Climate change and Indigenous mental health in Australia: In the aftermath of the defeat of the Voice referendum.

INTRODUCTION: This manuscript delves into the intricate connection between climate change and Indigenous mental health in Australia, with a focus on the aftermath of the defeat of the 'Voice' referendum. Climate change, recognized for its broad impact on mental health determinants, poses heightened risks to vulnerable communities, including Indigenous populations. The defeat of 'The Voice' referendum adds complexity, highlighting concerns about the lack of meaningful rights for the First Peoples of Australia. The bushfires further underscore ecological consequences, affecting Indigenous ecosystems and intensifying existing environmental challenges. Climate change exacerbates existing health challenges for Indigenous peoples, introducing new issues like ecological sorrow and anxiety. METHODOLOGY: The manuscript advocates for prioritized research in Indigenous communities to explore the link between climate change and mental health. It emphasizes interdisciplinary and collaborative research, giving voice to those directly affected by climate change. The lack of trust between Indigenous populations and authorities, along with the implications on self-determination, is crucial research focus. RESULTS: Renewable energy emerges as a potential solution deeply ingrained in Indigenous practices. The manuscript discusses challenges in achieving eco-friendly resettlement, emphasizing collaboration difficulties between the government and remote communities. The indigenous worldview, with its interconnectedness, is crucial for sustainable strategies. DISCUSSION AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Indigenous perspectives on planetary health are crucial, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous knowledge in shaping effective climate policies. The manuscript stresses dialogues between policymakers and Indigenous elders for formulating respectful land laws. It calls for global attention to the role of Indigenous peoples as biodiversity caretakers and urges recognition of their knowledge in climate change. Future directions include data collection for ecosystem protection, improving mental health outcomes post-climate events, and supporting impacted communities. Mental health care approaches in remote communities and practitioner training for climate-related issues are emphasized. The manuscript calls for increased funding for interdisciplinary research to understand the long-term impact of climate change on mental health, especially among vulnerable populations.

Geospatial epidemiology of hypertension and its risk factors in India: Findings from National Family Health Survey (2015-2016).

Background: The fourth round of National Family Health Survey (2015-2016) measured blood pressure for the first time and provided a unique opportunity of exploring trends in hypertension prevalence across states and districts for the first time. Aim: This study will be the first in India to estimate the geospatial variation of hypertension among those in the 15-49 years age group in India. Materials and Methods: Out of a total of 616,346 selected occupied households, 601,509 were successfully interviewed, giving a response rate of 98%. We adjusted the proportion of hypertension obtained by using national sample weights. We built a multivariable logistic regression model to assess the determinants of hypertension. Results: The overall weighted prevalence of hypertension was 11.7%, and the prevalence was 11.1% in females and 11.0% in males. Urban areas had a higher prevalence (13.0%) compared to rural areas (11.0%). Those with no education (14.4%) and those who reported smoking (16.5%) had hypertension. Consumption of alcohol, fruits, and eggs was also found to be significantly related to hypertension. Conclusion: Hypertension epidemic is spreading alarmingly in India across rural and urban populations. Disturbingly, the hypertension prevalence is now becoming more concentrated among the poor. This phenomenon has serious implications for the country's social and economic well-being. Urgent preventive measures need to be taken at a multidisciplinary level.

Lessons learnt from alcoholism and substance use disorders (SUDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

SUD is a widespread non-communicable disease (NCD) with biological, social, or psychological foundations which policymakers have given less attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. People with alcohol dependence went into withdrawal as a result of the lockdown and acute lack of alcohol availability, which led to black marketing and, in extreme cases, suicide. On the other hand, De-addiction services in India were not adequately equipped for the SUD pandemic, and as a result, most services could not cope with lockdown problems. To generate revenue and to get out of this Catch-22 situation, the Government opened liquor shops and sold alcohol while people purchased it as usual because of excess stress, lack of social contact, loneliness and boredom. We recommend that during COVID-19 pandemic, national, state, and local governments, as along with organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous, develop and support networks to address the needs of patients with SUD.