patients were younger (mean age 62.0 years vs 74.4 years) and more likely to have diabetes (risk difference (RD) 22.3% (95% CI: 3%, 41.7%)), dyslipidaemia (RD 19.4% (95% CI: 21.%, 36.7%)), and be ever smokers (RD 24.9% (95% CI: 9.5%, 40.3%)). Stroke types were similar except lacunar infarcts were more common (19.2% vs 8.4%). Treatment rates and outcomes were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Indigenous Australians with stroke are a decade younger and have a higher prevalence of important, modifiable stroke-risk factors. Delayed presentation to hospital is more common, due in part to stroke symptoms being underrecognised. When admitted to a specialised stroke unit, treatment rates and outcomes are comparable.

Induction therapy and outcome of proliferative lupus nephritis in the top end of Northern Australia - a single centre study retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Lupus nephritis is a common manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Mycophenolate is recommended by guidelines for induction therapy in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis and nephrotic range proteinuria Class V lupus nephritis. Indigenous Australians suffer disproportionally from systemic lupus erythematosus compared to non-Indigenous Australians (Anstey et al., Aust N Z J Med 23:646-651, 1993; Segasothy et al., Lupus 10:439-444, 2001; Bossingham, Lupus 12:327-331, 2003; Grennan et al., Aust N Z J Med 25:182-183, 1995). METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients with newly diagnosed biopsy-proven class III lupus nephritis, class IV lupus nephritis and class V lupus nephritis with nephrotic range proteinuria from 1st Jan 2010 to 31st Dec 2019 in our institution and examined for the patterns of prescribed induction therapy and clinical outcome. The primary efficacy outcome of interest was the incidence of complete response (CR) and partial response (PR) at one-year post diagnosis as defined by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) guideline. Secondary efficacy outcome was a composite of renal adverse outcome in the follow-up period. Adverse effect outcome of interest was any hospitalisations secondary to infections in the follow-up period. Continuous variables were compared using Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test. Categorical variables were summarised using frequencies and percentages and assessed by Fisher's exact test. Time-to-event data was compared using the Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test. Count data were assessed using the Poisson's regression method and expressed as incident rate ratio. RESULTS: Twenty of the 23 patients included in the analysis were managed with mycophenolate induction upfront. Indigenous Australian patients (N = 15), compared to non-Indigenous patients (N = 5) received lower cumulative dose of mycophenolate mofetil over the 24 weeks (375 g vs. 256 g, p < 0.05), had a non-significant lower incidence of complete remission at 12 months (60% vs. 40%, p = 0.617), higher incidence of composite renal adverse outcome (0/5 patients vs. 5/15 patients, p = 0.20) and higher incidence of infection related hospitalisations, (incident rate ratio 3.66, 95% confidence interval 0.89-15.09, p = 0.073). CONCLUSION: Mycophenolate as upfront induction in Indigenous Australian patients were associated with lower incidence of remission and higher incidence of adverse outcomes. These observations bring the safety and efficacy profile of mycophenolate in Indigenous Australians into question.

Psychiatric disorders and offending in an Australian birth cohort: Overrepresentation in the health and criminal justice systems for Indigenous Australians.

OBJECTIVE: Most studies that examine psychiatric illness in people who offend have focused on incarcerated samples, with little known about the larger population of individuals with criminal justice system contact. We examine the overlap between proven offences and psychiatric diagnoses with an emphasis on experiences for Indigenous Australians. METHODS: In a population-based birth cohort of 45,141 individuals born in Queensland, Australia, in 1990 (6.3% Indigenous), psychiatric diagnoses were identified from hospital admissions between ages 4/5 and 23/24 years and proven offences were identified from court records (spanning ages 10-24 years). Prevalence rates for offending, psychiatric diagnoses and their overlap were examined for Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals. Associations between specific psychiatric diagnoses and types of offending were examined using logistic regressions. RESULTS: There were 11,134 (24.7%) individuals with a finalised court appearance, 2937 (6.5%) with a diagnosed psychiatric disorder and 1556 (3.4%) with a proven offence and diagnosed psychiatric disorder, with Indigenous Australians significantly overrepresented across all outcomes. Compared with non-Indigenous Australians, Indigenous Australians were younger at their first court finalisation (Cohen's d = -0.62, 95% confidence interval = [-0.67, -0.57]), experienced a higher number of finalisations (d = 0.94, 95% confidence interval = [0.89, 1.00]) and offences (d = 0.64, 95% confidence interval = [0.59, 0.69]) and were more likely to receive custodial (d = 0.41, 95% confidence interval = [0.36, 0.46]) or supervised (d = 0.55, 95% confidence interval = [0.50, 0.60]) sentences. The overlap between offending and psychiatric illness was more pronounced for Indigenous Australians compared with non-Indigenous Australians (14.8% vs 2.7%). Substance use disorders were the most prevalent psychiatric diagnosis among individuals with a court finalisation (9.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Indigenous Australians were significantly overrepresented in court finalisations and psychiatric diagnoses. Indigenous Australians with a psychiatric diagnosis were at highest risk of experiencing a court appearance, emphasising the importance of culturally appropriate mental health responses being embedded into the criminal justice system.

Health-risk behaviours among Indigenous Australians with diabetes: A study in the integrated Diabetes Education and Eye Screening (iDEES) project.

AIM: To assess the prevalence of modifiable health-risk behaviours among Indigenous Australian adults with diabetes attending a regional Victorian Indigenous primary-care clinic. DESIGN: A cross-sectional observational single-site study. METHODS: As part of a multi-study project we administered the Smoking, Nutrition, Alcohol consumption, Physical activity and Emotional wellbeing (SNAPE) survey tool during the study baseline visit to methodically capture health-related behavioural data in the nurse-led integrated Diabetes Education and Eye Screening (iDEES) project in a regional Indigenous primary healthcare setting between January 2018 and March 2020. This descriptive SNAPE study helps address the lack of health behaviour data for Indigenous people with diabetes. RESULTS: Of 172 eligible adults, 135 (79%) were recruited to the iDEES study, 50 (37%) male. All participated in at least one survey. Median (range) age was 56 (46-67) years; 130 (96%) had Type 2 diabetes of median [IQR] duration 6 (2-12) years. All 135 provided smoking data; 88 (65%) completed all surveys. Forty-nine (36%) and 29 (22%) were current or former smokers, respectively; 5 (6%) met vegetable intake guidelines, 22 (25%) met fruit intake guidelines; 38 [43%] drank alcohol in the past year. On average, participants walked for ≥10 min at a time 4 days/week and sat for an average of 8 h on weekdays; 35 (40%) had minimal-mild, and 30 (34%) had moderate-severe depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Suboptimal modifiable health-risk behaviours and depressive symptoms are common in Indigenous Australian adults with diabetes. IMPACT: Orderly assessment and reporting of health-risk behaviours using a single multi-component survey instrument (SNAPE tool) during a nurse-led diabetes education clinical visit is feasible and efficient. Such data may facilitate personalised interventions and improve diabetes management at both individual and health service levels.

Translating research into action: The design and development of an Indigenous specific suicide intervention skills training program (I-ASIST).

Note: We respectfully refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Indigenous in this study. OBJECTIVE: To design and develop an Indigenous specific suicide intervention skills program that focuses on education and intervention training as an effective suicide prevention strategy. METHOD: Using a co-designed wrap-around framework, we developed a program in collaboration with >90 communities, stakeholders and service providers across Australia to understand knowledge, awareness and sense of connectedness between at-risk groups and health services or support groups. RESULTS: The I-ASIST training provides participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to apply a suicide intervention model. The framework behind the intervention model provides caregivers the awareness to recognise when someone may be at risk of suicide. It then gives them the skills to connect with a person at risk of suicide and to understand and clarify that risk, steps to keep that person safe for a specific period and then provide them with the resources or links required for further help. The program enables the development of knowledge through interactive strategies through cultural recognition and empowerment of participants. Based on a social-enterprise model, I-ASIST has been translated into a certified program supported by LivingWorks Australia. CONCLUSION: Based on a strengths-based and self-determination model of co-design, this grass roots innovative framework creates suicide safer communities.

'Thrown into the fossil gap': Indigenous Australian ancestral bodily remains in the hands of early Darwinian anatomists, c. 1860-1916.

This article examines in contextual depth the investigations of Indigenous Australian ancestral bodily remains by four influential British Darwinian comparative anatomists active between 1860 and 1919: George Rolleston (1829-1881), William Henry Flower (1831-1899), Alexander Macalister (1844-1919), and William Turner (1832-1916). It also reviews the examination of the structural morphology of the brains of four Indigenous Australians by Macalister's protégé, Wynfrid Lawrence Henry Duckworth (1870-1956). Since the 1970s, Darwinian scientists of the last third of the long nineteenth century have been represented in connection with the efforts of Indigenous Australian communities to have the remains of their ancestors returned for burial, as having acquired and investigated their skulls and other bodily structures to prove their evolutionary inferiority, and thereby legitimate their violent dispossession and near enslavement under so-called 'protective' regimes, where they struggled to maintain their families' health and well-being, their languages and culture. Racialized perceptions of Indigenous Australians as an evolutionarily primitive human type were perniciously influential among Australian-based and metropolitan British scientists, intellectuals, politicians and government officials during the last third of the long nineteenth century. However, as this article aims to show, by contextual scrutiny of the reportage of these leading four anatomists on their investigation of the skulls and brains of the first peoples of Tasmania and mainland Australia, they had no interest in proving Indigenous inferiority. They were driven by curiosity as to what investigation of the bodily remains of Indigenous Australians might disclose about the evolutionary genealogy of humankind. Hence, we would do well to see the outcomes of their investigations as having more complex connections with racialized perceptions of Australia's first peoples beyond medico-scientific circles, and the formulation of colonialist solutions for managing their future in the aftermath of dispossession by settler colonialism.

Facilitating diabetic retinopathy screening using automated retinal image analysis in underresourced settings.

AIM: To evaluate an automated retinal image analysis (ARIA) of indigenous retinal fundus images against a human grading comparator for the classification of diabetic retinopathy (DR) status. METHODS: Indigenous Australian adults with type 2 diabetes (n = 410) from three remote and very remote primary-care services in the Northern Territory, Australia, underwent teleretinal DR screening. A single, central retinal fundus photograph (opportunistic mydriasis) for each eye was later regraded using a single ARIA and a UK human grader and national DR classification system. The sensitivity and specificity of ARIA were assessed relative to the comparator. Proportionate agreement and a Kappa statistic were also computed. RESULTS: Retinal images from 391 and 393 participants were gradable for 'Any DR' by the human grader and ARIA grader, respectively. 'Any DR' was detected by the human grader in 185 (47.3%) participants and by ARIA in 202 (48.6%) participants (agreement =88.0%, Kappa = 0.76,), whereas proliferative DR was detected in 31 (7.9%) and 37 (9.4%) participants (agreement = 98.2%, Kappa = 0.89,), respectively. The ARIA software had 91.4 (95% CI, 86.3-95.0) sensitivity and 85.0 (95% CI, 79.3-89.5) specificity for detecting 'Any DR' and 96.8 (95% CI, 83.3-99.9) sensitivity and 98.3 (95% CI, 96.4-99.4) specificity for detecting proliferative DR. CONCLUSIONS: This ARIA software has high sensitivity for detecting 'Any DR', hence could be used as a triage tool for human graders. High sensitivity was also found for detection of proliferative DR by ARIA. Future versions of this ARIA should include maculopathy and referable DR (CSME and/or PDR). Such ARIA software may benefit diabetes care in less-resourced regions.

"This is my boy's health! Talk straight to me!" perspectives on accessible and culturally safe care among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients of clinical genetics services.

BACKGROUND: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people do not enjoy equal access to specialist health services that adequately meet their needs. Clinical genetics services are at the vanguard of realising the health benefits of genomic medicine. As the field continues to expand in clinical utility and implementation, it is critical that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are able to participate and benefit equally to avoid further widening of the existing health gap. This is the first study to explore barriers to accessing clinical genetics services among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which has been acknowledged as a key strategic priority in Australian genomic health policy. METHODS: A participatory design process engaged a majority-Aboriginal Project Reference Group and Aboriginal End-User Group. 63 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people who had accessed the government-funded clinical genetics service in Western Australia, Queensland or the Northern Territory between 2014 and 2018. The sample included patients, parents and carers. Participants were asked to recount their 'patient journey', from referral through to post-appointment and reflect on their perceptions of genetics and its implications for the health of themselves and their families. Analysis tracked chronological service engagement, followed by an inductive thematic approach. RESULTS: Barriers to access and engagement were present at each stage of the patient journey. These included challenges in obtaining a referral, long waiting periods, limited genetic literacy, absence of Aboriginal support services, communication challenges and lack of adequate psychosocial support and follow-up after attendance. Participants' overall experiences of attending a genetic health service were varied, with positive perceptions tied closely to a diagnosis being achieved. The experience of (and expectation for) recognition of cultural identity and provision of culturally safe care was low among participants. Unaddressed concerns continued to cause significant distress in some people years after their appointment took place. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant scope for improving the care provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at clinical genetics services. Immediate attention to minimising logistical barriers, developing relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and providing practical and specific cultural safety training for practitioners is required at the service-level. Our findings strongly support the development of guidelines or policies recognising the collective cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in relation to genomic health care.

End-of-life care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer: an exploratory study of service utilisation and unmet supportive care needs.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous Australians diagnosed with cancer have substantially higher cancer mortality rates compared with non-Indigenous Australians, yet there is a paucity of information about their end-of-life service utilisation and supportive care needs. PURPOSE: To describe the service utilisation and supportive care needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer at end-of-life. METHOD: Hospital admission data were linked to self-reported data from a study of Indigenous cancer patients from Queensland, Australia during the last year of their life. Needs were assessed by the Supportive Care Needs Assessment Tool for Indigenous Cancer Patients which measures 26 need items across 4 domains (physical/psychological; hospital care; information/communication; practical/cultural). A descriptive analysis of health service utilisation and unmet needs was conducted. RESULTS: In total, 58 Indigenous cancer patients were included in this analysis. All patients had at least one hospital admission within the last year of their life. Most hospital admissions occurred through emergency (38%) and outpatient (31%) departments and were for acute care (85%). Palliative care represented 14% of admissions and 78% died in hospital. Approximately half (48%) did not report any unmet needs. The most frequently reported moderate-to-high unmet need items were worry about the treatment results (17%), money worries (16%) and anxiety (16%). CONCLUSIONS: Utilisation of palliative care services that manage a full range of physical and psychosocial needs was low. Addressing worries about treatment results, finances and generalised anxiety are priorities in this population.