Type 2 Diabetes in Aboriginal Peoples

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes among tribal population of india: a multi-centric cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The perception among healthcare workers is that the Indian tribal (indigenous) population are less affected by diabetes. This paper reports the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and its associated factors among tribal populations from six districts across India.

METHODOLOGY

Random blood glucose (RBG) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured for 8486 and 3131 adults, respectively, with a glucose meter. FBG ≥ 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) and RBG ≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) were used to diagnose diabetes. In addition, blood pressure, anthropometric (height, weight, waist and hip circumferences), socio-demographic (age, gender, education, type of tribe and type of village) and behavioural data (tobacco smoking, non-smoking tobacco use and alcohol consumption) were collected.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of type 2 diabetes, based on RBG, was 4.77% (95% CI: 4.33-5.25). The prevalence of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, based on FBG, was 6.80% (95% CI: 5.95-7.74) and 8.69% (7.72-9.73), respectively. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes was significantly associated with age (p<0.001), smokeless tobacco use (p < 0.05), hypertension (p < 0.001) and obesity (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes among the Indian tribal population reported in this study is less than the national average of 7.3% for the general population. Hypertension and obesity were the major risk factors. Due to changing behavioural patterns, including dietary behaviour, there is likely to be an increase in the prevalence of hypertension and obesity, which further leads to increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Hence, appropriate interventions are to be initiated by the primary healthcare system.

Integrative review of the needs and challenges of indigenous palliative care in rural and remote settings

AIMS

To appraise and synthesize the empirical literature on the needs and challenges of Indigenous peoples' accessibility to palliative care in rural and remote settings.

DESIGN

Whittemore and Knafl's updated approach to integrative reviews, PRISMA guidelines and CASP (2020) checklists for narrative analysis were followed.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search of the published empirical literature from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2021 was undertaken in five databases.

REVIEW METHODS

Twenty-four studies met the research question and the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Four themes describe the findings: Respect of Indigenous cultural beliefs on death and dying, connection to the land, needs for culturally responsive care and presence of institutional and systemic barriers. These themes indicate a pressing need to increase the accessibility and utilization of palliative care. Most of the studies were qualitative and conducted by teams of Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers.

CONCLUSION

Integrating Indigenous knowledge and providing culturally responsive palliative care are steps towards achieving the decolonization of palliative care and responding to Indigenous people's needs of palliative care services. Institutional and systemic racism affect Indigenous peoples' access and delivery of palliative services in Canada and globally.

IMPACT

The review highlights the need for establishing partnerships and building local capacity with Indigenous communities to develop and implement culturally responsive palliative care programmes in remote locations.

Environmental contaminants and the disproportionate prevalence of type-2 diabetes mellitus among Indigenous Cree women in James Bay Quebec, Canada

Indigenous populations are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes (T2DM) compared to non-Indigenous people. Of importance, the prevalence of T2DM is greater amongst females than males in First Nations communities, in contrast to higher male prevalence reported in non-Indigenous Canadians. Therefore, in this study we extend our previously published work with respect to females, and the potential association between environmental exposures to organochlorine pesticides, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) to explain the greater prevalence of T2DM among Indigenous females compared to males. Using data from the Multi-Community Environment-and-Health Study, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), examined 9-polychlorinated biphenyl congeners, 7-organic pesticides, and 4-metal/metalloids. Modified Poisson regression with robust error variance estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), regressing prevalent T2DM on the newly derived principal components (PC), adjusting for a priori covariates, including parity. We further examined the relationship between high detection concentrations of DDT and tertials of categorized DDE exposures on T2DM among Indigenous Cree women. Among 419 female participants, 23% (n = 95) had physician-diagnosed T2DM. PCA analysis show that DDT and Lead (Pb) loaded highly on the second axis (PC-2), although in opposite directions, indicating the different exposure sources. As previously published, T2DM was significantly associated with PC-2 across adjusted models, however, after further adjusting for parity in this analysis, T2DM was no longer significantly associated with increasing PC-2 scores (PR = 0.88, 95% 0.76, 1.03). Furthermore, we found that the highest detectable levels of DDT, and tertiles of DDE were significantly associated with prevalent T2DM in the fully adjusted model (PR = 1.93, 1.17, 3.19), and (PR = 3.58, 1.10, 11.70), respectively. This cross-sectional analysis suggests organochlorines, specifically, detectable high exposure concentrations of DDT and DDE are associated with prevalent type 2 diabetes, signifying a possible important link between parity and environmental organochlorines pesticides among Indigenous Cree women.

Adopting and implementing an innovative model to organize diabetes care within First Nations communities: A qualitative assessment

Background

Diabetes care remains suboptimal in First Nations populations. Innovative and culturally relevant approaches are needed to promote systematic and proactive organization of diabetes care for people living with diabetes on-reserve in Canada. The RADAR model is one strategy to improve care: an integrated disease registry paired with an electronic health record for local community healthcare providers with remote care coordination. We qualitatively assessed adoption and implementation of RADAR in First Nations communities in Alberta to inform its potential spread in the province.

Methods

We used the RE-AIM framework to evaluate adoption and implementation of RADAR in 6 First Nations communities. Using purposeful sampling, we recruited local healthcare providers and remote care coordinators involved in delivering RADAR to participate in telephone or in-person interviews at 6- and 24-months post-implementation. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and verified for accuracy. Data was analyzed using content analysis and managed using ATLAS.ti 8.

Results

In total, we conducted 21 semi-structured interviews (6 at 6-months; 15 at 24-months) with 11 participants. Participants included 3 care coordinators and 8 local healthcare providers, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and registered dietitians. We found that adoption of RADAR was influenced by leadership as well as appropriateness, acceptability, and perceived value of the model. In addition, we found that implementation of RADAR was variable across communities regardless of implementation supports and appropriate community-specific adaptations.

Conclusions

The variable adoption and implementation of RADAR has implications for how likely it will achieve its anticipated outcomes. RADAR is well positioned for spread through continued appropriate community-based adaptations and by expanding the existing implementation supports, including dedicated human resources to support the delivery of RADAR and the provision of levels of RADAR based on existing or developed capacity among local HCPs.

Trial registration

Not applicable to this qualitative assessment. ISRCTN14359671.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06424-1.

Longitudinal evaluation of risk factors and outcomes of blood stream infections due to Staphylococcus species in persons with HIV: An observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Staphylococcal blood stream infections (SBSI) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, however there is little data on such infections in persons with HIV (PWH) in the combination antiretroviral therapy era, particularly when divided by species; methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS).

METHODS

Using linked longitudinal clinical and microbiologic databases, all cases of SBSI in PWH accessing care at Southern Alberta Clinic were identified and demographic features and outcomes characterized. We compared participants with SBSI to those with no SBSI and determined the 1-year all-cause mortality following SBSI and longitudinally over the study period.

FINDINGS

From 2000 to 2018, 130 SBSI occurred in 95 PWH over 21,526 patient-years follow-up. MSSA caused 38.4%, MRSA 26.1% and CoNS 35.3% of SBSI. Highest risks for SSBI were in Hepatitis C coinfection, low CD4 nadir, Indigenous/Metis ethnicity and in persons who use injection drugs (PWID). During follow-up, 423 deaths occurred in all PWH. Mortality rates for PWH with SBSI was 74.9/1000 patient-years (95% CI 59.2-94.9) compared with no SBSI 16.0/1000 patient-years (95% CI 14.4-17.7). The mortality Hazard Ratio was 2.61(95% CI 1.95-3.49, P= <0.001) for SBSI compared to no SBSI, following adjusting for confounding. Seventy deaths occurred in persons with SBSI with 40% in the first year. Higher 1-year mortality rates occurred in hospital-acquired infections.

INTERPRETATION

Incidence rates of SBSI are high in PWH, with identified characteristics that further increase this risk. PWH who experience SBSI have a significant mortality risk within the first year of follow-up, however they also have greater long-term all-cause mortality compared to those with no SBSI. Further investigation is needed in PWH evaluating host, environment and pathogen differences that lead to differing rates of SBSI and mortality seen here.

FUNDING

No funding was received for this work.

Risk factors, incidence, and prevalence of diabetes among rural farm and non-farm residents of Saskatchewan, Canada; a population-based longitudinal cohort study

PURPOSE

Saskatchewan has a high prevalence of diabetes. It is the largest, rurally populated, predominantly agricultural province in Canada. This research aims to determine the risk factors associated with the incidence and longitudinal changes in the prevalence of diabetes among Saskatchewan's adult rural farm and non-farm residents.

METHODS

The Saskatchewan Rural Health Study (SRHS) is a prospective cohort study conducted in two phases: a baseline survey (2010, 8261 participants) and a follow-up survey (2014, 4867 participants). Generalized estimation equations and survival analysis techniques were used to determine diabetes prevalence and incidence risk factors, respectively.

RESULTS

Incidence of diabetes among rural residents was 2.75%. Positive family history, high BMI, sleep apnea and an abnormal Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) were significant predictors for diabetes incidence. A substantial increase (1.98%) of diabetes prevalence was observed after four years of follow-up. Risk factors of diabetes prevalence were increasing age, male, low income, positive family history, high BMI, hypertension and heart attack.

CONCLUSION

A mix of individual and contextual factors interacting in complex pathways were responsible for the high incidence and prevalence of diabetes among rural residents. The most original finding of that study was a positive association of sleep apnea, and ESS with incident diabetes warrants further research to identify a causal linkage. Increased diabetes risk among rural male insecticide users indicates an adverse consequence of unprotected chemical exposures in the agricultural field. Urgent population-based preventive measures should initiate to slow the increasing trend of diabetes prevalence among rural residents.

Fisher's Linear Discriminant Function Analysis and its Potential Utility as a Tool for the Assessment of Health-and-Wellness Programs in Indigenous Communities

Diabetes mellitus is a growing public health problem affecting persons in both developed and developing nations. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is reported to be several times higher among Indigenous populations compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) is a potential tool that can be used to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of Indigenous health-and-wellness programs (e.g., on-the-land programs, T2DM interventions), by creating a type of pre-and-post-program scoring system. As the communities of the Eeyou Istchee territory, subarctic Quebec, Canada, have varying degrees of isolation, we derived a DFA tool for point-of-contact evaluations to aid in monitoring and assessment of health-and-wellness programs in rural and remote locations. We developed several DFA models to discriminate between those with and without T2DM status using age, fasting blood glucose, body mass index, waist girth, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and total cholesterol in participants from the Eeyou Istchee. The models showed a ~97% specificity (i.e., true positives for non-T2DM) in classification. This study highlights how varying risk factor models can be used to discriminate those without T2DM with high specificity among James Bay Cree communities in Canada.

Incorporating Risk Stratification Into the Practice of Pediatric Preventive Cardiology

Atherosclerosis in its earliest stages is associated with the same traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors as are associated with manifest CVD events in adulthood. Clustering of risk factors is associated with exponential increases in atherosclerotic burden from a young age. Some medical conditions and risk behaviours occurring in children can either increase the likelihood of higher levels of risk factors (such as chronic kidney disease) or the presence of risk factor clustering (such as obesity and cardiometabolic syndrome) or are associated with acquired coronary artery pathology (such as Kawasaki disease). This creates a milieu for-or increases the impact of-accelerated atherosclerosis that, in turn, increases the likelihood of premature CVD. This review highlights the importance of considering the total risk factor and risk-condition profile of pediatric patients. An algorithm is provided for stratifying patients into high-, moderate-, and at-risk categories, and practical examples are provided as to how the evaluation and management of 1 risk factor or risk condition might need to be intensified in the context of additional risk factors or risk conditions. For example, for treatment of an adolescent with familial hypercholesterolemia, the target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level might be lowered by the concomitant presence of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or elevated lipoprotein(a) levels. As awareness of cardiovascular risk and atherosclerosis in pediatric patients increases, new at-risk conditions that warrant consideration are emerging. The identification and management of high-risk individuals is an important part of the overall practice of pediatric preventive cardiology.

The Prevalence of Hearing, Vision, and Dual Sensory Loss in Older Canadians: An Analysis of Data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of hearing loss (HL), vision loss (VL), and dual sensory loss (DSL) in Canadians 45–85 years of age. Audiometry and visual acuity were measured. Various levels of impairment severity were described. Results were extrapolated to the 2016 Canadian population. In 2016, 1,500,000 Canadian males 45–85 years of age had at least mild HL, 1,800,000 had at least mild VL, and 570,000 had DSL. Among females, 1,200,000 had at least mild HL, 2,200,000 had at least mild VL, and 450,000 had DSL. Among Canadians 45–85 years of age, mild, moderate, and severe HL was prevalent among 13.4 per cent, 3.7 per cent, and 0.4 per cent of males, and among 11.3 per cent, 2.3 per cent, and 0.2 per cent of females, respectively. Mild and moderate, or severe VL was prevalent among 19.8 per cent and 2.4 per cent of males, and among 23.9 per cent and 2.6 per cent of females, respectively. At least mild DSL was prevalent among 6.4 per cent of males and 6.1 per cent of females.

Closing the indigenous health gap in Canada: Results from the TransFORmation of IndiGEnous PrimAry HEAlthcare delivery (FORGE AHEAD) program

AIMS

TransFORmation of IndiGEnous PrimAry HEAlthcare Delivery (FORGE AHEAD) partnered with local clinical and community teams in 11 First Nations (FN) communities across Canada to develop quality improvement (QI) initiatives aimed at improving T2DM.

METHODS

Pre-post mixed-methods case study design was used. The 18-month intervention included community and clinical readiness, development of a community diabetes registry and clinical system, and QI activities. Participants consisted of community members, 18 yrs and older, with diabetes. Changes in clinical outcomes and clinical practice guideline (CPG) recommendations were assessed pre and post intervention using multilevel regression (patients nested within communities) adjusted forindividual andcommunity baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

No significant change in HbA1c orsBP, but a small reduction indBP(-0.75 mmHg, p < 0.05) and LDL (-0.09 mmol/L, p < 0.05) was observed in 2008 adults with T2DM (mean age: 60·5 (SD:14·6) years; female: 57·2%). Individuals not at CPG targets at baseline had significant reductions in: %HbA1c (N = 616): -0.40 (95%CI:-0·55,-0·24),sBP (N = 561): -7·67 mmHg (95%CI:-9·23, -5·72),dBP (N = 291): -7·46 mmHg (95%CI:-8·69, -6·26), LDL (N = 450): -0·37mmo/l (95%CI:-0·44, -0·29).Annual HbA1c (OR: 1·95; 95%CI:1·66, 2·29), BP (OR: 1·78; 95%CI:1·52, 2·09), LDL (OR: 1·27; 95%CI:1·10, 1·47) and CKD screening (OR: 6·37; 95%CI:5·16, 7·92)increased but retinopathy screening decreased (OR: 0·68; 95%CI:0·57, 0·82). No significant change in foot exams (OR: 0·97; 95%CI:0·76, 1·23) or BMI recordings (OR: 0·96; 95%CI:0·82, 1·12) was seen. Overall, individualsweremorelikely to receive ≥75% of CPG recommended services compared to baseline (OR: 1·51; 95%CI:1·27, 1·80).

CONCLUSIONS

FORGE AHEAD is the first Canadian study to demonstrate that a FN community-led QI intervention can lead to diabetes improvements.

Diabetes prevalence, incidence and mortality in First Nations and other people in Ontario, 1995-2014: a population-based study using linked administrative data

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is an established health concern in First Nations communities and is associated with complex influences of colonization. This study, a partnership between First Nations and academic researchers, was undertaken to determine patterns of diabetes prevalence, incidence and mortality in Ontario.

METHODS

Using health services and population data from Ontario for 1995 to 2014, linked with the federal Indian Register, we calculated age- and sex-adjusted annual estimates of diabetes prevalence, incidence and mortality for First Nations people (living within and outside First Nations communities) and other people in Ontario. We also examined age- and sex-specific crude diabetes prevalence.

RESULTS

Between 1995 and 2014, the prevalence of diabetes increased and the incidence decreased somewhat in all populations. Both prevalence and incidence were substantially higher among First Nations people than among other people in Ontario. In particular, First Nations women had higher prevalence than other women (4.2% v. 1.6% for ages 20-34 yr and 17.6% v. 6.0% for ages 35-49 yr). The lifetime risk of diabetes was higher among First Nations people than among other people in Ontario (57.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 56.3%-57.6% v. 44.5%, 95% CI 44.4%-44.6%). Over time, all-cause mortality for those with diabetes declined but remained consistently higher for First Nations people than for other people in Ontario.

INTERPRETATION

Diabetes is more common among First Nations people than among other people in Ontario, particularly at younger ages and in women. First Nations-led approaches to address the high prevalence of diabetes in younger First Nations women have the potential to improve metabolic health across generations.

Working towards a better understanding of type 2 diabetes care organization with First Nations communities: a qualitative assessment

Background

Diabetes care is suboptimal in First Nations populations. Innovative and culturally-relevant approaches are needed to promote proactive organization of diabetes care for diabetes patients on-reserve in Canada. The Reorganizing the Approach to Diabetes care through the Application of Registries (RADAR) model is one strategy to improve care: an integrated disease registry and electronic health record for community healthcare workers with centralized care coordination. The aim of this study was to qualitatively assess the organization of type 2 diabetes care in participating communities in Alberta, Canada, at baseline prior to implementing RADAR.

Methods

Using qualitative description, we purposefully sampled healthcare workers involved in diabetes care at each health center. We used the 5Rs framework (i.e., Recognize, Register, Resource, Relay, Recall) to inform the baseline assessment and conducted group interviews in 6 communities with 16 healthcare workers. Detailed notes were taken and validated by participants. Data was managed using ATLAS.ti 8 and analyzed using content analysis.

Results

We found strong commitment and effort by local healthcare workers to support people living with type 2 diabetes in their communities. However, healthcare workers were limited in their ability to identify (i.e., recognize), track (i.e., register and relay) and manage (i.e., resource and recall) people with type 2 diabetes as proposed by the 5Rs framework. The organization of diabetes care was often reactive and dependent on patients’ abilities to navigate the health system. Interestingly, participants talked about the 5Rs in relationship to one another, not in a linear or isolated manner.

Conclusions

Overall, the organization of diabetes care in participating communities did not align with the recommended approach of the 5Rs framework. In addition, we propose “reimagining” the 5Rs to reflect the interdependence and mediation of components situated within human and financial resources. This will better equip healthcare workers to assess, plan and execute organized and proactive diabetes care. However, the onus on people living with type 2 diabetes to engage with healthcare services remains a concern.

Trial registration

ISRCTN.com, ISRCTN14359671.

Improving Cultural Safety of Diabetes Care in Indigenous Populations of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States: A Systematic Rapid Review

OBJECTIVES

Our aim in this study was to identify interventions that improve cultural safety for Indigenous people living with diabetes in the health-care setting, and their potential impact on patients and health-care professionals.

METHODS

Using a systematic approach, we conducted a rapid review of quantitative, qualitative and mixed studies between January 2000 and February 2018 in MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, ERIC, CINAHL and PsycINFO. Two reviewers independently identified, selected and reviewed studies relating to cultural safety in diabetes care for Indigenous populations in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the United States.

RESULTS

Of the 406 studies identified, we retained 7 articles (2 strong quality, 5 moderate quality) for analysis. The included studies evaluated 3 main types of strategies to improve cultural safety: educating health professionals, fostering culturally safe practices by modifying clinical environments and integrating Indigenous health professionals in the workforce. Studies showed that culturally safe interventions had positive effects on clinical outcomes for patients, increased patient satisfaction and health professional confidence in providing care as well as patient access to health care.

CONCLUSIONS

Although based on a small number of studies, this review establishes moderate evidence that interventions to improve cultural safety can have positive effects on treatment of diabetes in Indigenous populations. Further research with stronger study designs should be conducted to further validate our conclusions.

Characteristics of Women With Gestational Diabetes From Non-Caucasian Compared With Caucasian Ethnic Groups

OBJECTIVES

Short- and long-term outcomes in women after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) vary by ethnicity. Understanding differences in baseline diabetes risk factors is important for informing choice of risk-reducing interventions. We aimed to compare maternal and pregnancy-related characteristics in Caucasian and non-Caucasian women with GDM.

METHODS

Using a large multicentre Canadian cohort of women diagnosed with GDM and recruited between 2009 and 2013, we compared demographic, clinical and behavioural characteristics in women with GDM across 7 ethnic groups. Data were obtained from chart reviews and surveys, and logistic and linear regression models were used to compare binary and continuous variables, respectively, between Caucasian and non-Caucasian ethnic groups.

RESULTS

Of the 1,332 women with GDM, 911 were eligible for inclusion. Of these, 41.4% were white Caucasian, 17.1% were South Asian, 18.4% were East Asian, 5.8% were black, 8.8% were Filipina, 5.2% were Middle Eastern and 3.3% were Hispanic. Non-Caucasian women were diagnosed with GDM at a younger age and were more likely to have a family history of diabetes compared with Caucasian women. With the exception of East Asians, non-Caucasian women were more likely to be overweight using ethnicity-specific body mass index cutoffs and have higher oral glucose tolerance test values than Caucasian women. Prepregnancy smoking and alcohol consumption prevalence were highest in Caucasian women.

CONCLUSIONS

Several important ethnicity-specific differences in clinical and behavioural characteristics of women with GDM were identified. These differences need to be considered when offering interventions for reducing risk of adverse perinatal outcomes and subsequent type 2 diabetes.

Prevalence of Diabetes, Prediabetes, and Obesity in the Indigenous Kuna Population of Panamá

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a burgeoning disease affecting more than 8% of the world population. Indigenous communities are disproportionately impacted by diabetes; however, limited data is available on prevalence and correlates of diabetes.

METHODS

Data was collected from 211 Indigenous Kuna adults off the coast of Panamá in the San Blas region of the Caribbean. Diabetes and prediabetes were measured by HbA1c. Obesity was defined using the US BMI categories as well as categories defined by the WHO to assess obesity among Asian populations. Univariate analyses (chi2 tests) were used to investigate diabetes status and obesity by demographic factors. Logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of diabetes and obesity.

RESULTS

Of the 211 adults, 13% had diabetes, 35% had prediabetes, and approximately 39% were obese. Using the Asian cut point for obesity, this number increased to 61%. Income was statistically significantly related to an HbA1c cut point of 6.5 (p = 0.005). Individuals who reported a monthly income of greater than $250 had increased odds of prediabetes and diabetes nearly sixfold for HbA1c of > 6.5 (OR 6.3; CI 1.43-28.45) and HbA1c of > 5.7 (OR 5.1; CI 1.03-26.14).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings represent one of the first studies examining diabetes and prediabetes in indigenous Kuna of the San Blas region. Our findings suggest Kuna Indians may be at an increased risk for diabetes and prediabetes. Current national estimates for diabetes is considered low in this population. Greater understanding of determinants of diabetes and obesity are needed in order to address diabetes in this indigenous community.

Nurse-led diabetic retinopathy screening: a pilot study to evaluate a new approach to vision care for Canadian Aboriginal peoples

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of new cases of blindness and is pandemic among Aboriginal people around the world. To reduce health inequities, accessible vision screening among these high-risk populations is essential. To assess cardio-metabolic co-morbidities associated with type 2 diabetes and the use of a portable fundus camera as a novel approach for convenient, earlier and more accessible vision screening for Aboriginal peoples living with type 2 diabetes in northern and remote Canadian communities. This quantitative pilot study screened participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for commonly associated cardio-metabolic co-morbidities using anthropometrical measurements, blood pressure and a A1c (HbA1c) blood glucose test, followed by vision exams conducted first by a trained nurse and then by an ophthalmologist to screen for signs of retinopathy using fundus photography. Large numbers of the participants presented with overweight/obese (84.8%), pre-hypertension/hypertension (69.7%) and an elevated A1C (78.8%). Inter-rater reliability demonstrated substantial agreement between vision exam judgements made by the nurse and ophthalmologist (k = .67). Nurse-led vision screening in remote or northern communities can improve the standard of care by extending access to health services, lowering the costs to families by reducing travel expenses and preventing vision loss in a family member.

Disparities in health outcomes among seniors without a family physician in the North West Local Health Integration Network: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The relationship between having a family physician and in-hospital and postdischarge health outcomes among older adults is unclear. We ascertained the proportion of seniors who did not have a family physician and were admitted to an Ontario tertiary care centre, and we determined the association between having/not having a family physician and in-hospital mortality, 1-year mortality and readmission after live discharge.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of community-dwelling seniors who were admitted to a medical service at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. We conducted regression analyses adjusted for demographic factors, prior health care utilization, and factors associated with the index admission to determine the association between family physician status and the study outcomes.

RESULTS

Among the 12 033 seniors admitted to hospital between Apr. 1, 2004, and Mar. 31, 2013, 40.7% lacked a family physician. Among those without a family physician, 8.0% (390/4899) died during the index admission and 15.8% (714/4509) died in the subsequent year. Adjusted regression models showed that not having a family physician was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33-1.83). Regression models of all-cause 1-year mortality and readmission also suggested that lack of a family physician was associated with detrimental health outcomes (hazard ratio 1.14, 95% CI 1.04-1.26; subdistribution hazard ratio 1.17, 95% CI 1.10-1.24, respectively).

INTERPRETATION

Elders without family physicians were disadvantaged during their hospital admission as well as in the subsequent year. Additional interventions aimed at increasing the proportion of seniors admitted to hospital who are connected with a family physician are warranted.

National Survey of Indigenous primary healthcare capacity and delivery models in Canada: the TransFORmation of IndiGEnous PrimAry HEAlthcare delivery (FORGE AHEAD) community profile survey

Background

There is a significant deficiency of national health information for Indigenous peoples in Canada. This manuscript describes the Community Profile Survey (CPS), a community-based, national-level survey designed to identify and describe existing healthcare delivery, funding models, and diabetes specific infrastructure and programs in Indigenous communities.

Methods

The CPS was developed collaboratively through FORGE AHEAD and the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada. Regional and federal engagement and partnerships were built with Indigenous organizations to establish regionally-tailored distribution of the 8-page CPS to 440 First Nations communities. Results were collected (one survey per community) and reported in strata by region, with descriptive analyses performed on all variables. Results were shared with participating communities and regional/federal partners through tailored reports.

Results

A total of 84 communities completed the survey (19% response rate). The majority of communities had a health centre/office to provide service to their patients with diabetes, with limited on-reserve hospitals for ambulatory or case-sensitive conditions. Few healthcare specialists were located on-site, with patients frequently travelling off-site (> 40 km) for diabetes-related complications. The majority of healthcare professionals on-site were Health Directors, Community Health Nurses, and Home Care Nurses. Many communities had a diabetes registry but few reported a diabetes surveillance system. Regional variation in healthcare services, diabetes programs, and funding models were noted, with most communities engaging in some type of innovative strategy to improve care for patients with diabetes.

Conclusions

The CPS is the first community-based, national-level survey of its kind in Canada. Although the response rate was low, the CPS was distributed and successfully administered across a broad range of First Nations communities, and future considerations would benefit from a governance structure and leadership that strengthens community engagement, and a longitudinal research approach to increase the representativeness of the data. This type of information is important for communities and regions to inform decision making (maintain successes, and identify areas for improvement), strengthen health service delivery and infrastructure, increase accessibility to healthcare personnel, and allocate funding and/or resources to build capacity and foster a proactive chronic disease prevention and management approach for Indigenous communities across Canada.

Trial registration

Current ClinicalTrial.gov protocol ID NCT02234973. Registered: September 9, 2014.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-018-3578-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A cross-sectional analysis of the relationship between diabetes and health access barriers in an urban First Nations population in Canada

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the relationship between health access barriers and diabetes in an urban First Nations population in Canada.

DESIGN

Data from a self-identified urban First Nations population were collected using respondent-driven sampling (RDS). As no clear approach for regression modelling of RDS data is available, two logistic regression modelling approaches, including survey-based logistic and generalised linear mixed models, were used to explore the relationship between diabetes and health barriers of interest, including access to healthcare, food, housing and socioeconomic factors.

SETTING

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

This cross-sectional study used data collected from the Our Health Counts study, in partnership with the De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre, which recruited 554 First Nations adults living in Hamilton using RDS.

RESULTS

After adjusting for covariates, multivariable regression techniques showed a statistically significant relationship between a self-reported diagnosis of diabetes and a lack of culturally appropriate care among urban First Nations peoples (OR: 12.70, 95% CI 2.52 to 57.91). There was also a trend towards a relationship between diabetes and not having a doctor available in the area, feeling that healthcare provided was inadequate and a lack of available healthcare services in the area.

CONCLUSIONS

Urban First Nations peoples who felt the health service they received was not culturally appropriate were more likely to have diabetes, compared with those who did not feel the service they received was culturally inappropriate. Establishing more healthcare services that integrate First Nations cultures and traditions could improve access to care and the course of treatment for urban First Nations peoples living with diabetes.

Examining the association between diabetes, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation among Aboriginal Canadian peoples living off-reserve: a cross-sectional, population-based study

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a prevalent chronic condition that has been linked to depression and suicidal behavior. The Aboriginal peoples of Canada are known to suffer from significant health disparities and higher burden of physical and mental illnesses. The purpose of this study was to assess whether diabetes is associated with higher depressive symptoms and lifetime suicidal ideation among Aboriginal Canadian peoples living off-reserve.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Aboriginal Peoples Survey, 2012. Depressive symptoms were evaluated by a modified version of the previously validated K-10 scale, while diabetes and suicidal ideation were self-reported. A secondary analysis was conducted on a weighted sample of 689,860 participants for depressive symptoms (9.25% diabetics) and 694,960 for suicidal ideation (9.39% diabetics). Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

Our study found that the prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher among diabetics (17.53%) compared with nondiabetics (11.12%; OR =1.70, 95% CI: 1.22-1.61). After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, smoking/alcohol use/drug use, anxiety disorders, and other chronic illnesses, diabetes was still significantly associated with depressive symptoms (aOR =1.46, 95% CI: 1.03-2.07). Additionally, diabetics (23.86%) were more likely to report suicidal ideation compared with nondiabetics (18.71%; OR =1.36, 95% CI: 1.05-1.77). Controlling for the effect of sociodemographics and health-related behaviors, diabetes was still associated with higher risk of reporting suicidal ideation (aOR =1.40, 95% CI: 1.05-1.88).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the Aboriginal Canadian diabetic patients living off-reserve are at higher risk of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Culturally appropriate co-screening strategies need to be implemented in primary health care settings to provide the supports necessary for this vulnerable population. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the nature of these associations in order to develop effective intervention and treatment approaches.

Impacts of Educating for Equity Workshop on Addressing Social Barriers of Type 2 Diabetes With Indigenous Patients

INTRODUCTION

Health education about Indigenous populations in Canada (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people) is one approach to enable health services to mitigate health disparities faced by Indigenous peoples related to a history of colonization and ongoing social inequities. This evaluation of a continuing medical education workshop, to enhance family physicians' clinical approach by including social and cultural dimensions within diabetes management, was conducted to determine whether participation in the workshop improved self-reported knowledge, skills, and confidence in working with Indigenous patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

The workshop, developed from rigorous national research with Indigenous patients, diabetes care physicians, and Indigenous health medical educators, was attended by 32 family physicians serving Indigenous populations on three sites in Northern Ontario. A same-day evaluation survey assessed participants' satisfaction with workshop content and delivery. Preworkshop and postworkshop surveys consisting of 5-point Likert and open-ended questions were administered 1 week before and 3 month after the workshop. Descriptive statistics and t test were performed to analyze Likert scale questions; thematic analysis was used to elicit and cluster themes from open-ended responses.

RESULTS

Participants reported high satisfaction with all aspects of the workshop. Reporting improved understanding of socioeconomic (P = .002), psychosocial, and cultural factors (P = .001), participants also described adapting their clinical approach to more actively incorporating social and cultural factors and focusing on patient-centered care.

DISCUSSION

The workshop was effective in shifting physician's self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and skills resulting in clinical approach modifications within social, psychosocial, and cultural domains for their Indigenous patients with diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes in Canadian Aboriginal Adolescents: Risk Factors and Prevalence

PURPOSE

To identify the risk factors and prevalence rates of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes among northern Canadian Aboriginal adolescents.

DESIGN AND METHODS

In this novel exploratory, quantitative study, 160 high school students (aged 13-21) from three northern, predominantly Canadian Aboriginal communities were screened for risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes including demographic data, family medical history, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Descriptive and inferential statistics, in addition to chi-square analysis, were used to establish risk and prevalence rates for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in Aboriginal adolescents.

RESULTS

At least half of the adolescents presented with multiple risk factors for type 2 diabetes. In this sample, 10% had an HbA1c>5.7%, 22.5% were overweight, 17.5% were obese, and 26.6% had prehypertension or hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are emerging as serious health concerns for young Aboriginal Canadians. This is troubling because both result from modifiable risk factors. As this study is the first to examine the prevalence of prediabetes in Canadian Aboriginal adolescents in the last decade, the findings underscore the necessity for early screening of Aboriginal adolescents for both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Recommendations toward positive health outcomes include the introduction of early age screening programs, followed by culturally relevant interventions, specific to the modifiable risk factors (overweight/obesity and hypertension), and developed in collaboration with the communities. Such approaches have the potential to prevent the progression of prediabetes to diabetes and reduce complications related to type 2 diabetes.

Explaining the causal links between illness management and symptom reduction: Development of an evidence-based patient education strategy

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether explaining the causal links between illness management and symptom reduction would help younger and older adults learn and apply health information.

METHOD

Ninety younger and 51 older adults read about a fictitious disease with or without explanations about the cause-and-effects (causal information) of illness management. A knowledge test (applied vs. factual items) was administered immediately and 1-week following the presentation of health booklets. Reading comprehension, working memory and health literacy were assessed as covariate variables.

RESULTS

Younger adults outperformed older individuals on the applied and factual items at both time points. After controlling for covariates, causal information facilitated the comprehension and application of health information for younger but not older adults. Reading comprehension was the best predictor of test performance in the older sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Providing an explanation of why illness management is effective for reducing symptomatology can help improve knowledge and application of health information for younger individuals. For older adults, lowering the verbal demands of patient education materials may be a better way to help them learn new health information.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Use of causal information as a teaching strategy in patient education may enhance individuals' ability to learn about and implement self-care strategies.

Call to action: A new path for improving diabetes care for Indigenous peoples, a global review

Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in Indigenous populations around the globe, and there is an urgent need to improve the health and health equity of Indigenous peoples with diabetes through timely and appropriate diabetes prevention and management strategies. This review describes the evolution of the diabetes epidemic in Indigenous populations and associated risk factors, highlighting gestational diabetes and intergenerational risk, lifestyle risk factors and social determinants as having particular importance and impact on Indigenous peoples. This review further describes the impact of chronic disease and diabetes on Indigenous peoples and communities, specifically diabetes-related comorbidities and complications. This review provides continued evidence that dramatic changes are necessary to reduce diabetes-related inequities in Indigenous populations, with a call to action to support programmatic primary healthcare transformation capable of empowering Indigenous peoples and communities and improving chronic disease prevention and management. Promising strategies for transforming health services and care for Indigenous peoples include quality improvement initiatives, facilitating diabetes and chronic disease registry and surveillance systems to identify care gaps, and prioritizing evaluation to build the evidence-base necessary to guide future health policy and planning locally and on a global scale.

Back to the basics: Identifying and addressing underlying challenges in achieving high quality and relevant health statistics for indigenous populations in Canada

Canada is known internationally for excellence in both the quality and public policy relevance of its health and social statistics. There is a double standard however with respect to the relevance and quality of statistics for Indigenous populations in Canada. Indigenous specific health and social statistics gathering is informed by unique ethical, rights-based, policy and practice imperatives regarding the need for Indigenous participation and leadership in Indigenous data processes throughout the spectrum of indicator development, data collection, management, analysis and use. We demonstrate how current Indigenous data quality challenges including misclassification errors and non-response bias systematically contribute to a significant underestimate of inequities in health determinants, health status, and health care access between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada. The major quality challenge underlying these errors and biases is the lack of Indigenous specific identifiers that are consistent and relevant in major health and social data sources. The recent removal of an Indigenous identity question from the Canadian census has resulted in further deterioration of an already suboptimal system. A revision of core health data sources to include relevant, consistent, and inclusive Indigenous self-identification is urgently required. These changes need to be carried out in partnership with Indigenous peoples and their representative and governing organizations.

Teleophthalmology for first nations clients at risk of diabetic retinopathy: a mixed methods evaluation

BACKGROUND

Access to health services is a particular challenge for First Nations (aboriginal Canadians) communities living in remote or underserviced areas. Teleophthalmology can provide them with the same level of retinal screening services provided to those in urban centers. This screening can lead to the identification of high-risk individuals who can then be monitored and receive treatment related to their diabetes or other health issues.

OBJECTIVE

The intent was to develop, implement, and evaluate a service delivery model for teleophthalmology screening and follow-up for at-risk and diabetic First Nations clients on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

METHODS

A highly consultative, culturally appropriate, and collaborative approach was used to develop and deploy a teleophthalmology service delivery model to First Nations communities. This project was evaluated with regard to utilization and operational costs. Also, clinicians and team members involved in the teleophthalmology project provided assessments of the teleopthalmology quality, productivity, and access. Health providers in First Nations communities provided their perceptions of areas of improvement for the remote retinal screening services, areas where expansion of services could be offered, and opportunities to increase client education and health promotion.

RESULTS

All 51 First Nations communities on Vancouver Island expressed interest in receiving teleopthalmology services. During the 1-year project, teleopthalmology clinics were held in 43 of 51 communities on Vancouver Island. During these clinics, 524 clients were screened and 140 of those clients were referred to a general ophthalmologist, family doctor, retinal specialist, optometrist, or other provider. Ratings of teleopthalmology system quality, information quality, service quality, and system usage were positive. Satisfaction with the teleopthalmology project was high among clinicians involved with the project. Satisfaction was also high among health providers in First Nations communities, with clinic scheduling identified as a potential area of improvement moving forward. The average cost savings per client, taking project costs into consideration, was calculated to be CAN $28.16, which was largely due to the elimination of client travel costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Teleophthalmology was a welcome addition to health services by the First Nations communities on Vancouver Island, as evidenced by the 100% rate of interest from those communities. There was no evidence of dissatisfaction by clinicians involved in the teleopthalmology project or by First Nations community health providers. The now-operational teleopthalmology program is a testament to the early success of the project.

Maternal-infant health outcomes and nursing practice in a remote First Nations community in northern Canada

This article reports those findings related to maternal-infant health outcomes of an ethnographic study that explored nursing practice, continuity of care, and health outcomes in one remote First Nations community in northern Canada. Use of multiple data sources within an ethnographic design ensured that quantitative health outcomes data were interpreted within a contextualized understanding of the remote First Nations community.The sample comprised the charts of 65 mothers and 63 infants randomly selected for retrospective chart review. The findings suggest suboptimal maternal-infant health outcomes on several of the health indicator criteria identified for the purposes of this study. The authors discuss long-term sequelae of prenatal and infant health in terms of diabetes and other chronic health conditions in First Nations populations.They explore the implications of these findings in relation to nurses' preparation to offer prenatal and infant primary care in remote First Nations communities.