The Medical journal of Australia
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With community involvement, research can be a powerful tool for closing the gap in Indigenous health disparity.
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Health is dependent on conditions that enable people to live lives they would choose to live.
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To describe the clinical and epidemiological features of sepsis and severe sepsis in the population of the tropical Top End of the Northern Territory of Australia and compare these with published estimates for temperate Australia, the United States and Europe. ⋯ The incidence of sepsis in the tropical NT is substantially higher than that for temperate Australia, the United States and Europe, and these differences are mainly accounted for by the high rates of sepsis in Indigenous people. The findings support strategies to improve housing and access to health services, and reduce comorbidities, alcohol and tobacco use in Indigenous Australians. The burden of sepsis in indigenous populations worldwide requires further study to guide appropriate resourcing of health care and preventive strategies.
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To evaluate the contribution of non-traditional risk factors to coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence in Indigenous adults. ⋯ High prevalence of glycaemia and albuminuria in this population, especially when combined, account for much of the excess CHD risk beyond the traditional Framingham risk factors. They can be measured simply, lend themselves to cardioprotective interventions, and should be used routinely to estimate risk and monitor effectiveness of treatment.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors walking in both worlds for the benefit of all Australians.