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Sayal A, Richardson L, Crawford A. Six ways to get a grip on teaching medical trainees on the convergence of Indigenous knowledges and biomedicine, within a culturally-safe Indigenous health curriculum. CANADIAN MEDICAL EDUCATION JOURNAL 2021; 12:e88-e93. [PMID: 33995725 PMCID: PMC8105583 DOI: 10.36834/cmej.70340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
As Indigenous knowledges and biomedicine come together in healthcare today, to improve health outcomes and strengthen cultural identity among Indigenous Peoples, it is vital for physicians to learn about this convergence during their training. This narrative review article aims to provide practical advice for educators when implementing teaching regarding this topic, using examples from the research literature, and pedagogical and practice-based methods used at the University of Toronto (UofT). The methodology on obtaining the research literature included a search of a computer database called Medline. Moreover, the medical school curriculum information specific to UofT, was obtained through the formal curriculum map and UofT's Office of Indigenous Medical Education. The following six recommendations provide a way to successfully implement the teachings on Indigenous knowledges and biomedicine, within a culturally-safe Indigenous health curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Sayal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Martinez Tyson D, Teran E, Đào LUL, Chee V, Hernández I, Flores M, Reina Ortiz M, Izurieta R, Baldwin JA. "Cancer is in style": lifestyle change and the perceived impact of globalization on Andean indigenous communities in Ecuador. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2021; 26:153-167. [PMID: 29973064 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2018.1493437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: There is a paucity of information on cancer among Indigenous populations in Latin America.Methods: Guided by tenets of community engaged research and syndemic theory, we conducted eight focus groups (n = 59) with Kichwa men and women in the province of Imbabura, Ecuador. Data were analyzed using applied thematic analysis techniques.Results: Cancer emerged as an important health problem and was reported as a growing concern. Kichwa participants in this study attributed the rise in cancer to (1) exposure to chemicals and pesticides, (2) urbanization and development, and (3) the rise of innutritious, westernized diets.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the Kichwa are attuned to the global phenomena in which traditional diet has been replaced by western, processed foods and fast food, which result in higher levels of chronic diseases such as cancer. More research is needed to understand the cancer burden among Indigenous peoples in Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enrique Teran
- Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Vanessa Chee
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Isabel Hernández
- Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
- Facultad de Enfermería, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Mercedes Flores
- Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Ricardo Izurieta
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Julie A Baldwin
- Department of Health Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
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Packer J, Turpin G, Ens E, Venkataya B, Hunter J. Building partnerships for linking biomedical science with traditional knowledge of customary medicines: a case study with two Australian Indigenous communities. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2019; 15:69. [PMID: 31870398 PMCID: PMC6929437 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-019-0348-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Customary medicine of Australia's Indigenous peoples draws upon knowledge developed through millennia of interaction with Australia's unique flora and fauna. Many Indigenous Australians are interested in developing modern medicinal and commercial translations of traditional knowledge; however, barriers of trust and benefit sharing often thwart progress. METHODS Using a participatory action research framework, university researchers collaborated with members of two Australian Indigenous communities to investigate selected medicinal plants and locally made bush products. A trusted community liaison facilitated the collaboration that was fostered through bilateral site visits. Material transfer and confidentiality agreements ensured that the plant materials were only used for the agreed purpose. Plain language written reports of the laboratory results were provided to the communities with follow up discussions. RESULTS In case study 1, only some of the traditional uses for the raw plants were shared with the researchers. Deidentified plants were assessed for antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In case study 2, the plant names, traditional uses, and preparation methods were shared with the aim of learning more about their plants, potential uses, and optimising their bush products. Literature reviews were conducted that also helped guide in vitro testing of the crude and solvent partitioned extracts. These differences reflected the community's reasons for conducting the research and intellectual property considerations. In both cases, observed benefits included building trust and strengthening working relationships for ongoing collaboration, fostering enthusiasm for linking traditional and scientific knowledge, promoting cross-cultural learning about scientific methods and traditional medicine, maintaining the relevance of traditional knowledge in the modern world, and initiating community discussions around their bush medicine product development. CONCLUSIONS Community-driven scientific investigation of traditional medicinal knowledge can facilitate culturally meaningful outcomes, with potentially wide-reaching direct and indirect benefits. Community liaisons were invaluable for establishment of strong relationships and ensured that the research was culturally and locally appropriate. The need for clearer guidelines and regulation around community-driven biomedical research of their plants was identified. Australia would benefit from a user-friendly, open-source toolkit that promotes use of local traditional medicines, contains information about processes and protocols that communities and scientists could use to develop collaborative projects, and guides regulation and ethical commercialisation. Close consultation and collaboration with communities and researchers will be needed to ensure that such a toolkit is culturally appropriate and fit-for-purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Packer
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
| | - Gerry Turpin
- Queensland Herbarium, Department of Environment and Science, Mount Coot-tha Botanical Gardens, Mount Cooth-tha Road, Toowong, QLD 4066 Australia
- Tropical Indigenous Ethnobotany Centre, Australian Tropical Herbarium, James Cook University, McGregor Road, Smithfield, QLD 4879 Australia
| | - Emilie Ens
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Beatrice Venkataya
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
| | - Mbabaram Community
- Watsonville Aboriginal Corporation, 141 Atherton Road, Malanda, QLD 4885 Australia
| | - Yirralka Rangers
- Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation, PO Box 1195, Nhulunbuy, NT 0881 Australia
| | - Jennifer Hunter
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050 Australia
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McKivett A, Paul D, Hudson N. Healing Conversations: Developing a Practical Framework for Clinical Communication Between Aboriginal Communities and Healthcare Practitioners. J Immigr Minor Health 2019; 21:596-605. [PMID: 30066058 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-018-0793-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In recognition of the ongoing health disparities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (hereafter Aboriginal), this scoping review explores the role and impact of the clinical communication process on Aboriginal healthcare provision. A medical education lens is applied, looking at the utility of a tailored clinical communication framework to assist health practitioners work more effectively with Aboriginal peoples and communities. The initial framework, building on existing communication guides, proposes four domains: content, process, relational and environmental. It places emphasis on critical self-reflection of the health practitioner's own cultural identity and will be guided by collective Aboriginal worldviews in select Australian settings. Using a two-eyed seeing approach the framework will be developed and tested in health professional education. The aim of this research journey is to enable health practitioners to have more effective healthcare conversations with Aboriginal peoples, working toward more socially just and equitable healthcare interactions and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea McKivett
- School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - David Paul
- School of Medicine Fremantle, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Nicky Hudson
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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Drosdowsky A, Mathieson J, Milne D. Australian Indigenous Communities: Efforts to Improve Cancer Care. Clin J Oncol Nurs 2019; 23:443-446. [PMID: 31322614 DOI: 10.1188/19.cjon.443-446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the Indigenous inhabitants of Australia who face many inequities regarding cancer care and outcomes. They are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than non-Indigenous Australians and have not experienced the improvement in survival that non-Indigenous Australians have.
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6
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Bernardes CM, Langbecker D, Beesley V, Garvey G, Valery PC. Does social support reduce distress and worry among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer? Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Danette Langbecker
- Centre for Online Health—Centre for Health Services ResearchThe University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Vanessa Beesley
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Gail Garvey
- Menzies School of Health ResearchCharles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - Patricia Casarolli Valery
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Brisbane QLD Australia
- Menzies School of Health ResearchCharles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
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Taylor EV, Haigh MM, Shahid S, Garvey G, Cunningham J, Thompson SC. Cancer Services and Their Initiatives to Improve the Care of Indigenous Australians. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15040717. [PMID: 29641441 PMCID: PMC5923759 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Indigenous Australians continue to experience significantly poorer outcomes from cancer than non-Indigenous Australians. Despite the importance of culturally appropriate cancer services in improving outcomes, there is a lack of awareness of current programs and initiatives that are aimed at meeting the needs of Indigenous patients. Telephone interviews were used to identify and describe the Indigenous-specific programs and initiatives that are implemented in a subset of the services that participated in a larger national online survey of cancer treatment services. Fourteen services located across Australia participated in the interviews. Participants identified a number of factors that were seen as critical to delivering culturally appropriate treatment and support, including having a trained workforce with effective cross-cultural communication skills, providing best practice care, and improving the knowledge, attitudes, and understanding of cancer by Indigenous people. However, over a third of participants were not sure how their service compared with others, indicating that they were not aware of how other services are doing in this field. There are currently many Indigenous-specific programs and initiatives that are aimed at providing culturally appropriate treatment and supporting Indigenous people affected by cancer across Australia. However, details of these initiatives are not widely known and barriers to information sharing exist. Further research in this area is needed to evaluate programs and initiatives and showcase the effective approaches to Indigenous cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma V Taylor
- Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, The University of Western Australia, 167 Fitzgerald Street, Geraldton, WA 6530, Australia.
| | - Margaret M Haigh
- Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, The University of Western Australia, 167 Fitzgerald Street, Geraldton, WA 6530, Australia.
| | - Shaouli Shahid
- Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, The University of Western Australia, 167 Fitzgerald Street, Geraldton, WA 6530, Australia.
- Centre for Aboriginal Studies, Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth, WA 6102, Australia.
| | - Gail Garvey
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0811, Australia.
| | - Joan Cunningham
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0811, Australia.
| | - Sandra C Thompson
- Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, The University of Western Australia, 167 Fitzgerald Street, Geraldton, WA 6530, Australia.
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Exploring Positive Survivorship Experiences of Indigenous Australian Cancer Patients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15010135. [PMID: 29342934 PMCID: PMC5800234 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15010135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Amongst Indigenous Australians, "cancer" has negative connotations that detrimentally impact upon access to cancer care services. Barriers to accessing cancer services amongst Indigenous Australians are widely reported. In contrast, factors that facilitate this cohort to successfully navigate cancer care services ("enablers") are scarcely reported in the literature. Through qualitative interviews, this article examines factors that assist Indigenous Australians to have positive cancer experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve adult Indigenous oncology patients recruited from a tertiary hospital in Queensland, Australia during 2012-2014. Data generated from the interviews were independently reviewed by two researchers via inductive thematic analytical processes. Discussions followed by consensus on the major categories allowed conclusions to be drawn on potential enablers. Two major categories of enablers were identified by the researchers: resilience and communication. Individual's intrinsic strength, their coping strategies, and receipt of support improved participant's resilience and consequently supported a positive experience. Communication methods and an effective patient-provider relationship facilitated positive experiences for participants. Despite potential barriers to access of care for Indigenous cancer patients, participants in the study demonstrated that it was still possible to focus on the positive aspects of their cancer experiences. Many participants explained how cancer changed their outlook on life, often for the better, with many feeling empowered as they progressed through their cancer diagnosis and treatment processes.
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Kinchin I, Mccalman J, Bainbridge R, Tsey K, Lui FW. Does Indigenous health research have impact? A systematic review of reviews. Int J Equity Health 2017; 16:52. [PMID: 28327137 PMCID: PMC5361858 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-017-0548-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians (hereafter respectfully Indigenous Australians) claim that they have been over-researched without corresponding research benefit. This claim raises two questions. The first, which has been covered to some extent in the literature, is about what type(s) of research are likely to achieve benefits for Indigenous people. The second is how researchers report the impact of their research for Indigenous people. This systematic review of Indigenous health reviews addresses the second enquiry. Methods Fourteen electronic databases were systematically searched for Indigenous health reviews which met eligibility criteria. Two reviewers assessed their characteristics and methodological rigour using an a priori protocol. Three research hypotheses were stated and tested: (1) reviews address Indigenous health priority needs; (2) reviews adopt best practice guidelines on research conduct and reporting in respect to methodological transparency and rigour, as well as acceptability and appropriateness of research implementation to Indigenous people; and (3) reviews explicitly report the incremental impacts of the included studies and translation of research. We argue that if review authors explicitly address each of these three hypotheses, then the impact of research for Indigenous peoples’ health would be explicated. Results Seventy-six reviews were included; comprising 55 journal articles and 21 Australian Government commissioned evidence review reports. While reviews are gaining prominence and recognition in Indigenous health research and increasing in number, breadth and complexity, there is little reporting of the impact of health research for Indigenous people. This finding raises questions about the relevance of these reviews for Indigenous people, their impact on policy and practice and how reviews have been commissioned, reported and evaluated. Conclusions The findings of our study serve two main purposes. First, we have identified knowledge and methodological gaps in documenting Indigenous health research impact that can be addressed by researchers and policy makers. Second, the findings provide the justification for developing a framework allowing researchers and funding bodies to structure future Indigenous health research to improve the reporting and assessment of impact over time. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12939-017-0548-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kinchin
- Centre for Indigenous Health Equity Research, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Psychology and Public Health Department, CQUniversity Australia, Cairns Square, Corner Abbott and Shields Streets, Cairns, Qld, 4870, Australia. .,The Cairns Institute, James Cook University, Building D3, Smithfield, Qld, 4870, Australia.
| | - Janya Mccalman
- Centre for Indigenous Health Equity Research, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Psychology and Public Health Department, CQUniversity Australia, Cairns Square, Corner Abbott and Shields Streets, Cairns, Qld, 4870, Australia.,The Cairns Institute, James Cook University, Building D3, Smithfield, Qld, 4870, Australia
| | - Roxanne Bainbridge
- Centre for Indigenous Health Equity Research, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Psychology and Public Health Department, CQUniversity Australia, Cairns Square, Corner Abbott and Shields Streets, Cairns, Qld, 4870, Australia.,The Cairns Institute, James Cook University, Building D3, Smithfield, Qld, 4870, Australia
| | - Komla Tsey
- The Cairns Institute, James Cook University, Building D3, Smithfield, Qld, 4870, Australia
| | - Felecia Watkin Lui
- The Cairns Institute, James Cook University, Building D3, Smithfield, Qld, 4870, Australia
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10
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Page BJ, Bowman RV, Yang IA, Fong KM. A survey of lung cancer in rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Queensland: health views that impact on early diagnosis and treatment. Intern Med J 2016; 46:171-6. [PMID: 26550806 DOI: 10.1111/imj.12948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer incidence, mortality and hospitalisation rates are higher for Indigenous Australians compared with non-Indigenous Australians and increase again when living in more remote areas. If Indigenous Australians are made more aware of lung cancer through better access to health services and programmes, lung cancer outcomes might improve. AIM We aimed to survey the level of lung cancer awareness in rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and discover perceived barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. METHODS Interviews were conducted in three discrete outer regional and remote Aboriginal communities and one urban setting in Queensland. Participants included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from three target population groups: patients referred for medical treatment with symptoms suspicious of lung cancer or confirmed lung cancer; Indigenous health workers; community members aged 18 years and over. Participants gave written, informed consent. RESULTS Of 51 community members and 14 Indigenous health workers, 32 reflected they knew very little about lung cancer, 60 cited smoking as the cause of lung cancer and 54 recognised warning symptoms as a prompt to seek healthcare. Indigenous health workers were not able to describe a healthcare pathway that would apply to a patient with suspected lung cancer. CONCLUSION The two main barriers identified as impacting on quality healthcare were communication and follow-up processes. These could be addressed by service improvement activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Page
- Central Integrated Regional Cancer Service, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - R V Bowman
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, The Prince Charles Hospital Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - I A Yang
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, The Prince Charles Hospital Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - K M Fong
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, The Prince Charles Hospital Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Diaz A, Bernardes CM, Garvey G, Valery PC. Supportive care needs among Indigenous cancer patients in Queensland, Australia: less comorbidity is associated with greater practical and cultural unmet need. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2016; 25:242-53. [PMID: 26918689 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the supportive care needs (SCN) of Australian Indigenous cancer patients. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between comorbidity and SCN among newly diagnosed Indigenous cancer patients in Queensland. Comorbidity was ascertained from medical chart review using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and SCN were measured using the Supportive Care Needs Assessment Tool for Indigenous Peoples (SCNAT-IP). Of 183 participants, 76 (42%) had no comorbidity (CCI = 0), 60 (33%) had had a CCI score of 1 and 47 (26%) had a CCI of two or more, with the most common condition being diabetes (30%). The most common moderate-high unmet need items varied between comorbidity groups, although all patients most frequently reported moderate-high unmet need in the Physical and Psychological and the Practical and Cultural needs domains. Patients with the greatest comorbidity (CCI ≥ 2) had significantly more reduced odds of practical and cultural needs than patients without comorbidity (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.11-0.75). This appeared to be partially explained by time since diagnosis, age, whether they were receiving current treatment and residential remoteness. Patients' experience of chronic disease, hospitals and the healthcare system may better prepare them for the practical and cultural aspects of their cancer journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Diaz
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - C M Bernardes
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Qld, Australia
| | - G Garvey
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - P C Valery
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Qld, Australia
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12
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Tucci J, Wilkens S. A brief review of the application and pharmacology of ethnomedicines of Indigenous Australians. Aust J Rural Health 2015; 24:156-69. [PMID: 26439911 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Indigenous Australians suffer higher mortality and have statistically worse outcomes for many chronic disease states than the non-Indigenous population. Although many of these people are prescribed pharmaceutical drugs for their illnesses, some still use medicines that were traditional to their culture. This report reviews some of the traditional medicines used for ailments seen in Indigenous Australian communities. DESIGN A literature search was conducted, with the period between the publication of an 'Aboriginal Pharmacopoeia' in 1988 and 'current' our target interval for searching. The ethics of publishing knowledge belonging to Aboriginal people is briefly discussed in this context. RESULTS Ailments were grouped into communicable diseases, pain and inflammation, skin disorders and gastrointestinal disorders. Although cancer is regarded as a disease of the 'white man', it is briefly discussed in the context that several traditional medicines and foods may have provided some protective effects. Where known, the ethnopharmacology of these medicines is discussed, as well as a brief description of their preparation and application. CONCLUSION Some Indigenous Australians continue to use traditional medicines. We have tabulated these according to ailment, and have listed pharmacological actions where known. What is not known, however, is their potential to interact with pharmaceutical drugs. Further study in this area is needed to optimise health outcomes for Indigenous Australians, especially those in remote communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Tucci
- School of Pharmacy and Applied Science, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sabine Wilkens
- School of Pharmacy and Applied Science, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
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Adams J, Valery PC, Sibbritt D, Bernardes CM, Broom A, Garvey G. Use of Traditional Indigenous Medicine and Complementary Medicine Among Indigenous Cancer Patients in Queensland, Australia. Integr Cancer Ther 2015; 14:359-65. [DOI: 10.1177/1534735415583555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The cancer toll on Indigenous Australians is alarming with overall cancer incidence and mortality rates higher and the 5-year survival rate lower for Indigenous Australians compared with non-Indigenous Australians. Meanwhile, a range of approaches to health and illness—including both complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and traditional Indigenous medicine (TM)—are used by cancer patients. Little work has focused on Indigenous cancer patients with regard to CAM/TM use. This article reports findings from the first examination of the prevalence and profile of TM/CAM use and users among Indigenous Australians with cancer. Methods. A structured questionnaire was administered via face-to-face interviews to 248 Indigenous Australian cancer patients diagnosed with a range of cancer types. All received treatment and were recruited from 1 of 4 large hospitals located in Queensland, Australia. Results. A substantial percentage (18.7%) of Indigenous cancer patients use at least one TM/CAM for support with their care, including traditional Indigenous therapy use (2.8%), visiting a traditional Indigenous practitioner (2.8%), CAM use (10.7%), visiting a CAM practitioner (2.4%), and attending relaxation/meditation classes (4.0%). Having a higher level of educational attainment was positively associated with CAM practitioner consultations (P = .015). Women with breast cancer were more likely to attend relaxation/meditation classes (P = .019). Men with genital organ cancer were more likely to use traditional Indigenous therapies (P = .017) and/or CAM (P = .002). Conclusion. A substantial percentage of Indigenous Australians reported using TM/CAM for their cancer care, and there is a need to expand examination of this area of health care using large-scale studies focusing on in-depth specific cancer(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Adams
- University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Alex Broom
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gail Garvey
- Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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