Bioactivity of Hibbertia scandens – an Australian Aboriginal Traditional Medicinal Plant

The First Australian Community is one of the ancient civilizations which has been dependent upon the available surrounding natural resources for their clothing, nutrition and healing of disease. Unfortunately, some of their traditional medicines and / or their practical applications are lost because of poor written documentation. Plants form parts of ancient remedies used by Aboriginal peoples to heal several ailments due to their therapeutic activities. One of these medicinal plants is Hibbertia scandens (Snake Vine), which has been used by Aboriginal Communities as a traditional medicine to treat sores and rashes due to antibacterial and antiseptic properties of this plant.

A systematic review of community-based studies on mental health issues among tribal populations in India

Background & objectives: Globally, mental disorders are rising with increasing urbanization. India has the world’s second-largest tribal population and it is critical to appreciate the mental health problems in this population. However, the extent of mental health issues among tribal populations is unknown. Against this background, we systematically reviewed community-based studies on mental health issues among tribal populations in India. Methods: Online databases PubMed, Embase, ProQuest databases and Google Scholar were searched and articles published between January 1990 and May 2021 including primary community-based quantitative observational studies focused exclusively on tribal population were retrieved. PRISMA guidelines were followed and this review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020178099). Results: A total of 935 articles were identified, of which 63 were selected for full-text review, and finally, 11 studies were included. Seven studies examined alcohol use disorder with a pooled prevalence of 40 per cent. Two studies reported on suicidal attempts. A few studies mentioned anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. Interpretation & conclusions: This systematic review established that a few community-based primary studies were conducted on mental health issues among tribal populations over the last three decades. Among these, fewer studies focused exclusively on tribal communities. The studies differed in their study design and the tools used. The findings of these investigations highlighted a limited range of mental health issues, primarily alcoholism, anxiety, depression and suicide.

Screening for latent tuberculosis infection by an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service, New South Wales, Australia, 2015

Objective@#Ongoing transmission of tuberculosis (TB) continues in Indigenous communities in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. In a pilot project, a Public Health Unit TB team partnered with an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS) in a community with a cluster of TB to augment screening for latent TB infection (LTBI) using interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). This study examined screening data and programme outcomes at 12 months post hoc to advise practice and policy formulation.@*Methods@#We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of demographic and clinical data of ACCHS patients, stratified by IGRA testing status. Differences in sex and age distribution between the groups and cases of a genetically and epidemiologically linked TB cluster in Aboriginal people in NSW were assessed using non-parametric tests.@*Results@#Of 2019 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seen by general practitioners during the study period, 135 (6.7%) participated in the screening. Twenty-four (17.8%) participants were IGRA positive. One person was diagnosed with active TB. Twelve participants received a chest X-ray at the time of the positive test, and six participants had an additional chest X-ray within 12 months. None commenced preventive treatment for LTBI.@*Discussion@#ACCHS screening for LTBI reached individuals in the age group most commonly affected by TB in these Aboriginal communities. No conclusions can be made regarding the population prevalence due to the low screening rate. Further strategies need to be developed to increase appropriate follow-up and preventive treatment.

O desafio do atendimento à criança rural no canadá / The challenge of rural childcare in canada

RESUMO: No Canadá, o atendimento à infância é pouco desenvolvido, apesar de o país ser uma federação rica. Ao contrário de muitas políticas sociais bem desenvolvidas, os serviços de atendimento à infância são principalmente ofertados por meio de mercados voluntários, comerciais ou sem fins lucrativos, em vez de iniciativas governamentais. Essa estrutura política desfavorece todas as crianças e famílias e tem consequências severas, particularmente para canadenses de áreas rurais, remotas e do norte do país. Este artigo fornece uma visão geral dos servidos de atenção à infância fora das cidades, considerando (a) como o sistema político canadense de federalismo e (b) sua arquitetura política liberal de bem-estar social trabalham contra a alta qualidade e equidade dos serviços.

ABSTRACT: Childcare is underdeveloped in Canada even though the country is a rich federation. Unlike many better-developed social policies, childcare services are delivered primarily through voluntary, non-profit or commercial markets rather than by governments. This policy framework is disadvantageous for all children and families, and has particularly severe consequences for rural, remote and northern Canadians. This article provides an overview of childcare services outside of towns and cities, considering how Canada's political system of federalism and its liberal social welfare policy architecture work against high quality and equitable childcare services.

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in Aboriginal children attending hospital emergency departments in a regional area of New South Wales, Australia: a seven-year descriptive study

Objective: Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) can cause bacterial skin infections that are common problems for Aboriginal children in New South Wales (NSW). MRSA is not notifiable in NSW and surveillance data describing incidence and prevalence are not routinely collected. The study aims to describe the epidemiology of CA-MRSA in Aboriginal children in the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD). Methods: We linked data from Pathology North Laboratory Management System (AUSLAB) and the HNELHD patient administration system from 33 hospital emergency departments. Data from 2008–2014 for CA-MRSA isolates were extracted. Demographic characteristics included age, gender, Aboriginality, rurality and seasonality. Results: Of the 1222 individuals in this study, 408 (33.4%) were Aboriginal people. Aboriginal people were younger with 45.8% aged less than 10 years compared to 25.9% of non-Aboriginal people. Most isolates came from Aboriginal people who attended the regional Tamworth Hospital (193/511 isolates from 149 people). A larger proportion of Aboriginal people, compared to non-Aboriginal people, resided in outer regional (64.9% vs 37.2%) or remote/very remote areas (2.5% vs 0.5%). Most infections occurred in summer and early autumn. For Aboriginal patients, there was a downward trend through autumn, continuing through winter and spring. Discussion: Aboriginal people at HNELHD emergency departments appear to represent a greater proportion of people with skin infections with CA-MRSA than non-Aboriginal people. CA-MRSA is not notifiable in NSW; however, pathology and hospital data are available and can provide valuable indicative data to health districts for planning and policy development.

Prevalence and Predictors of Intestinal Worm Infections Among Semai Aboriginal Tribe School Children in Tapah, Malaysia

Introduction: Worm infection is one of the major global public health problems especially among rural communities. Objectives: to determine the prevalence of intestinal worm infection and factors associated among Semai Aboriginal children aged between 6 to 13 years in Tapah, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used in this study. The estimated sample size was 508. Data was collected using a validated pretested questionnaire. Faecal samples were also examined. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. Results: The response rate was 80.9%. The overall mean age of the 411 respondents was 10.1 years(95% CI = 9.89, 10.22). Majority (71.5%) were poor. Prevalence of intestinal worm infections was 60.8% and 57.2% had multiple infections. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that those with poor hygiene practices were 2.18 times the odds of worm infection when compared with children with good hygiene practices (95% CI = 1.4, 3.4). Similarly, poor attitudes towards prevention of worm infection increased the odds of having worm infection by 1.62 times among Orang Asli children. Children living without toilets had 2.45 times higher odds as compared with those who had proper toilets. Absence of river near by these areas where there is no safe water supply also increases the risk of worm infection among children by 1.84 times among Orang Asli children. Conclusions: the prevalence of worm infection is still very high among rural Aboriginal community. Current control measures should be reassessed to enable introduction of effective measures to reduce the worm infection among Orang Asli children.

A Psicologia Brasileira e os Povos Indígenas: Atualização do Estado da Arte / A Brazilian Psychology and the Indigenous Peoples: Updating the State of Art / La Psicología Brasileña y los Pueblos Indígenas: Actualización del Estadio del Arte

Resumo De acordo com o último censo do IBGE (2010a), 0,4% da população brasileira é composta por indígenas, população que vem aumentando nos últimos anos e cresceu 39% em relação ao censo de 2000, embora ainda continue sendo uma população invisibilizada e só recentemente tenha começado a ser estudada pela Psicologia. Como marcos da recente aproximação da Psicologia com a temática indígena, destacamos: o relatório do seminário “Subjetividade e Povos Indígenas” (2004) e o livro “Psicologia e Povo Indígenas” (2010). O objetivo deste estudo é atualizar o estado da arte sobre os povos indígenas na Psicologia no Brasil, considerando duas bases de dados o PePSIC e a SciELO. Utilizando como palavras-chave “indígena” ou “índio” em toda coleção na primeira base e somente nas revistas de Psicologia na segunda, encontramos um total de 25 artigos, os quais foram lidos na íntegra e agrupados de acordo com os temas estudados. Concluímos que os artigos encontrados se caracterizam, por um lado, pela interdisciplinaridade, e por outro, pela falta de um referencial teórico bem-definido específico da área da Psicologia. Entendemos que a complexidade da temática demanda um olhar interdisciplinar, no entanto, a escassez de referências específicas da Psicologia nos indica que ainda temos muito a avançar, possivelmente pela aproximação recente da Psicologia com o estudo da temática e também pela própria constituição da Psicologia enquanto ciência pautada principalmente por tradições individualistas, que destoam das tradições indígenas que se baseiam principalmente no coletivismo....(AU)

Abstract According to the last census of IBGE (2010a) 0,4% of Brazilian population is composed of indigenous, this population has increased in recent years and grew 39% compared to the 2000 census, although they continue being a invisibly population and just recently has begun to be studied by Psychology. The landmarks of the recent approach of Psychology to indigenous issues, detached: the seminar report “Subjetividade e Povos Indígenas” (2004) and the book “Psicologia e Povos Indígenas” (2010). The goal of this study is to update the state of the art on indigenous peoples in Psychology in Brazil, considering PePSIC and SciELO databases. Using as keywords “indigenous” or “Indian” throughout all the collection in the first databases and only in psychological journals in the second, we found 25 papers that have been read in full and grouped according to the subjects studied. We concludes that the articles found are characterized, first, by interdisciplinary, and secondly, the lack of specific well-defined theoretical framework in the area of psychology. We understand the complexity of the subject demands an interdisciplinary approach, however the lack of specific references Psychology tells us that we still have much to learn, possibly by the recent approach of psychology to the subject and also by the very constitution of psychology as science guided mainly individualistic traditions that are different of indigenous traditions, which are based on collectivism....(AU)

Resumen Según el ultimo censo del IBGE (2010a) el 0,4% de la población brasileña esta compuesta por indígenas, población esta que es cada vez mayor y creció 39% en relación al censo llevado a cabo en 2000, aunque continua a ser una población que no es visible y que solamente ahora empezó a ser estudiada por la Psicología. Como hitos de la reciente enfoque de la Psicología acerca de las cuestiones indígenas, destacamos: el informe del seminário “Subjetividade e Povos Indígenas” (2004) y el libro “Psicologia e Povo indígenas” (2010). El objetivo de este estudio es actualizar el estado del arte acerda de los pueblos indígenas en la Psicología brasileña, teniendo en cuenta dos bases de datos: PePSIC y SciELO. Las palabras clave utilizadas eran “indígenas” o “indios” a lo largo de la colección en la primera base y sólo en revistas de psicología en la segunda y se encontraron un total de 25 artículos que fueron leídos íntegramente y agrupados conforme el tema. Se concluí que los artículos encontrados son caracterizados por su interdisciplinariedad y por la escasez de referencias a las teorías bien definidas y específicas de la Psicología. Entendemos que la complexidad del tema necesita una mirada interdisciplinaria, sin embargo la escasez de referencias especificas de la Psicología, nos muestra que todavía hay mucho a avanzar, posiblemente por el aproximación recente de la Psicología a los estudios del tema y también por la propia constitución de la Psicología como ciencia basada principalmente en tradiciones individualistas que es diferente de las tradiciones indígenas, que son basadas en el colectivismo....(AU)

Intestinal parasites of children and adults in a remote Aboriginal community of the Northern Territory, Australia, 1994-1996

INTRODUCTION: Parasitic infections can adversely impact health, nutritional status and educational attainment. This study investigated hookworm and other intestinal parasites in an Aboriginal community in Australia from 1994 to 1996. METHODS: Seven surveys for intestinal parasites were conducted by a quantitative formol-ether method on faecal samples. Serological testing was conducted for Strongyloides stercoralis and Toxocara canis IgG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: Of the 314 participants, infections were as follows: Trichuris trichiura (86%); hookworm, predominantly Ancylostoma duodenale (36%); Entamoeba spp. (E. histolytica complex [E. histolytica, E. dispar and E. moskovski], E. coli and E. hartmanni) (25%); S. stercoralis (19%); Rodentolepis nana (16%); and Giardia duodenalis (10%). Serological diagnosis for 29 individuals showed that 28% were positive for S. stercoralis and 21% for T. canis. There was a decrease in the proportion positive for hookworm over the two-year period but not for the other parasite species. The presence of hookworm, T. trichiura and Entamoeba spp. was significantly greater in 5–14 year olds (n = 87) than in 0–4 year olds (n = 41), while the presence of S. stercoralis, R. nana, G. duodenalis and Entamoeba spp. in 5–14 year olds was significantly greater than 15–69 year olds (n = 91). DISCUSSION: Faecal testing indicated a very high prevalence of intestinal parasites, especially in schoolchildren. The decrease in percentage positive for hookworm over the two years was likely due to the albendazole deworming programme, and recent evidence indicates that the prevalence of hookworm is now low. However there was no sustained decrease in percentage positive for the other parasite species.

La solidaridad y las declaraciones internacionales de derechos humanos y bioética: el caso del derecho a la salud de los pueblos indígenas colombianos / A solidariedade e as declarações internacionais de direitos humanos e bioética: o caso do direito à saúde dos povos indígenas colombianos / Solidarity, international human rights declarations and bioethics: the case of the right to health of aboriginal Colombian peoples

Este artículo muestra el papel del principio de solidaridad en relación con el derecho a la salud de los pueblos indígenas colombianos, a partir del análisis de la Declaración Universal de los Derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas y de la Declaración de Bioética y Derechos Humanos. Se presenta la situación actual de estos grupos étnicos en términos de acceso a los más altos niveles de salud, teniendo como base los informes de Naciones Unidas, los documentos oficiales de política pública colombiana, los lineamientos de Naciones Unidas y los postulados de los pueblos indígenas respecto del derecho a la salud. La revisión evidencia que el papel de la solidaridad en este campo debe servir como elemento de promoción de las prácticas tradicionales indígenas para integrarlas a los sistemas de salud occidentales. Esto garantizaría el acceso en equidad y el fortalecimiento de sus instituciones médicas, sin generar practicas de asimilación o exclusión en el acceso al derecho a la salud.

This paper shows the role of the solidarity principle in relation to right to health of Colombian aboriginal peoples, analyzing the Universal declaration of the rights of aboriginal peoples and the Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights. Current situation of these ethnic groups is presented as it relates to access to the highest levels of health, based on reports from United Nations and postulates of aboriginal peoples regarding the tight to health. The analysis evidences that the role of solidarity in this field should serve as an element for promoting traditional indigenous practices in order to integrate them to Western health systems. This would guarantee the access in equity and the strengthening of medical institutions without generating assimilation or exclusion in the access to the right to health.

Este artigo mostra o papel do princípio da solidariedade em relação ao direito à saúde dos povos indígenas colombianos, a partir da análise da Declaração Universal dos Direitos dos Povos Indígenas e da Declaração de Bioética e Direitos Humanos. Apresenta-se a situação atual destes grupos étnicos em termos de acesso aos mais altos níveis de saúde, tendo como base os informes das Nações Unidas, os documentos oficiais de política pública colombiana, as orientações das Nações Unidas e os postulados dos povos indígenas em relação ao direito à saúde. A revisão evidencia que o papel da solidariedade neste campo deve servir como elemento de promoção das práticas tradicionais indígenas para integrá-las aos sistemas de saúde ocidentais. Isto garantiria o acesso em equidade e o fortalecimento de suas instituições médicas, sem gerar práticas de assimilação ou exclusão no acesso ao direito à saúde.

Oral health status and treatment needs of iruligas at ramanagara District, Karnataka, India / Estado de la salud oral y necesidades de tratamiento de los iruligas, en el Distrito de Ramanagara, Karnataka, India

OBJECTIVES: To assess the oral health status and treatment needs of Iruliga tribal community residing at Ramanagara District, Karnataka, India. METHODS: The total population of 2605 Iruligas residing at 26 villages of Ramanagara District was included for the study. Data were collected using World Health Organization (WHO) 1997 'Oral Health Assessment Form'. Examination was done under good natural light using a mouth mirror and community periodontal index (CPI) probe. RESULTS: The total study population was 2605, comprising 1545 males and 1060 females in the age group of 1-80 years with the mean age of 30.56 ± 19.51. The majority of Iruligas (79.8%) used chew sticks as an oral hygiene aid. Subjects with leukoplakia were found to be 3 (0.12). The most commonly seen enamel opacity/hypoplasia was diffuse opacity affecting 930 (35.7%) subjects. A mild form of dental fluorosis affected 1658 (63.65%) subjects. Subjects with bleeding were only 4.22%; subjects with calculus were 57.9%; those with shallow pockets (4-5 mm) were 22.0% and subjects with deep pockets (> 6 mm) were 3.67%. The prevalence of dental caries among Iruligas was found to be 7.52%. The mean number of decayed, missing, filled (DMF) permanent teeth per person was 0.55 ± 0.1. Definite malocclusion, which required elective treatment, was noted in 14.1%. Iruligas with need for referral were found to be 29.94% (n = 780) according to the various treatment needs required for different oral diseases. CONCLUSION: This study revealed less prevalence of oral diseases among Iruligas, highlighting the role of good oral health practices prevalent among this isolated population.

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar el estado de salud oral y las necesidades de tratamiento en la comunidad tribal Iruliga, que reside en el Distrito de Ramanagara, Karnataka, India. MÉTODOS: La población total de 2605 Iruligas que residen en 26 aldeas del Distrito de Ramanagara, fue incluida en el estudio. Los datos fueron recogidos usando el Formulario de evaluación de la salud oral (OMS) de 1997. El examen se hizo bajo buena luz natural, usando un espejo bucal, y la sonda Índice Periodontal Comunitario (IPC). RESULTADOS: La población total del estudio fue 2605, y abarcó 1545 varones y 1060 hembras en el grupo etario de 1-80 años, con una edad media de 30.56 ± 19.51. La mayoría de los Iruligas (79.8%) usaban palillos de masticar como medio para la higiene oral. Se halló que los sujetos con leucoplasia oral eran 3 (0.12). La hipoplasia u opacidad del esmalte más común fue la opacidad difusa que afectaba a 930 (35.7%) sujetos. Una forma leve de fluorosis dental afectaba a 1658 (63.65%) de los sujetos. Los sujetos con sangramiento fueron sólo el 4.22%. Los sujetos con cálculo fueron el 57.9%; los que presentaban bolsas poco profundas (4-5 mm) fueron el 22.0% y los sujetos con bolsas profundas (> 6 mm) fueron el 3.67%. Se halló que la prevalencia de las caries dentales entre los Iruligas fue de 7.52%. El número promedio de dientes permanentes con caries, faltantes y obturados (DMF) fue 0.55 ± 0.1. La maloclusión definida, que requirió tratamiento electivo, se hizo evidente en 14.1%. Se halló que los Iruligas con necesidad de ser remitidos fue un 29.94% (n = 780) de acuerdo con las diferentes necesidades de tratamiento requeridas para las diferentes enfermedades orales. CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio reveló menos prevalencia de enfermedades orales entre los Iruligas, destacando el papel de las buenas prácticas de la salud oral prevalentes entre esta población aislada.

Human papillomavirus risk factors for infection and genotype distribution in aboriginal women from Northern Argentina / Virus papiloma humano (hpv) en mujeres de la etnia Pilagá del nordeste argentino: Factores de riesgo de infección y distribución de tipos virales

The mortality rate for cervical cancer (CC) in Northern Argentina is three times higher than the average for the country (7.8 deaths/100 000 women). We determined the prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) in 227 sexually active women of the native Pilagá community in Formosa, Argentina. We also conducted an HPV-16 variant analysis and studied several community factors that might play a role in viral entry and infection. Endo- and exocervical samples were tested for HPV DNA with MY09/11-PCR or with GP5+/6+-PCR. HPV was detected in 46.7% of the samples and 21 different types were found; the most frequent being HPV-16 (19.4%), -6 and -18 (5.3%), -58 (3.5%) and -31 and -33 (3.1%). In relation to HPV-16 variants, 68.2% were European and 31.8% Asian-American. Among the cofactors analyzed only disposal of human excreta to the open air (P=0.01) was significantly associated with HPV infection. Our prevalence estimates clearly show that Pilagá women are highly exposed to or infected with high risk HPV types and therefore are at a high risk of developing precancerous lesions and eventually CC at the population level.

La tasa de mortalidad por cáncer cervical (CC) en la región norte de la Argentina es tres veces más alta que la media del país (7.8 muertes/100 000 mujeres). En el presente trabajo se determinó la prevalencia de infección por virus papiloma humano (VPH) y la distribución y frecuencia de los genotipos en 227 mujeres sexualmente activas de la etnia aborigen Pilagá (Formosa, Argentina). También se realizó un análisis de las variantes intratípicas de VPH-16 presentes en la comunidad y se analizaron diversos factores socioculturales que podrían tener algún rol destacado en la transmisión de la infección viral. Se estudiaron muestras de células endo-exocervicales mediante PCR basadas en los cebadores MY09/11 y GP5+/6+ con posterior restricción enzimática y/o hibridación dot-blot. La infección por VPH fue detectada en el 46.7% de las mujeres analizadas. Fueron identificados 21 genotipos, de los cuales los más frecuentes fueron HPV-16 (19.4%), -6 y -18 (5.3%), -58 (3.5%) y -31 y -33 (3.1%). Respecto al HPV-16, se encontraron 68.2% de variantes europeas y 31.8% de asiático-americanas. Entre los cofactores analizados, solo la disposición de excretas al aire libre estuvo significativamente asociada con la infección por VPH (P = 0.01). Los datos obtenidos reflejan que la comunidad Pilagá está altamente expuesta a las infecciones por genotipos de alto riesgo de VPH, lo cual puede estar asociado a una alta incidencia de lesiones cervicales preneoplásicas y neoplásicas.

Acceso a la vivienda, derechos de territorio / Housing access and territorial rights

El presente trabajo se propone estudiar las condiciones actuales del acceso a la vivienda en sectores sociales marginalizados y algunos de los efectos psicosociales sobre la población afectada, a través del análisis de dos casos específicos que los autores han investigado en profundidad: una cooperativa autogestiva de vivienda en la ciudad de Buenos Aires, y una comunidad aborigen en la provincia de Chubut. Se introduce la problemática a partir de la consideración de dos casos que cobraron notoriedad mediática durante el año 2010, y se discuten algunos aportes conceptuales en torno a las nociones de territorio y de organización en la comunidad. A partir del análisis de estos casos, se desprende por un lado la gravedad de los atropellos cometidos contra el derecho a la vivienda de las clases bajas y de las comunidades indígenas, así como también la capacidad de resistencia que las mismas poseen mediante su incipiente organización.

This paper aims to studying the current conditions of access to housing in marginalized social sectors and some of the psychosocial effects on the affected population, through the analysis of two specific cases that the authors have investigated in depth: a self-managed housing cooperative in the city of Buenos Aires, and an aboriginal community in the province of Chubut. The problem is introduced through the consideration of two cases that gained mediatic notoriety in 2010, and some conceptual contributions around the notions of territory and community organization are discussed. From the analysis of these cases, it is concluded on the one hand the severity of the abuses committed against the housing rights of the lower classes and indigenous communities, as well as the resilience potential that they possess through their growing organization.

Association of hypertension with risk factors & hypertension related behaviour among the aboriginal Nicobarese tribe living in Car Nicobar Island, India

Background & objectives: There are no composite estimates on prevalence of hypertension among indigenous tribes in India. The present study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of hypertension, its association with determinants, and to assess the hypertension related behaviour of the Nicobarese aborigines. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried during 2007 and 2009. Subjects were chosen by two stage design. Total 975 subjects of 1270 (response rate of 76.8%) were investigated (M: 43.5%; F: 56.5%). The data were collected by history, clinical examination (blood pressure), and examination (weight and height). The association of hypertension with age, education, tobacco, alcohol consumption and their dependency status (KF score, QF value, and AUDIT score) and nutritional status was estimated by bivariate regression analysis; the increasing trend in the prevalence of hypertension with increasing age and decreasing educational status was analysed by χ2 for linear trend. Significant variables in bivariate regression analysis (age, education, alcohol consumption status, and nutritional status) were subjected to multiple logistic regression analysis (MLR). Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 50.5 per cent [95% CI 46.1-54.9 (M: 50.7%; F: 50.3%)]. The prevalence of tobacco, alcohol consumption, and overweight/obesity was 88, 54, and 37 per cent respectively. The bivariate analysis has shown association between hypertension and age, education subcategories, alcohol consumption, and overweight/obesity (P<0.05). The increasing trend in the prevalence of hypertension with increasing age (χ2 for linear trend=95.88, P< 0.001) and decreasing educational status (χ2 for linear trend=25.55, P< 0.001) was statistically significant. MLR analysis revealed a significant association between hypertension and various age categories and overweight/obesity. Interpretation & conclusions: The findings of the present study highlight high prevalence of hypertension among Nicobarese aborigenes.

Invasive pneumococcal disease in New South Wales, Australia: reporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status improves epidemiology

The aim of this work was to determine the feasibility of improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status recording for notifiable diseases using all Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD) notifications in a regional area of New South Wales, Australia. In Australia people with IPD are nearly always admitted to hospital and their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status is recorded. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status was determined for IPD notifications by referring to the routine hospital admission data in a regional area of New South Wales, Australia. There were 234 notifications in the regional area of Hunter New England during the period 2007–2009. Initially, 168 (72%) notifications had Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status recorded. After referring to the routine hospital admission data, the recorded status increased to 232 (99%). Updating the surveillance data required less than five minutes per notification. Referring to routine hospital admission data proved a useful and time-efficient surveillance strategy to increase the proportion of notifications with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status. These data can then be used to better understand the current epidemiology of IPD. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 0–4 years have a two- to threefold higher rate of invasive pneumococcal disease than non-Aboriginal children, thus high levels of timely pneumococcal immunization coverage remain important for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Asma bronquial en poblaciones aborígenes chilenas: una realidad desconocida / Bronchial asthma in Chilean aboriginal populations: an unknown reality

According to the 2002 census living ion chile 692.192 persons belonging to ethnic groups. Largest groups correspond to the mapuche ethnic group with 604.349 people. Not know the prevalence and caractheristics ofasthma in Chilean aboriginal groups. Worlwide while the number of publications is limited research shows that asthma prevalence is important in adult indigenous population of the Australia and United States. So well havedeveloped some interesting projects in Chile of interaction in health with the mapuche and huilliche communitiesnational studies are needed to enable the development of appropriate health policies for the management of asthma aboriginal populations.

Según el censo 2002 en Chile viven 692.102 personas pertenecientes a grupos étnicos. El grupo más grande corresponde a la etnia mapuche con 604.349 personas. Se desconoce la prevalencia y características del asma bronquial en grupos aborígenes chilenos. A nivel mundial si bien el número de publicaciones es reducido los estudios revelan que el asma presenta una prevalencia importante en población indígena adulta de Australia y Estados Unidos. Si bien en Chile se han desarrollado algunos proyectos interesantes de interacción en salud en comunidades mapuches y huilliches es necesario realizar estudios nacionales que permitan el desarrollo de políticas de salud adecuadas para el manejo del asma en poblaciones indígenas.

As histórias e culturas indígenas e as afro-brasileiras nas aulas de matemática / Indians and afro-brazilians histories and culture in mathematics lessons

Inicialmente, é evidenciada a necessidade de implementação da Lei 11.645/08, que torna obrigatória a abordagem escolar das histórias e das culturas negras e indígenas. Em seguida, defende-se que: ressaltar tais culturas e histórias não implica vê-las fechadas em si mesmas; não é necessário estabelecer oposição frontal entre brancos, negros e índios; importa evidenciar o silenciado, os mecanismos de dominação e de exploração entre os grupos humanos e dissolver nossas certezas para que, ao descobrirmos outros significados, desconstruamos nossas percepções e categorizações, tornando-nos mais capazes de abordar tais histórias e culturas. Restringindo a discussão para a área de Educação Matemática, esses tópicos são, então, discutidos a partir dos referenciais da Etnomatemática, da História Cultural e dos Estudos do Imaginário. Finalmente, nesse contexto, é apresentado um breve estudo do maracatu para sugerir aos professores algumas possibilidades de ação.

Initially the necessity of implementation of the Law 11,645/08 is evidenced, which determines the approach of histories and the black and Indians cultures in the basic schools. After that, the arguments are presented: these histories and cultures are not close in itself; it is not necessary to establish a frontal opposition among white, black and Indians ; it matters to evidence the silenced one, the mechanisms of domination and exploration in human groups and, when discovering other meanings, we are becoming capable for approaching such histories and cultures. Shortening the discussion on the mathematical area, these arguments are discussed based on the use of Ethnomatematics, Cultural History and the Imaginary Studies. Finally, in this context, is presented a short study of Maracatu in order to suggest some possibilities of action to the teachers.

Investigación de parásitos intestinales en una comunidad aborigen de la provincia de Salta / Survey of intestinal parasites among an aboriginal community in Salta

Se investigó la presencia de protozoarios y helmintos intestinales en una comunidad aborigen ubicada a 6 km de Tartagal, provincia de Salta, Argentina. La edad de los individuos estudiados estaba comprendida entre 1 y 49 años. Ciento doce muestras de materia fecal se recogieron en solución acética formolada (SAF). Cada muestra se recolectó en tres días, en forma alternada. Todas las muestras se procesaron por el método de concentración bifásico de Ritchie y la técnica de flotación de Faust. Para la investigación de Enterobius vermicularis, se recolectaron 68 muestras seriadas de 6 días en formol al 5% por escobillado anal. Para la búsqueda de Dientamoeba fragilis se utilizó la coloración tricrómica modificada de Gomori-Wheatley. Ciento seis individuos (94.6%) fueron positivos para parásitos entéricos. Cuarenta y cuatro sujetos (41.5%) estaban poliparasitados, con más de cuatro especies. Los parásitos más frecuentes entre los protozoarios fueron Blastocystis hominis (58.9%), Entamoeba coli (51.8%), Giardia lamblia (27.7%) y Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (24.1%). Entre los helmintos, los hallados con mayor frecuencia fueron uncinarias (58.0%), Hymenolepis nana (31.2%) y Strongyloides stercoralis (24.1%). Por primera vez se informa Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (24.1%) y Dientamoeba fragilis (2.7%) en una comunidad aborigen de los alrededores de Tartagal. Este estudio revela el problema de salud pública que constituyen las parasitosis intestinales en la comunidad indígena estudiada, en la que coexisten la falta de saneamiento y de abastecimiento de agua potable.

The prevalence of intestinal parasitoses by protozoans and helminths was determined in an aboriginal community located 6 km from Tartagal, province of Salta, Argentina. The age of the inhabitants studied ranged from 1 to 49 years old. A total of 112 stool samples were collected in sodium acetate-acetic acid- formalin solution (SAF). Each sample was obtained in three different days, alternatively. Ritchie biphasic concentration method and Faust flotation technique were applied. For survey of Enterobius vermicularis, 68 samples were collected during six consecutive days using anal swabs. For the diagnosis of Dientamoeba fragilis, the modified trichrome Gomori-Wheatley staining technique was used. One hundred and six (94.6%) subjects resulted positive for enteric parasites. Forty-four (41.5%) individuals were positive for four or more parasites. The parasites more frequently found were, among the protozoans Blastocystis hominis (58.9%), Entamoeba coli (51.8%), Giardia lamblia (27.7%) and Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (24.1%). Among the helminths, the most frequent were hookworms (58.0%), Hymenolepis nana (31.2%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (24.1%). This is the first time that Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (24.1%) and Dientamoeba fragilis (2.7%) have been registered in the suburbs of Tartagal. This study reveals how intestinal parasitoses constitute a critical problem of public health in aboriginal communities like the one examined, where the lack of adequate sanitation conditions and unsuitable supply of water coexist.