Aboriginal Males Research Articles

Mibbinbah and Spirit Healing: Fostering Safe, Friendly Spaces for Indigenous Males in Australia

This article seeks to share some of the insights that have been gained through a participatory action research program exploring the issue of safe spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males in Australia. The three-year program sought to build the capacity of the men, their organisations and their communities. It began out of the friendship of two men and expanded to include dozens of men and a number of key organisations through time. Thus, recounting some of the beginnings, progress and conclusion of the process offers some understanding of what might be possible in terms of improving the health of Indigenous males. The focus has been on a strengths-based, or salutogenic approach we call “Spirit Healing.” This article seeks to provide insight into safe spaces for dealing with depression and anxiety and supporting community-based Indigenous male researchers. In the end, safe, well-facilitated spaces foster and further respect while they diminish lateral violence and its consequences.

Injury prevention in child death review: child pedestrian fatalities

ObjectiveThis article describes the epidemiology of child pedestrian fatalities in British Columbia using data generated by the province's Child Death Review Unit, to demonstrate the unique capacity of child death...

Developing a positive life cycle for young Indigenous men

The Clontarf Foundation believes that inadequate education and failure to experience achievement when young, coupled with a position of under-privilege, creates and drives a cycle of disadvantage that can lead to alienation, anger and then to more serious consequences. Disadvantage will transfer and increase from generation to generation as long as the causes are allowed to persist. As a prelude to tackling these and other issues, participants in the foundation’s programs are first provided with an opportunity to succeed. This is an opportunity to raise their self esteem and re-engage these young Aboriginal males in the school environment. We use the existing passion that Aboriginal boys have for football to attract them to attend a Clontarf Academy. Members are not selected on football ability; though obviously most of them have some aptitude for the game. But this is not a sporting program; it is a sophisticated behavioural change program. To remain in the academy, members must consistently endeavour to attend school regularly, apply themselves to the study of appropriate courses and embrace the academy’s requirements for behaviour and self-discipline. The approach has proven to be very successful, not only in attracting young men to school and retaining them, but also in having them embrace more disciplined, purposeful and healthy lives. The Clontarf Foundation exists to improve the education, discipline, self esteem, life skills and employment prospects of young Aboriginal men and by doing so, equip them to participate more meaningfully in society. Clontarf academies are formed in association with selected schools and colleges. As well as coordinating the football program, academy staff mentor and counsel students in a range of behavioural and lifestyle issues, while the school caters for their specific educational needs. Clontarf’s Chief Executive Officer Gerard Neesham will discuss: the methodology of the foundation’s programs, which aim to develop positive life cycles for these young men; the outcomes being achieved; and, many of the obvious questions, such as: why football? and what about the girls?

Trends in chronic disease mortality in the Northern Territory Aboriginal population, 1997‐2004: using underlying and multiple causes of death

To assess trends in chronic disease mortality in the Aboriginal population of the Northern Territory (NT), using both underlying and multiple causes of death. Death registration data from 1997 to 2004, were used for the analysis of deaths from five chronic diseases; ischaemic heart disease (IHD), diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), renal failure and stroke. Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the average annual change in mortality rates for each of the five diseases. Chi squared tests were conducted to determine associations between the five diseases. The five chronic diseases contributed to 49.3% of all Aboriginal deaths in the NT. The mortality rate ratio of NT Aboriginal to all Australian death rates from each of the diseases ranged from 4.3 to 13.0, with the lowest rate ratio for stroke and highest for diabetes. There were significant statistical associations between IHD, diabetes, renal failure and stroke. The mortality rates for diabetes, COPD and stroke declined at estimated annual rates for NT Aboriginal males of 3.6%, 1.0% and 11.7% and for Aboriginal females by 3.5%, 6.1% and 7.1% respectively. There were increases in mortality rates for Aboriginal males and females for IHD and a mixed result for renal failure. NT Aboriginal people experience high chronic disease mortality, however, mortality rates appear to be declining for diabetes, COPD and stroke. The impact of chronic disease on mortality is greater than previously reported by using a single underlying cause of death. The results highlight the importance of integrated chronic disease interventions.

Preferences of Residents in Four Northern Alberta Communities Regarding Local Post-Secondary Programming

The western Canadian province of Alberta has used some of the proceeds from exploitation of its extraordinary natural resources to make available a range of post-secondary training and education opportunities to residents. While these provisions appear comprehensive, this study examined how well they actually suit the express needs of the residents of remote, Northern areas of the province, many of them Aboriginal. 
 
 The literature shows that while Aboriginal people are underrepresented in Canada in university enrollments, they are no longer underrepresented in college or other institutions, suggesting that gains have been made for some residents of rural and remote parts of Canada. Further, when Northern residents (especially Aboriginal males) complete advanced training, Statistics Canada reports they are highly successful in employment and income. Access is the pivotal issue, however: leaving the local community to attend training programs elsewhere is often disruptive and unsuccessful. As will be seen, the issue of access arose in this study’s findings with direct implications for distance delivery and support.
 
 This study was conducted as part of Athabasca University’s Learning Communities Project (LCP), which sought information about the views and experiences of a broad range of northern Alberta residents concerning their present post-secondary training and education opportunities. The study addresses an acknowledged gap in such information in relation to Canada in comparison with other OECD countries.
 
 Results are based on input from 165 individuals, obtained through written surveys (some completed by the researchers in face-to-face exchanges with the respondents), interviews, discussions, and observations, conducted with full-time or part-time residents of the study communities during 2007 and 2008. The four northern Alberta communities studied were Wabasca, Fox Lake, Ft. McKay (sometimes MacKay), and Ft. Chipewyan, totaling just over 6,000 residents.
 
 While respondents had varied backgrounds in relation to training and education, consensus emerged on several points: training in the studied communities must be flexible to be realistic; the negative emotional and economic impacts on families and individuals when they are forced to leave the local community to take training can be enormous; alternatives such as distance education may now be acceptable to and technologically feasible for many; and certain subjects (especially business-related courses, pre-employment preparation, such as safety and computer skills, trades training, and basic skills upgrading programs in essential skills such as math, English, writing, and life skills) were of broad interest to these residents. 
 
 The LCP was cautioned that future programming inspired by this research should avoid mistakes made by others in relation to northern learners and their local realities: not considering students’ preferences for programming; employing inappropriate technologies; failing to provide adequate orientation and support to the learning system; and failure to use existing, proven delivery models.

Bridging the Survival Gap Between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians: Priorities for the Road Ahead

The life-expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians remains one of contemporary Australia's most enduring health divides. The reduction of observed health outcome disparity between population groups based on measures of socioeconomic status, geography, or ethnicity stands as a key target of coordinated societal and health system reform. CVD remains the principal cause of death among all Australian population groups, including Aboriginal males and females, and is the primary contributor to the 17-year life-expectancy gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. This paper discusses the challenges inherent, from the perspective of broader policy frameworks and health system reform, to reducing disparity between population groups within Australia, and outlines the opportunities for change that could contribute benefit to Aboriginal and mainstream Australians in regards to reducing the burden of CVD and related conditions. Further, through mapping adverse outcomes to acute cardiac events it seeks to discuss several key targets for reform that may serve to reduce health disparity between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.

Prevalence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Male Aborigines and Non-aborigines in Eastern Taiwan

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are highly prevalent in men. The relationship of LUTS with socioeconomic level has not been investigated in Asian people. This study investigated the prevalence of LUTS in men and between aborigines and non-aborigines in eastern Taiwan, and their association with demographic, socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics. A survey of LUTS in adult male community residents of Hualien district was conducted in 2006. LUTS were assessed using questionnaires for the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Quality of Life Index (QoL-I). The prevalence of each bothersome LUTS, moderate LUTS (IPSS>8) and impaired QoL (QoL-I>4) were compared between aborigines and non-aborigines. The association between the prevalence of LUTS and socioeconomic status was also compared between the two groups. There were 196 aborigines (32%) and 419 non-aborigines (68%) who completed the questionnaires. Nocturia was the most common LUTS in aboriginal and non-aboriginal men. The prevalence of moderate LUTS increased with age (p<0.001) in men overall. Significantly higher prevalence rates of frequency (11.7% vs. 7.2%, p=0.044) and nocturia (31.1% vs. 19.8%, p=0.002) were found in aborigines than non-aborigines. However, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of moderate LUTS (12.8% vs. 8.8%, p=0.220) or impaired QoL (24.3% vs. 19.9%, p=0.088) between aborigines and non-aborigines. The higher prevalence of frequency and nocturia in aborigines was associated with significantly lower educational and economic levels, which were also associated with a higher prevalence of alcohol drinking, betel quid chewing and cigarette smoking. Nocturia was the most common LUTS in community dwelling aboriginal and non-aboriginal adult males. A low socioeconomic level was associated with a higher prevalence rate of moderate LUTS and impaired QoL, especially in aborigines.

Anthropometric measurements of Australian Aboriginal adults living in remote areas: Comparison with nationally representative findings

To compare body size measurements in Australian Aboriginals living in three remote communities in the Northern Territory of Australia with those of the general Australian population. Height, weight, waist and hip circumferences and derivative values of body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-height ratio (WHT), and waist-weight ratios (WWT) of adult Aboriginal volunteers (n = 814), aged 25 to 74 years were compared with participants in the nationally representative 'AusDiab' survey (n = 10,434). The Aboriginal body habitus profiles differed considerably from the Australian profile. When compared to Australian females, Aboriginal females were taller and had lower hip circumference but had higher WC, WHR, WHT, and WWT (P < 0.01 for all). When compared with their Australian counterparts, Aboriginal males were shorter, had lower body weight, WC, hip circumference, BMI, and WHT but had higher WHR and WWT (P < 0.001 for all). Significantly more Aboriginal females were classified as overweight and or obese using cutoffs defined by WC and by WHR than by BMI. Aboriginal males were less often overweight and/or obese by BMI than their counterparts, but were significantly more often overweight or obese by WHR. There were significant variations in body size profiles between Aboriginal communities. However, the theme of excess waist measurements relative to their weight was uniform. Aboriginal people had preferential central fat deposition in relation to their overall weight. BMI significantly underestimated overweight and obesity as assessed by waist measurements among Aboriginals. This relationship of preferential central fat deposition to the current epidemic of chronic diseases needs to be explored further.

Health Disparity Knowledge and Support for Intervention in Saskatoon

A number of reports suggest that we need to determine public understanding about the broad determinants of health and also determine public support for actions to reduce health disparities in Canada. A cross-sectional random survey of 5,000 Saskatoon residents was used to determine knowledge about health determinants and health disparity and then determine public support for various interventions to address health disparity. Saskatoon residents understand most of the determinants of health except they understate the importance of social class and gender. Saskatoon residents do not have a good understanding of the magnitude of health disparity between income groups. A majority believe risk behaviours are mostly individual choices and are not associated with income status. Most residents believe even small differences in health status between income groups is unacceptable and a majority believe that something can be done to address health disparity by income status. Interventions proposed by residents to alleviate health disparity were evidence-based, including work-earning supplements and strengthening early intervention programs. Logistic regression revealed that greatest support for transferring money from health care treatment to health creation services (like affordable housing and education) came from young Aboriginal males with low income. Saskatoon residents have knowledge of health determinants and have a strong desire to support health disparity intervention. More knowledge transfer is required on the magnitude of health disparity based on income status. Broad-based health disparity intervention in Saskatoon appears possible.

Ethnic differences in risk factors for neonatal mortality and morbidity in the neonatal intensive care unit

Although our knowledge about how to care for high-risk neonates who require intensive care is continually improving, disparities in health outcomes among various ethnic groups living in developed countries are becoming more evident. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) mortality among Canadian-born minority infants and, furthermore, to determine whether ethnicity was in itself an independent predictor of mortality or major morbidity in the NICU. Data were prospectively gathered on 6528 infants admitted to nine regionally located NICUs across Canada. Multiple logistic regressions were used to develop risk-adjusted models for NICU mortality and major morbidity. Despite adjusting for differences in small for gestational age (SGA), outborn status and gestational age less than or equal to 28 weeks, South Asian infants still had significantly greater odds of mortality in the NICU. Neonatal sepsis was the strongest predictor of mortality among African infants, even greater than birth at 28 weeks or less. At significantly greater odds of survival with major morbidity were Aboriginal males and East Asian females. There are ethnic disparities in the risks of neonatal mortality and morbidity in the NICU. Understanding these differences is important to be able to determine specific areas to target in improving healthcare delivery and reducing disparities in health outcomes among Canada's diverse population.

Risk factors for isolated talipes equinovarus in Western Australia, 1980–1994

A case-control study based on routinely collected data for a West Australian (WA) cohort of births born 1980-94 inclusive was used to identify potential risk factors for the foot deformity isolated talipes equinovarus. Race and sex were identified as risk factors and risk modifiers of the condition in WA infants. In comparison with their female counterparts, Aboriginal males were at greater risk of the deformity than Caucasian males (odd ratio [OR] 7.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.68, 21.12 vs. OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.24, 2.15 respectively). Sex-specific risk estimates of the deformity showed that Aboriginal males were at more than four times the risk of Caucasian males (OR 4.27, 95% CI 2.30, 8.25 respectively), but the risk amongst Aboriginal females was not dissimilar to the risk amongst Caucasian females (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.49, 2.45). Intrauterine constraint of the fetus was not found to be an important contributing factor to the deformity after accounting for the effect of all risk factors modelled in multivariable analyses. Indicators of intrauterine constraint including prolonged gestation, high infant birthweight, young maternal age (< 20 years) and breech presentation were not associated with excess numbers of isolated talipes equinovarus cases. Limited numbers of cases associated with other indicators of intrauterine constraint, including the specific categories of short maternal stature and a twin pregnancy prevented definitive conclusions regarding their association with the deformity. Improved data quality for gestational age estimates and oligohydramnios status are required before determining the prenatal risk impact of season of conception and of reduced amniotic fluid levels, respectively, on the occurrence of the deformity.

Aboriginal deaths in Western Australia: 1985-89 and 1990-94

ObjectiveTo examine death data for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal persons in Western Australia (WA) in 1985-89 and 1990-94. MethodsPopulation estimates were provided by the Health Information Centre of the WA Health Department based on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Death data came from the WA Registrar-General's Office. Standard methods were used to obtain rates and levels of significance. ResultsMain causes of deaths among Aboriginal males in 1990-94 were circulatory conditions, respiratory, injury and poisoning, neoplasms and endocrine diseases; in Aboriginal females they were circulatory, neoplasms, endocrine diseases, respiratory diseases, and injury and poisoning. From 1985-89 to 1990-94, the Aboriginal male all-cause age-standardised death rates fell 3% (ns) while the non-Aboriginal male rate fell 11% (p<0.05). The Aboriginal female all-cause death rate rose 11% (ns) while the non-Aboriginal rate fell 5% (p<0.05). The allcause death rate ratio (Aboriginahnon-Aboriginal) changed from 2.4 to 2.6 (males) and 2.5 to 2.9 (females). There was a major increase in deaths from endocrine diseases among Aborigines and non-Aborigines. This increase was proportionally much greater among Aborigines. In non-Aborigines there was a significant decrease in deaths from circulatory diseases (mainly ischaemic heart disease); this did not occur among Aborigines. ConclusionsOver the study period, Aboriginal health standards, as reflected by death rates, apparently worsened relative to non-Aboriginal standards. ImplicationsBetter health promotion, disease prevention and disease care are required to help achieve acceptable health standards among Aboriginal peoples.

Suicide: What is to be done?

Recorded suicide overall has remained reasonably constant throughout the twentieth century in Australia, with changes occurring in its pattern of distribution amongst males. Increased frequency of suicide among young, rural, and Aboriginal males has led to speculation about the causes and calls for action from health care professionals.While the definition of suicide is still debated, suicide risk cannot be predicted accurately, and no useful clinical interventions exist to prevent it, this paper argues that psychologists should turn their attention to the social causes of known precursors. Given that we know suicide is more likely amongst people who feel hopeless, lonely, and alienated from their culture, suicide prevention at present might be best directed at reducing the number of people suffering these emotions

Finger dermatoglyphics of Australian aborigines in the northern territory of Australia

Fingerprints of 114 Australian Aboriginal males and 90 females have been analyzed. Whorls are more frequent in males (56.7%) than in females (51.2%) and loops are less frequent in males (42.6%) than in females (47.0%). The index of pattern intensity displays a higher value in males (15.60) than in females (14.94). The bimanual differences both in males and females are not statistically significant for the occurrence of patterns on the digits of the right and left hands. Also the difference between both sexes for the occurrence of patterns is not statistically significant. Incidences of actual symmetry on homologous digits represented 74.0% in males and 77.3% in females. The mean total ridge counts showed 156.65 ± 43.32 (M±SD) in males and 148.69±43.64 (M±SD) in females, respectively. Conclusively, this study represents that the Australian Aborigines conform closely to the Polynesians in finger dermatoglyphics.

Abstinence and alcohol use among urban Aborigines in Western Australia

Aboriginal males and females aged 15 years and over were recruited from patients attending community-controlled health services in Perth and Carnarvon, Western Australia. Questions were asked about present and past use of alcohol. Rates of abstinence and drinking cessation were greater than in the general population. Both samples contained sizeable numbers of people whose weekly consumption of alcohol was within recommended limits. These are encouraging findings for Aboriginal health workers and others concerned to help those who continue to drink at hazardous and harmful levels.

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance in Aborigines and Chinese in eastern Taiwan

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in three different ethnic groups in eastern Taiwan. The study was performed among Han Chinese, aboriginal Ami and aboriginal Atayal in six rural villages. Inhabitants aged 40 years and over were invited to participate. A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was used as suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) for population screening purposes. WHO criteria were used for determining the results. A total of 1013 adults (460 men and 553 women) were examined with a response rate of 62.1%. There were no significant differences in sex, age and history of diabetes between responders and non-responders. The age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes was 11.0% (9.8% in men and 12.3% in women) in the Chinese, 9.1% (12.1% in men and 7.4% in women) in the Amis, 10.8% (11.5% in men and 9.4% in women) in the Atayal and 9.9% (11.5% in men and 8.5% in women) for the two aboriginal groups together. Although sex differences in prevalence of diabetes were not statistically significant, it seems that diabetes was slightly more prevalent in Chinese women than in Chinese men (12.3 versus 9.8%). Nonetheless, the prevalence rate of diabetes was somewhat higher in the aboriginal males than in the aboriginal females (12.1 versus 9.8% for Ami and 11.5 versus 10.7% for Atayal). The prevalence of IGT was 7.2, 8.5, 10.8 and 9.7% for the Chinese, Amis, Atayal and the two aboriginal groups, respectively. There were no substantial differences in the prevalence of diabetes and IGT among these three ethnic groups. Environment, rather than ethnicity, was more likely the predominant factor. It was found that the prevalence of diabetes in this study was about twice as high as that reported in a 1987 survey in Taiwan. The discrepancy may be due to different screening methods and assessment periods.

Aboriginal juveniles and the criminal justice system: The case of Victoria

In the light of continuing concern about the high level of involvement of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system, this article examines the 1993/94 police data for Victoria. The focus is on juvenile ‘alleged offenders processed’. The data shows contact commencing early and a continuing high level of contact with the system, especially for young Aboriginal males. Although there has been a reduction in the over-representation ratio of Aboriginal juveniles in juvenile corrective institutions, the difference in rates at all points in the system compared to non-Aboriginal youth is substantial.Longer-term consequences including the likelihood of adult incarceration are serious and the need for more research and action is clearly signalled.

The impact of tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption on Aboriginal mortality in Western Australia, 1989‐1991

To compare the estimated death rates associated with alcohol and tobacco use for Australian Aboriginals in Western Australia with those for non-Aboriginals. Deaths attributable to tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption were estimated for 1989-1991 with the aetiological fractions method, using data from the Health Department of Western Australia's mortality database. Tobacco smoking was responsible for 15.4% of all deaths and 13.9% of Aboriginal deaths, and alcohol consumption for 5% and 9.2%, respectively. The age-standardised death rates per 100,000 person-years for tobacco and alcohol were: Aboriginal males, 271 and 152; other males, 113 and 29; Aboriginal females, 118 and 56; and other females, 32 and 15. Of those who died as a result of tobacco use, 49% of Aboriginal males and 48% of Aboriginal females died before 55 years of age, compared with 11% and 10%, respectively, in non-Aboriginal males. For alcohol-related deaths, 62% of Aboriginal males and 70% of Aboriginal females died before 55 years of age, compared with 35% and 23%, respectively, in non-Aboriginals. During 1989-1991 tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption were responsible for much higher death rates among Aboriginals than among non-Aboriginals in Western Australia.

Mycoplasma hominis pneumonia in aboriginal adults

Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) is a well recognized extragenital pathogen. Its role as a pathogen of the respiratory tract, however, remains difficult to determine. Four cases of pneumonia are presented in which M. hominis was isolated from blood, tracheal aspirates or post-mortem lung tissue. All 4 of these isolates were in young Aboriginal adult males. M. hominis is the least fastidious of the human mycoplasmas and grows well on most blood-containing bacteriological media. The recognition and identification of M. hominis is important as it is commonly resistant to erythromycin which would be the drug of choice in most atypical pneumonias. Early recognition and treatment with tetracycline instead may influence outcome.

Blood pressure, lipids and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Aborigines and persons of European descent of southeastern Australia

Based on a survey in two country towns of southeastern Australia, cardiovascular risk-factor prevalence data from Aborigines and persons of European descent are presented. The mean diastolic blood pressure in 123 Aboriginal males was 83.2 mmHg, compared with 79.2 mmHg in 272 European males (P = 0.005). In 178 Aboriginal females, mean diastolic pressure was 79.2 mmHg, compared with 76.3 mmHg in 281 European females (P = 0.006). Mean plasma total cholesterol was higher in Europeans (both males and females: 5.7 mmol/L) than in Aborigines (in males 5.2 and females 5.0 mmol/L) (male comparison, P = 0.02, female comparison, P < 0.001). The prevalence in participants aged 25 to 64 years of at least one major risk factor (diastolic blood pressure 95 mmHg or higher, plasma cholesterol 6.5 mmol/L or higher, or smoking more than one cigarette daily) was higher in both these samples of Aborigines (94 per cent in males, 89 per cent in females) and Europeans (70 per cent in males, 59 per cent in females) than in the 1989 urban sample of the National Heart Foundation (47 per cent in males, 36 per cent in females). Multivariate analyses showed statistically significant independent contributions of body mass index and the variable 'ethnicity' (unidentified genetic and environmental differences between the groups) to blood pressure and other risk factors. The higher cardiovascular mortality of Aborigines may be explained partly by the higher prevalence of risk factors in this group compared with other Australians. Further, the risk-factor profile may be worse among rural compared with urban Europeans.