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Stolwyk RJ, Evans L, O'Halloran C, Evans J, Gooden JR. Comparing cognitive assessment service provision between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and non-Indigenous Australians at a metropolitan health service. Health Promot J Austr 2020; 32:541-547. [PMID: 32686249 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.389] [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: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations are at a significantly higher risk of neurological and cognitive impairment from a range of aetiologies. In order to better identify and support Indigenous Australians with cognitive impairment, culturally appropriate screening, management and referral processes are critical. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of presentations and type of cognitive screening conducted with Indigenous Australians presenting to health services. METHODS Hospital data for 30 Indigenous Australians presenting with neurological symptoms to Emergency Departments within a large metropolitan health service were compared with a group of 30 non-Indigenous, Australian-born, English-speaking, age-, gender- and diagnosis-matched individuals. RESULTS Only two individuals, one from each group, received cognitive screening. This was likely related to a surprisingly large proportion of Indigenous Australians presenting to hospital with headache and migraine. Significantly more Indigenous Australians (36.7%) were consulted by a member of the multidisciplinary team compared to 10% of the non-Indigenous group. No differences in follow-up referrals were observed. CONCLUSIONS Results indicated a lack of cognitive screening practices being undertaken in both groups. It was encouraging to see Indigenous Australians receiving consultations from multidisciplinary team members at a higher rate, with a similar follow-up pathway being observed. This study further highlights the need for adoption of screening practices in primary health care settings and the development and use of culturally appropriate cognitive screening measures. SO WHAT?: This study investigates the cognitive screening practices of a metropolitan health service and highlights the need for culturally appropriate cognitive screening methods to be developed and implemented to facilitate the identification of cognitive impairment in Indigenous Australians presenting for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renerus J Stolwyk
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Richmond, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | - James R Gooden
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Richmond, VIC, Australia.,Eastern Health, Box Hill, VIC, Australia
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Spence N, Wells S, George J, Graham K. An Examination of Marijuana Use Among a Vulnerable Population in Canada. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2014; 1:247-256. [PMID: 27134815 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-014-0031-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although the perceived risk of cannabis has decreased over the last few years, the contribution of marijuana use to the burden of disease on society is significant. Globally, Indigenous peoples have rates of marijuana use that are significantly higher than that of the general population. Understanding patterns of use is fundamental to developing appropriate policy and programming strategies to improve health and well-being. METHODS This study examined the characteristics of respondents who had ever been frequent marijuana users (used more than once a week), among a cross-sectional sample of 340 people, aged 18 and over, from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation in Ontario, Canada. The research incorporated Aboriginal-specific measures, examining issues related to colonialism and racism. Logistic regression models were used to assess the extent that sociodemographic variables, body mass index, mental health (depression, anxiety), licit substance use (alcohol and tobacco), Historical Loss Scale, Childhood Trauma Scale, and Measure of Indigenous Racism Experience (MIRE) Interpersonal Racism Scale predicted ever having been a frequent marijuana user. RESULTS Aboriginal-specific issues were not associated with marijuana use nor was marijuana use related to depression or anxiety. However, ever engaging in frequent marijuana use was reported by more than half of the sample and associated with being younger, male, and a smoker. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of frequent marijuana use (53.2 %) suggests normalization of the substance that may indicate a potentially large public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Spence
- Social and Epidemiological Research Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) The University of Western Ontario, 200-100 Collip Circle London, Ontario N6G4X8, Canada
| | - Samantha Wells
- Social and Epidemiological Research Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 200-100 Collip Circle London, Ontario N6G4X8, Canada
| | - Julie George
- Social and Epidemiological Research Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 200-100 Collip Circle London, Ontario N6G4X8, Canada
| | - Kathryn Graham
- Social and Epidemiological Research Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 200-100 Collip Circle London, Ontario N6G4X8, Canada
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Lee L, Griffiths C, Glossop P, Eapen V. The Boomerangs Parenting Program for Aboriginal parents and their young children. Australas Psychiatry 2010; 18:527-33. [PMID: 20973620 DOI: 10.3109/10398562.2010.499435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Using three case studies, this paper describes the development and evaluation of 'The Boomerangs Aboriginal Circle of Security Parenting Camp Program', which is a clinical intervention based on an attachment framework using the Circle of Security and Marte Meo, and drawing on traditional Aboriginal culture. METHODS Three mothers from an Aboriginal Australian background with preschool age children attended the 20-session Boomerangs Program, including an initial camp and a second camp after 6 weeks. The camp provided the opportunity for parent empowerment and to explore the strengths and resources of the mother to facilitate better mother-child interactions and relationship, in a naturalistic setting. RESULTS All three mothers gave positive feedback on the program in increasing the awareness, sensitivity and responsiveness of their interactions with their children, and this was reflected in the results of the questionnaires and observation of the mother-child interactions during play. CONCLUSION This program offers the first ever evaluation of an intense parenting program using camps for Aboriginal Australians. This study is to be considered as an exploratory exercise - a first step in a process of exploring applicability and adapting parenting camps for Aboriginal families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Lee
- Infant Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
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FREEMAN TOBY, WHITE VICTORIAM, ROCHE ANNM. Which Australian secondary school students are at risk of illicit drug use? Drug Alcohol Rev 2010; 30:589-96. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1465-3362.2010.00246.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Shakeshaft A, Clifford A, Shakeshaft M. Reducing alcohol related harm experienced by Indigenous Australians: identifying opportunities for Indigenous primary health care services. Aust N Z J Public Health 2010; 34 Suppl 1:S41-5. [PMID: 20618293 DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-6405.2010.00552.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identify key issues and opportunities relating to the dissemination of cost-effective interventions for alcohol in Indigenous-specific settings. METHODS Update previous reviews of the Indigenous alcohol literature, particularly in relation to intervention and dissemination studies aimed at identifying and integrating into routine clinical care those strategies that are most cost-effective in reducing alcohol-related harm. RESULTS The harmful use of alcohol has been identified as a major public health issue, which has a disproportionately high negative impact on Indigenous Australians. While the disproportionately high burden of harm borne by Indigenous Australian communities is well documented in descriptive studies, attempts to redress this imbalance through well controlled intervention and dissemination studies appear to have been inadequate to date. There is compelling evidence from the non-Indigenous community that brief intervention is an effective treatment for harmful alcohol use, compared to the relatively lower levels of evidence for primary and tertiary level interventions. The effectiveness of brief intervention for alcohol in Indigenous Australian communities should, therefore, be examined. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS An opportunity exists to implement brief intervention into Indigenous primary health care settings, as an evidence-based strategy using established resources. There is the possibility that such Indigenous-specific health services research will lead the dissemination field in demonstrating how the implementation process can be successfully tailored to specific and defined clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Shakeshaft
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Australia.
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Abstract
The practice of petrol sniffing is a unique and poorly understood phenomenon that is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality and social devastation in affected remote Indigenous communities. For these groups and for the wider community, much mystery has surrounded the practice and its effects. Here we introduce the epidemiology of petrol sniffing among Indigenous groups internationally, review its impact on the brain, behaviour and social functions and summarise related interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheree Cairney
- Menzies School of Health Research, Institute of Advanced Studies, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
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Abstract
Humans have always used drugs, probably as part of their evolutionary and nutritional heritage. However, this previous biological adaptation is unlikely to be so in the modern world, in which 2 billion adults (48% of the adult population) are current users of alcohol, 1.1 billion adults (29% of the adult population) are current smokers of cigarettes and 185 million adults (4.5% of the adult population) are current users of illicit drugs. The use of drugs is determined largely by market forces, with increases in affordability and availability increasing use. People with socio-economic deprivation, however measured, are at increased risk of harmful drug use, as are those with a disadvantaged family environment, and those who live in a community with higher levels of substance use. Substance use is on the increase in low-income countries which, in the coming decades, will bear a disproportionate burden of substance-related disability and premature death.
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White V, Mason T, Briggs V. How do trends in smoking prevalence among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian secondary students between 1996 and 2005 compare? Aust N Z J Public Health 2009; 33:147-53. [PMID: 19413859 DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-6405.2009.00362.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare trends in smoking prevalence between 1996 and 2005 among Indigenous and non-Indigenous secondary students across Australia. METHODS Representative random samples of secondary students aged 12-17 years completed self-report anonymous surveys. Questionnaires assessed any cigarette smoking in lifetime, and smoking in past month, week and on at least three of the previous seven days. Intention to smoke in the next 12 months was assessed on a 7-point scale. Students self-identified as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. RESULTS Three to four per cent of students identified as being Indigenous at each survey. Smoking was more common among Indigenous than non-Indigenous students. Between 1996 and 2005, the proportion of smoking declined among both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. However, among 12-15 year olds, the rate of decline was different for the two groups. Among non-Indigenous students in this age group, prevalence decreased steadily between 1996 and 2005. Among Indigenous students, the decrease mainly occurred between 1999 and 2002. Smoking intention was higher for Indigenous than non-Indigenous students. The mean intention decreased between 1996 and 2005 among both student groups. CONCLUSIONS Smoking prevalence decreased among both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students between 1996 and 2005. IMPLICATIONS Reductions in Indigenous students' tobacco use and intentions coincided with a period of increased tobacco control activity, suggesting that these activities may positively influence smoking behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria White
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, The Cancer Council Victoria, Australia.
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LEE KSKYLIE, CONIGRAVE KATHERINEM, CLOUGH ALANR, DOBBINS TIMOTHYA, JARAGBA MURIELJ, PATTON GEORGEC. Five-year longitudinal study of cannabis users in three remote Aboriginal communities in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2009; 28:623-30. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1465-3362.2009.00067.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Pelling N. Advertised Australian counselling psychologists: A descriptive survey of their practice details and self perceived competence in six counselling psychology practice areas. COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY QUARTERLY 2007. [DOI: 10.1080/09515070701475784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Dunne MP, Yeo MA, Keane J, Elkins DB. Substance use by indigenous and non-indigenous primary school students. Aust N Z J Public Health 2000; 24:546-9. [PMID: 11109696 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-842x.2000.tb00509.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent Australian research with adolescents aged 13 to 17 years has found that Indigenous youth are more likely than non-Indigenous adolescents to smoke tobacco and cannabis, although they may be less likely to use alcohol. The objective of this study was to examine whether this pattern exists among younger children. METHOD A school-based, self-report survey was conducted in primary schools that had high proportions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Four schools were located in metropolitan Brisbane and three in Far North Queensland (sample n = 507 students: 270 girls, 237 boys, aged 9-13 years). RESULTS Significant numbers of these children had started to experiment with recreational drugs. Twenty-two per cent had attempted to smoke at least one cigarette, 14% smoked in the preceding year, while 3% had smoked more than 10 cigarettes in their lives. Thirty-eight per cent had had at least one drink of alcohol, while 6% had smoked marijuana at least once. There was no significant association between Indigenous/non-Indigenous background and risk of smoking tobacco or marijuana, while Indigenous children were less likely than non-Indigenous children to report experience with alcohol. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to data from secondary school students, Indigenous youth in primary schools were not more likely than non-Indigenous children to have experimented with tobacco or marijuana, or to be frequent tobacco smokers. It appears therefore that the excessive uptake of drug use among Indigenous youth occurs in the early stages of secondary school. This finding underlines the importance of preventive education in primary schools, especially for Indigenous children who have a high risk of making the transition to drug use in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Dunne
- Centre for Public Health Research, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove.
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