The Medical journal of Australia
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Heavy cannabis use and depressive symptoms in three Aboriginal communities in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory.
To determine the extent to which depressive symptoms are associated with heavy cannabis use in an Aboriginal population in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. ⋯ Given its high prevalence in Indigenous populations, the development of clinical and prevention strategies for cannabis misuse are warranted.
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Comparative Study
The effect of passive smoking on the risk of otitis media in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder region of Western Australia.
To determine the risk of otitis media (OM) associated with passive smoking in young children, and any competing effect between passive smoking and childcare attendance. ⋯ Reducing the exposure of children to ETS is a public health priority, especially for the Aboriginal population. A smoke-free environment will help reduce the burden of OM.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Hospitalisation for head injury due to assault among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, July 1999--June 2005.
To describe rates of hospitalisation for head injury due to assault among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. ⋯ Indigenous people, particularly women, were disproportionately represented among those hospitalised for head injury due to assault. Head injury imposes a substantial burden of care on individuals and communities. Along with the costs of treating head injury, these are good reasons to strengthen efforts to prevent head injury generally, with special attention to high-risk population segments.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Effect of swimming pools on antibiotic use and clinic attendance for infections in two Aboriginal communities in Western Australia.
To determine whether installation of swimming pools in remote Aboriginal communities reduces infection-related outpatient attendances and prescription of antibiotics. ⋯ Swimming pools in remote communities are associated with reduced prevalence of skin infections. Where disease prevalence is high, pools are also associated with reduced rates of antibiotic prescriptions and middle-ear and respiratory tract infections. In communities with resident health staff, examination of clinic records is an efficient method of monitoring the effects of public health interventions on the burden of infectious diseases.