Abstract
BackgroundAlthough the burden of cardiopulmonary diseases in the Aboriginal community is high, utilisation of rehabilitation services has been poor. We evaluated the uptake and effectiveness of a cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation program specifically designed and provided for the Aboriginal community, by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, for people with diagnosed chronic heart or respiratory disease and those at high risk of developing such conditions.MethodsParticipants had established chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischaemic heart disease or chronic heart failure or were at high risk of developing such diseases because of multiple risk factors. Rehabilitation programs (n = 13) comprised two exercise and one education session per week over eight weeks. Data, collected at baseline and on completion, included health status, risk factors, attendance, anthropometric measurements, physical capacity and quality of life. Data from participants who attended at least one program session were analysed. Qualitative written feedback from participants and staff was analysed thematically.ResultsOf 92 participants (39% with an established disease diagnosis), 72 provided follow-up data. Participants lost weight, and waist circumference decreased (mean -3.6 cm, 95% confidence interval (CI)-2.5 to -4.7). There were clinically significant improvements in six-minute walk distance (mean 55.7 m, 95% CI 37.8 to 73.7) and incremental shuttle walk (mean 106.2 m, 95% CI 79.1 to 133.2). There were clinically significant improvements in generic quality of life domains, dyspnoea and fatigue. Generally, the improvements in participants with established cardiac or respiratory diseases did not differ from that in people with risk factors. Analysis of qualitative data identified three factors that facilitated participation: support from peers and health workers, provision of transport and the program structure. Participants’ awareness of improvements in their health contributed to ongoing participation and positive health outcomes, and participants would recommend the program to family and friends.ConclusionA cardiopulmonary program, which included exercise and education and met national guidelines, was designed and delivered specifically for the Aboriginal community. It increased participation in rehabilitation by Aborigines with, or at high risk of, established disease and led to positive changes in health behaviours, functional exercise capacity and health related quality of life.
Highlights
The burden of cardiopulmonary diseases in the Aboriginal community is high, utilisation of rehabilitation services has been poor
We report our findings on participation and effectiveness of a combined cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation and secondary prevention program provided by an Aboriginal community controlled health service
Both groups had a high rate of obesity (BMI >30), 49% in established disease and 77% in participants with risk factors
Summary
The burden of cardiopulmonary diseases in the Aboriginal community is high, utilisation of rehabilitation services has been poor. We evaluated the uptake and effectiveness of a cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation program designed and provided for the Aboriginal community, by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, for people with diagnosed chronic heart or respiratory disease and those at high risk of developing such conditions. Chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are common causes of disease burden and premature mortality in the Aboriginal community [1] These types of diseases often co-exist in the same person as they share many underlying social determinants and risk factors including poverty, underemployment, poor housing, racism, smoking, obesity, poor nutrition and physical inactivity, which all have a much higher prevalence in the Aboriginal population [2]. There remains a need for accessible and culturally appropriate cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services to address the high burden of disease and premature mortality associated with chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases in the Aboriginal community. The Australian National Preventive Health Strategy 2009 road map for action recommends focusing on reducing risk factors, especially in socially and economically disadvantaged populations [12]
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