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Heraganahally SS, Gibbs C, Ravichandran SJ, Erdenebayar D, Abeyaratne A, Howarth T. Factors influencing survival and mortality among adult Aboriginal Australians with bronchiectasis-A 10-year retrospective study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1366037. [PMID: 38774399 PMCID: PMC11106411 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1366037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of bronchiectasis among adult Aboriginal Australians is higher than that of non-Aboriginal Australians. However, despite evidence to suggest higher prevalence of bronchiectasis among Aboriginal people in Australia, there is sparce evidence in the literature assessing clinical parameters that may predict survival or mortality in this population. Methods Aboriginal Australians residing in the Top End Health Service region of the Northern Territory of Australia aged >18 years with chest computed tomography (CT) confirmed bronchiectasis between 2011 and 2020 were included. Demographics, body mass index (BMI), medical co-morbidities, lung function data, sputum microbiology, chest CT scan results, hospital admissions restricted to respiratory conditions and all-cause mortality were assessed. Results A total of 459 patients were included, of whom 146 were recorded deceased (median age at death 59 years). Among the deceased cohort, patients were older (median age 52 vs. 45 years, p = 0.023), had a higher prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (91 vs. 79%, p = 0.126), lower lung function parameters (median percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s 29 vs. 40%, p = 0.149), a significantly greater proportion cultured non-Aspergillus fungi (65 vs. 46%, p = 0.007) and pseudomonas (46 vs. 28%, p = 0.007) on sputum microbiology and demonstrated bilateral involvement on radiology. In multivariate models advancing age, prior pseudomonas culture and Intensive care unit (ICU) visits were associated with increased odds of mortality. Higher BMI, better lung function on spirometry, prior positive sputum microbiology for Haemophilus and use of inhaled long-acting beta antagonist/muscarinic agents may have a favourable effect. Conclusion The results of this study may be of use to stratify high risk adult Aboriginal patients with bronchiectasis and to develop strategies to prevent future mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subash S. Heraganahally
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Darwin Respiratory and Sleep Health, Darwin Private Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Claire Gibbs
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Timothy Howarth
- Darwin Respiratory and Sleep Health, Darwin Private Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Ng LY, Howarth TP, Doss AX, Charakidis M, Karanth NV, Mo L, Heraganahally SS. Significance of lung nodules detected on chest CT among adult Aboriginal Australians - a retrospective descriptive study. J Med Radiat Sci 2024. [PMID: 38516966 DOI: 10.1002/jmrs.783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are limited data on chest computed tomography (CT) findings in the assessment of lung nodules among adult Aboriginal Australians. In this retrospective study, we assessed lung nodules among a group of adult Aboriginal Australians in the Northern Territory of Australia. METHODS Patients who underwent at least two chest CT scans between 2012 and 2020 among those referred to undergo lung function testing (spirometry) were included. Chest CT scans were assessed for the number, location, size and morphological characteristics of lung nodules. RESULTS Of the 402 chest CTs assessed, 75 patients (18.7%) had lung nodules, and 57 patients were included in the final analysis with at least two CT scans available for assessment over a median follow-up of 87 weeks. Most patients (68%) were women, with a median age of 58 years and smoking history in 83%. The majority recorded only a single nodule 43 (74%). Six patients (10%) were diagnosed with malignancy, five with primary lung cancer and one with metastatic thyroid cancer. Of the 51 (90%) patients assessed to be benign, 64 nodules were identified, of which 25 (39%) resolved, 38 (59%) remained stable and one (1.8%) enlarged on follow-up. Nodules among patients with malignancy were typically initially larger and enlarged over time, had spiculated margins and were solid, showing no specific lobar predilection. CONCLUSIONS Most lung nodules in Aboriginal Australians are likely to be benign. However, a proportion could be malignant. Further prospective studies are required for prognostication and monitoring of lung nodules in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai Yun Ng
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Timothy P Howarth
- Darwin Respiratory and Sleep Health, Darwin Private Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Diagnostic Imaging Centre, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Northern Savo, Finland
| | - Arockia X Doss
- Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michail Charakidis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Narayan V Karanth
- Department of Medical Oncology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Lin Mo
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Subash S Heraganahally
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Darwin Respiratory and Sleep Health, Darwin Private Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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Howarth T, Gibbs C, Heraganahally SS, Abeyaratne A. Hospital admission rates and related outcomes among adult Aboriginal australians with bronchiectasis - a ten-year retrospective cohort study. BMC Pulm Med 2024; 24:118. [PMID: 38448862 PMCID: PMC10918854 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-02909-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study assessed hospitalisation frequency and related clinical outcomes among adult Aboriginal Australians with bronchiectasis over a ten-year study period. METHOD This retrospective study included patients aged ≥ 18 years diagnosed with bronchiectasis between 2011 and 2020 in the Top End, Northern Territory of Australia. Hospital admissions restricted to respiratory conditions (International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code J) and relevant clinical parameters were assessed and compared between those with and without hospital admissions. RESULTS Of the 459 patients diagnosed to have bronchiectasis, 398 (87%) recorded at least one respiratory related (ICD-J code) hospitalisation during the 10-year window. In comparison to patients with a recorded hospitalisation against those without-hospitalised patients were older (median 57 vs 53 years), predominantly females (54 vs 46%), had lower body mass index (23 vs 26 kg/m2) and had greater concurrent presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (88 vs 47%), including demonstrating lower spirometry values (forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (median FVC 49 vs 63% & FEV1 36 vs 55% respectively)). The total hospitalisations accounted for 3,123 admissions (median 4 per patient (IQR 2, 10)), at a median rate of 1 /year (IQR 0.5, 2.2) with a median length of 3 days (IQR 1, 6). Bronchiectasis along with COPD with lower respiratory tract infection (ICD code-J44) was the most common primary diagnosis code, accounting for 56% of presentations and 46% of days in hospital, which was also higher for patients using inhaled corticosteroids (81 vs 52%, p = 0.007). A total of 114 (29%) patients were recorded to have had an ICU admission, with a higher rate, including longer hospital stay among those patients with bronchiectasis and respiratory failure related presentations (32/35, 91%). In multivariate regression model, concurrent presence of COPD or asthma alongside bronchiectasis was associated with shorter times between subsequent hospitalisations (-423 days, p = 0.007 & -119 days, p = 0.02 respectively). CONCLUSION Hospitalisation rates among adult Aboriginal Australians with bronchiectasis are high. Future interventions are required to explore avenues to reduce the overall morbidity associated with bronchiectasis among Aboriginal Australians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Howarth
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Darwin Respiratory and Sleep Health, Darwin Private Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
- College of Health and Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Claire Gibbs
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Subash S Heraganahally
- Darwin Respiratory and Sleep Health, Darwin Private Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia.
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, Darwin, NT, Australia.
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Darwin, NT, Australia.
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Doss AX, Howarth TP, Ng L, Doss SA, Heraganahally SS. Significance and prognostication of mediastinal lymph node enlargement on chest computed tomography among adult Indigenous Australians. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2023; 67:726-733. [PMID: 37549958 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a lack of data on chest computed tomography (CT) findings on mediastinal lymph node enlargement (MLE), including normal size threshold of less than 10 or 15 mm for MLE among Indigenous Australians. In this study, we assessed the significance and the applicability of the current guidelines for the threshold for abnormal MLE among adult Indigenous Australians. METHODS Patients who underwent chest CT between 2012 and 2020 among those referred to undergo lung function test (spirometry) were assessed for the presence of MLE which were classified as Group A (no measurable nodes), Group B (<10 mm), Group C (≥10 to 14.99 mm) and Group D (≥15 mm). RESULTS Of the total 67 patients identified to have MLE, 49 patients had at least two CT scans available for assessment over a median follow-up period of 101.3 weeks (IQR: 62.4, 235.6) and were included in the analysis. Evidence of chronic lung disease was common, with a significant proportion demonstrating either COPD or bronchiectasis and a high proportion with smoking history (93%). During the first CT scan, 34/49 (69%) had >10 mm nodes, of which 12/34 (35%) reduced in size, 22/34 (65%) remained stable, and 3/34 (9%) had malignancy on follow-up. CONCLUSION Despite most patients demonstrating the presence of significant MLE with varying size and in most >10 mm, the majority remain stable or benign in nature and only a minor proportion showed evidence of lung malignancy. Further prospective studies are needed in the characterisation of MLE among Indigenous patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arockia X Doss
- Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Timothy P Howarth
- College of Health and Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Darwin Respiratory and Sleep Health, Darwin Private Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Lai Ng
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Shibi A Doss
- Bond Medical Program, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Subash Shanthakumar Heraganahally
- Darwin Respiratory and Sleep Health, Darwin Private Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Howarth T, Ben Saad H, Heraganahally SS. The Impact of Lung Function Parameters on Sleep Among Aboriginal Australians - A Polysomnography and Spirometry Relationship Study. Nat Sci Sleep 2023; 15:449-464. [PMID: 37323655 PMCID: PMC10263013 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s409883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are known to overlap significantly with airway diseases in various populations. This study assessed the relationship between lung function parameters against polysomnography (PSG) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence data amongst an Aboriginal Australian population. Methods Patients who undertook both a diagnostic PSG and spirometry were included. Restrictive, obstructive, and mixed impairments were assessed via global lung function initiative (GLI-2012, ATS/ERS) criteria/guidelines. PSG and CPAP data were evaluated between patients with or without spirometry impairments. Results Of the total 771 patients, 248 had PSG and spirometry data available (52% female, 44% remote residents, 78% obese). The majority (89%) had OSA (51% severe), 95 (38%) were observed to have a restrictive impairment, and 31 (13%) had an obstructive or mixed impairment on spirometry. Compared to patients with no spirometric impairment, those with restrictive or obstructive/mixed impairments demonstrated significantly lower sleep efficiency (median 84% vs 79% and 78%), higher apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI) during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (median 32 vs 52 and 55 events/hour), reduced REM oxygen saturation (SpO2) (median 94.0% vs 92.0% and 92.5%) and reduced adherence to CPAP therapy (median 39% vs 22% and 17%). Differences in sleep efficiency, REM AHI, and NREM SpO2 held for patients with obstructive/mixed impairments in multivariate modelling. Conclusion Aboriginal Australian patients with OSA have a higher concurrent lung function' impairment. Spirometric impairment appears to negatively influence sleep efficiency, nocturnal SpO2 and CPAP adherence. This may have substantial implications for OSA management among Aboriginal Australians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Howarth
- Darwin Respiratory and Sleep Health, Darwin Private Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- College of Health and Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Helmi Ben Saad
- Faculté de Médecine de Sousse, Hôpital Farhat HACHED de Sousse, Laboratoire de recherche “Insuffisance Cardiaque” (LR12SP09), Université de Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Subash S Heraganahally
- Darwin Respiratory and Sleep Health, Darwin Private Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Heraganahally SS, Howarth TP, Lloyd A, White E, Veale A, Ben Saad H. The Prevalence of Bronchodilator Responsiveness "Asthma" Among Adult Indigenous Australians Referred for Lung Function Testing in the Top End Northern Territory of Australia. J Asthma Allergy 2022; 15:1305-1319. [PMID: 36132978 PMCID: PMC9484079 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s376213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Among Indigenous Australians, studies examining the clinical significance of airway bronchodilator responsiveness (BDR) are limited. In this retrospective study, we examined the nature of underlying lung disease in adult Indigenous patients with BDR referred for lung function testing (LFT) in the Top End Health Service region of the Northern Territory of Australia. Methods Presence or absence of BDR as per usual (FVC or FEV1 change pre to post ≥12% and ≥0.2L) and updated (2021 ">10% predicted) ATS/ERS criteria among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians was determined. The radiological findings in the Indigenous study participants with and without BDR were next assessed for the presence of underlying chronic airway/lung disease. Results We found that 123/742 (17%) Indigenous and 578/4579 (13%) non-Indigenous patients had a significant BDR. Indigenous patients with BDR were younger (mean difference 7 years), with a greater proportion of females (52 vs 32%), underweight (15 vs 4%) and current smokers (52 vs 25%). Indigenous patients with BDR displayed lower LFT values, and a higher proportion exhibited FVC BDR compared to non-Indigenous (34 vs 20%). Almost half (46%) of Indigenous patients with BDR had evidence of COPD and/or bronchiectasis on radiology. Adjusting for the presence of radiologic or spirometric evidence of COPD, the presence of BDR was similar between Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients (5-8 vs 7-11%), irrespective of which BDR criteria was used. Conclusion BDR was higher overall among Indigenous in comparison to non-Indigenous patients; however, a significant proportion of Indigenous patients demonstrating BDR had evidence of underlying COPD/bronchiectasis. This study highlights that although presence of BDR among Indigenous people may indicate asthma, it may also be observed among patients with COPD/bronchiectasis or could represent asthma/COPD/bronchiectasis overlap. Hence, a combination of clinical history, LFT and radiology should be considered for precise diagnosis of lung disease in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subash S Heraganahally
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Darwin Respiratory and Sleep Health, Darwin Private Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Timothy P Howarth
- Darwin Respiratory and Sleep Health, Darwin Private Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.,College of Health and Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Angus Lloyd
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Elisha White
- Darwin Respiratory and Sleep Health, Darwin Private Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Antony Veale
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Helmi Ben Saad
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Hospital Farhat HACHED of Sousse, Research Laboratory "Heart Failure, LR12SP09", University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
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Pal A, Howarth TP, Rissel C, Messenger R, Issac S, Ford L, Connors C, Heraganahally S. COPD disease knowledge, self-awareness and reasons for hospital presentations among a predominately Indigenous Australian cohort: a study to explore preventable hospitalisation. BMJ Open Respir Res 2022; 9:9/1/e001295. [PMID: 35944944 PMCID: PMC9367193 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2022-001295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is higher among Indigenous Australians than that of non-Indigenous Australians. However, no studies have investigated COPD disease awareness and knowledge among Indigenous Australians. In this study, we assessed the COPD disease awareness among Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients in the Top End Health Service region of the Northern Territory of Australia. Methods Of a total convenience sample of 100 adults, 86 patients consented to participate in this study over a 15-month period. A structured interview was conducted to identify participant’s level of knowledge about COPD, medications, self-management, healthcare interaction and utilisations. Results Most (69%) participants were Indigenous and men (52%). Indigenous patients were significantly younger (mean 56 vs 68 years p<0.001), with a higher proportion of remote residence and current smoking. COPD knowledge across the cohort was low, with 68% of Indigenous and 19% of non-Indigenous participants reporting they ‘know nothing/had never heard of COPD’. Most patients self-reported use of puffers/inhalers and were able to identify medication used; however, adherence to therapy was observed in only 18%. Shortness of breath was the most common symptom for hospital presentation (83%) and 69% of Indigenous patients reported seeking medical attention during an exacerbation. Self-management and COPD action plans were poorly implemented. A significant proportion (49%) reported ≥2 hospital admissions in the preceding 12 months. During exacerbation, although the majority of Indigenous patients were transferred to a tertiary centre from remote communities, patient’s preference was to be managed in their respective local communities. Conclusions Awareness and understanding of COPD are low in this cohort on several domains. Tailored and culturally appropriate initiatives for both patients and health professionals alike are required to improve COPD disease management among Indigenous population. This will not only improve quality of life but also reduce recurrent hospitalisation, healthcare cost and utilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arijeet Pal
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Timothy P Howarth
- College of Health and Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.,Darwin Respiratory and Sleep Health, Darwin Private Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Chris Rissel
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Raelene Messenger
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Siji Issac
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Linda Ford
- College of Indigenous Futures, Education & Arts, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Christine Connors
- Department of Health & Community Services, Top End Health Service, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Subash Heraganahally
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia .,Darwin Respiratory and Sleep Health, Darwin Private Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.,Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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