Indigenous Population Groups Research Articles

Variability of UCP1 and UCP3 uncoupling protein genes in relation to climate in indigenous populations of Siberia and the Far East

Introduction. Several studies have demonstrated a correlation between variations in genes regulating human uncoupling proteins (UCP) and environmental factors. However, information on the intra- and interpopulation diversity of allele and genotype frequencies of UCP1 and UCP3 within the territory of Russia remains insufficient. This study aims to investigate the intra- and inter-ethnic variability of genetic determinants of activity of uncoupling proteins UCP1 and UCP3, and to evaluate genotype-environment associations in the populations residing in the northeastern region of Russia. Materials and methods. Genotyping was conducted on a total of 1,698 biological specimens collected from individuals representing 22 population groups of European Russia, Siberia, and the Russian Far East. Geographical and climatic data spanning from 1940 to 2023 were gathered for each sample collection locality. Results and discussion. The spatial distribution of genetic determinants affecting the activity of UCP1 and UCP3 uncoupling proteins demonstrates a correlation with the severity of natural conditions. Three regression models of allele frequencies were constructed using climatic characteristics as predictors. All models are statistically significant (p<0.05 in all cases) and explain 39%, 36%, and 64% of the variability in UCP1 (rs6536991, rs1800592) and UCP3 (rs1800849) allele frequencies, respectively. These correlations revealed by the models confirm the adaptability of UCP genes in the indigenous population groups of Northern Eurasia. Conclusion. The results of this study are consistent with the assumptions reported in scientific literature and significantly enhance existing knowledge. We observed correlations between allele and genotype frequencies of UCP1 (rs6536991, rs1800592) and UCP3 (rs1800849) genes and geographic latitude, elevation above sea level, as well as climatic indicators such as annual average rainfall, range of surface air temperatures, and the Bodman “weather severity” index. Further investigation involving a larger number of ethnic and territorial groups is necessary to better understand the factors influencing UCP gene variability formation.

REDD+ in Indonesia: An assessment of the international environmental program

AbstractThis paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature and assesses the progress on the effects of Indonesia’s REDD+ program. Due to the significance of Indonesia in terms of global rainforests and the comprehensive implementation practice of REDD+ programs since 2009, focusing on the case study of Indonesia enables interesting insights regarding the challenges and opportunities of REDD+. Indonesia faced challenges during the project’s implementation, but there were also reductions. This success is attributed to the set program design of REDD+. In this paper, we show that without international development cooperation in the field of climate change mitigation, the countries in the Global South lack locally driven forest conservation or restoration incentives. These incentives emanate exogenously from international development cooperation programs in the field of climate change mitigation. The review of the program also shows that despite the rigorous institutional design of REDD+ in Indonesia, not all the stakeholders could benefit from the program appropriately. Because of the de facto weakness of the smallholder farmers, indigenous population groups, and other vulnerable categories in the political process of Indonesia, these groups’ interests have not come fully to their own in Indonesia. Hence, we conclude that international programs that target environmental protection, while addressing inferior institutional quality, bad governance and operate through more accountable NGOs than government agencies would perform better in terms of global environmental targets and the sustainability of local livelihoods.

An education to colonise. The educational discrimination of indigenous people in colonial settings: lessons from Colombia and Mozambique

This paper analyses the processes through which racially exclusionary policies lead to lower educational outcomes for indigenous population groups in racialised and colonial settings. Focusing on Colombia and Mozambique, we show that for much of the 20th century indigenous people were unable to access the same schooling as the non-indigenous population. Most indigenous children did not advance beyond very low-quality forms of education in schools run by Catholic missions. This, together with much lower public investments in the education of indigenous peoples, put indigenous children at a comparative disadvantage for the accumulation of human capital. We show this by constructing new estimates of literacy and primary education completion rates for the different ethnic groups in Colombia and Mozambique over the 20th century. In accordance with our argument, we find systematic differences in the accumulation of human capital for the indigenous and non-indigenous populations respectively.

Prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, malocclusion, and tooth wear in indigenous populations in Brazil: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this review was to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, malocclusion, and tooth wear in indigenous in Brazil. A systematic review of observational studies was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines (CRD42020218704). The search strategy involved the electronic databases of Embase, LILACS, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the CAPES Theses and Dissertations for gray literature. The eligibility criteria consisted of publications that assessed the prevalence of oral conditions in indigenous populations in Brazil. Studies with indigenous people living in urban area were excluded. The risk of bias was evaluated by using JBI Critical Appraisal for prevalence studies. Thirty studies were included in the review, and the majority showed a low risk of bias. A meta-analysis of 20 studies was conducted using the random-effects model and a 95% confidence interval. Several ethnicities were studied in isolation or in groups (n = 7,627 for dental caries; n = 2,774 for periodontal disease; n = 1,067 for malocclusion; n = 150 for tooth wear). The prevalence of caries ranged from 50% among indigenous people aged 18-36 months to 100% among those aged 65-74 years. The prevalence of periodontal disease ranged from 58% to 83%. The prevalence of malocclusion was 43%. Tooth wear was assessed in only one ethnic group and showed a prevalence of 100% in indigenous people aged >18 years. The certainty of evidence assessed by the GRADE system ranged from very low to moderate. This systematic review showed significant differences in the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease and malocclusion between indigenous population groups and territories in which indigenous people live.

About some aspects of ethnic interaction in the Turkestan region

Ethnic interaction in the Turkestan region has its own characteristics, as it affects the demographic and stable socio-economic development and the state of the region. The social activity of the new generation of Kazakh youth and its ethno-political identification represents a new level of development of the population of Kazakhstan as a whole. The attitude of ethnic groups to the development of the state structure and social processes, interethnic relations, language policy and religion, socio-demographic and cultural development of the indigenous population and other ethnic groups in the country, the involvement and contribution of ethnic groups in the construction of a democratic country lead researchers to analyze the activities of ethnic groups and their interaction, as well as the identification and eradication of negative factors that have a direct attitude to national development. The results of the research of the staff of the scientific center “History and Ethnology”, a survey of focus groups, respondents give an answer to some questions of the interaction of ethnic groups in the Turkestan region. During the survey, some discrepancies were also revealed on the issues of infringement of rights, employment, religious tolerance and religion.

Documentation and Memorialisation of the First Battles against Colonisation in Zimbabwe

The first few years of British occupation in Zimbabwe was characterised by power struggle between the indigenous population groups who were dissatisfied with systematic settler style of dispossessing them of their wealth and power. The result was local and regional wars, (Rebellions/Uprisings/ Umvhukela/ 1st Chimurenga). After the war, the British South African Company (BSAC) documented and memorialised most prominent battles of the conflict and yet the indigenous people who could not read and write could not do the same. The article seeks to motivate Zimbabweans to recognise the participation of the indigenous people into this conflict as a historic event whose documentation and memorialisation is an important component of the liberation heritage of Zimbabwe. The documentation and memorialisation of the conflict by the other belligerent is enough authentication that the indigenous people staged a brave and heroic fight which doubtlessly was characterised by commitment to a genuine cause of the black people to protect their birth right. It is only the inability to read and write of our ancestry which has mandated us to accept the description of the era as a dark history, which is worthy documentation and memorialisation for the benefit of the present and future generation. The researchers employed qualitative research method of acquiring data through desktop research and observation techniques. The article came to conclusion that the war between Zimbabwe and the then Rhodesia and their opponents should be documented so as to assist the present generation appreciate the history of the nation and preserve their heritage

Estimation of Stature from foot length in male indigenous population of Assam Region

Human stature is one of the biological profiles that can and should be used in the identification of humans from different parts of the human skeleton. Estimation of stature from feet dimensions may play an important role in the identification process of a human. Further, it is also possible to establish a relationship between the feet dimensions and stature of a person. This study is focused on the measurements of feet dimension in indigenous population groups found in the North-East Indian Region (Assam). Measurements of the length of the foot and body height were carried out with the help of Vernier Calipers and standard measuring tape. This paper emphasizes the study of a total the number of 200 male bodies aged between 18 to 65. Linear correlation and regression equation were used to determine the correlation between the foot and body height and using Pearson's coefficient (ρ < 0.001) for the correlation between foot length and stature.

“Attracting all Indians under the Pretext of Religion”: Dutch-Indigenous Relations and the Moravian Mission in Berbice (1738-1763)

In the middle decades of the eighteenth century, the Dutch colony Berbice on the northern coast of South America formed the stage of the short but successful mission of the Moravian Church among the Indigenous people of the region. Whereas from the perspective of the Moravians this religious mission was part of their numerous missionary activities in the Atlantic world from the 1730s onwards, for the governor, council, planters, and various Amerindian groups living in Berbice the arrival of the missionaries was something new. This article brings together the historiographical fields of Moravian missions in the Atlantic world on the one hand and Dutch-Indigenous relations on the other hand. Examining the reaction of the local and metropolitan colonial authorities to the Moravian community and the missionaries’ interaction with different Indigenous population groups inhabiting the region, this article argues that the history of the Moravian community in Berbice opens a window through which Dutch-Indigenous relations can be investigated. From the perspective of the Dutch colonial authorities, the alliances with the Amerindian peoples were of vital importance for oppressing the majority enslaved population, and the interactions between their much needed-allies and the Moravian missionaries were seen as a threat. Using colonial archival material on the conflicts and confrontations between missionaries and authorities, this article shows that their relationship was primarily defined by the (desired) interactions of both parties with the Amerindian populations. It shows the colonial perspective on the interactions between European missionaries and Indigenous groups while revealing the metropolitan and local authority’s priorities, limits, and fears.

Providing Antivenom Treatment Access to All Brazilian Amazon Indigenous Areas: 'Every Life Has Equal Value'.

Snakebites are more frequent in the Brazilian Amazon than in other parts of Brazil, representing a high cost for the health system since antivenoms are only available through medical prescription from central municipal hospitals in most cases. The need for a cold chain and physicians usually restricts access to the only effective treatment of a snakebite, the antivenom. The complex topography of the rivers contributes to delays in treatment, and consequently increases the risk of severe complications, chronic sequelae and death. Thus, decentralization of antivenom treatment to primary healthcare facilities in the interior would increase access by indigenous population groups to proper healthcare. To standardize and evaluate the decentralization to low complexity indigenous healthcare units, we suggest the (i) development and validation of standardized operational procedures, (ii) training of professionals in the validated protocol in a referral health unit, (iii) implementation of the protocol in an indigenous healthcare unit, (iv) assessment of perceptions towards and acceptability of the protocol, and (v) estimation of the impact of the protocol’s implementation. We expect that antivenom decentralization would shorten the time between diagnosis and treatment and, as such, improve the prognosis of snakebites. As health cosmology among indigenous populations has an important role in maintaining their way of life, the introduction of a new therapeutic strategy to their customs must take into account the beliefs of these peoples. Thus, antivenom administration would be inserted as a crucial therapeutic tool in a world of diverse social, natural and supernatural representations. The information presented here also serves as a basis to advocate for support and promotion of health policy initiatives focused on evidence-based care in snakebite management.

Prospects for and factors that militate against decolonising education in social work in South Africa

The effects of both colonialism and the apartheid that succeeded it resulted in the indigenous peoples of South Africa being displaced, marginalised, excluded and exploited. For many generations, indigenous population groups were disenfranchised, their destinies were taken out of their hands and their socio-economic status was predetermined. As colonisers tended to perceive the knowledge systems of indigenous peoples as being inferior to their own, colonised countries inherited most of their infrastructure and administrations from their colonisers, and their influence continues to be felt in many post-colonial countries even today. The discipline of social work has often been criticised for being dominated by white, Western and middle-class discourses. Although education in social work in South Africa needs to be sensitive to African world views, attempts to decolonise it and to replace Western modes of thinking, being and feeling with modes that are relevant to African cultural experiences have yielded some undesirable consequences.

Equitable Expanded Carrier Screening Needs Indigenous Clinical and Population Genomic Data

Expanded carrier screening (ECS) for recessive monogenic diseases requires prior knowledge of genomic variation, including DNA variants that cause disease. The composition of pathogenic variants differs greatly among human populations, but historically, research about monogenic diseases has focused mainly on people with European ancestry. By comparison, less is known about pathogenic DNA variants in people from other parts of the world. Consequently, inclusion of currently underrepresented Indigenous and other minority population groups in genomic research is essential to enable equitable outcomes in ECS and other areas of genomic medicine. Here, we discuss this issue in relation to the implementation of ECS in Australia, which is currently being evaluated as part of the national Government's Genomics Health Futures Mission. We argue that significant effort is required to build an evidence base and genomic reference data so that ECS can bring significant clinical benefit for many Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians. These efforts are essential steps to achieving the Australian Government's objectives and its commitment "to leveraging the benefits of genomics in the health system for all Australians." They require culturally safe, community-led research and community involvement embedded within national health and medical genomics programs to ensure that new knowledge is integrated into medicine and health services in ways that address the specific and articulated cultural and health needs of Indigenous people. Until this occurs, people who do not have European ancestry are at risk of being, in relative terms, further disadvantaged.

Desplazamiento forzado interno y salud mental en pueblos indígenas de Colombia

Antecedentes: Ya que el desplazamiento forzado interno de indígenas colombianos es un fenómeno que sigue en aumento, es necesario continuar estudiando las repercusiones que esta situación puede llegar a tener sobre la salud mental de los indígenas. Objetivo: dilucidar las relaciones entre desplazamiento forzado interno por conflicto armado y salud mental en indígenas colombianos, con foco en el pueblo Emberá. Metodología: se realizó un estudio cualitativo con técnicas mixtas, basado en el pensamiento complejo. La investigación se realizó en diversas fases, clasificadas en dos grandes categorías: 1) revisión de la literatura sobre el tema (desplazamiento forzado interno y salud mental en indígenas), y 2. Trabajo de campo con indígenas Emberá en situación de desplazamiento forzado en Bogotá D.C. y expertos en el tema (realización de encuestas abiertas y a profundidad, grupos focales y observación participante). Resultados: Se encontró que el conflicto armado colombiano ha forzado a la población indígena, a desplazarse desde su entorno rural a escenarios urbanos, afectando su modo de vida. En esta población, la familia y la comunidad son las unidades sociales más alteradas por las consecuencias del conflicto armado, ya que esta situación pone en juego su integración y por ende el colectivo, pues las dinámicas relacionales se transforman y se reorganizan para afrontar una nueva realidad. Conclusiones: El conflicto armado afecta a los indígenas mediante el despojo de sus territorios y a través de la pérdida, desestructuración y transformación de su cultura, siendo ambos factores determinantes de la salud mental indígena

A qualitative exploration of the sexual and reproductive health knowledge of adolescent mothers from indigenous populations in Ratanak Kiri Province, Cambodia.

Adolescents from indigenous populations in Ratanak Kiri Province in Cambodia experience worse sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes when compared to their urban counterparts. However, few qualitative studies have been conducted to identify factors that may explain the poor SRH outcomes experienced by this population group. The socioecological model was used as the analytical lens to explore the SRH knowledge and sources of SRH information of adolescent mothers (aged 15-19 years) from indigenous populations in north-eastern Cambodia. Adolescent mothers from the Tompoun and Jarai indigenous population groups (n=22) were purposively recruited from seven villages in two districts of Ratanak Kiri Province. All adolescent mothers engaged in a combined body mapping exercise and semi-structured interview; this approach was considered the most appropriate qualitative data collection method to use in this context as it reduced language, cultural and social barriers that have previously restricted qualitative exploration of sensitive issues among this population group. The body maps and semi-structured interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Adolescent mothers demonstrated limited SRH knowledge including that pertaining to the anatomy of the female reproductive body, the physiology of human reproduction, fertility and pregnancy. Adolescents' primary source of SRH information was interaction with female family members and friends within their community. Adolescents' limited SRH knowledge was influenced by factors on individual (eg educational attainment, child marriage), relationship (eg social interaction with female family members and friends), community (eg access to educational and healthcare services) and societal (eg barriers to accessing national SRH programs and initiatives) levels. The%u202Ffindings support the need for SRH education in the primary and secondary school curriculum. In 2018 the Cambodia Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports introduced a Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) program into the government primary and secondary school curriculum. The CSE, which is delivered in the Khmer language, provides Cambodian youth with an avenue to access accurate SRH information that will aid their SRH decision-making. However, indigenous girls face numerous social, cultural, economic and language barriers that restrict or prevent their access to formal education. Therefore, additional SRH materials and resources that are culturally and linguistically appropriate need to be developed for indigenous students attending primary and secondary schools in Ratanak Kiri Province and for young people who have ceased formal education. Educating village chiefs to deliver non-formal, community-based education programs is proposed as a means of increasing SRH knowledge and reducing health inequalities faced by this population group while ensuring that accurate information is delivered in a culturally appropriate manner.

Return to work after sickness absence: a register-based comparison of two indigenous population groups

ObjectivesThe objective of the article was to analyse how Finnish and Swedish speakers in Finland differ in health and labour market outcomes after sickness absence. Apart from many similarities, these two population groups differ in life expectancy and union stability and are supposed to be culturally distinct. Our analyses, therefore, help to shed light on the interrelation between culture and health. Study designWe monitored health and labour market-related status 3 years after the first sickness absence. MethodsThe register-based longitudinal data covered the years 1988–2010. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to quantify the odds of being unemployed, retired due to disability, otherwise outside the labour force or dead, as compared with being employed. The analyses were controlled for age, educational level, region of residence, population density, birth region, family status, job industry, income, homeownership, time period and time on sick leave. ResultsUnemployment after sickness absence was notably more common for Finnish speakers than for Swedish speakers. In the fully adjusted models, the odds ratios were 1.48 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23–1.67) in men and 1.29 (95% CI 1.07–1.48) in women. Disability pension, being outside the labour force and having died were also more frequent outcomes for Finnish speakers than for Swedish speakers, although most of this variation could be attributed to socio-economic and demographic characteristics. ConclusionsThe article illustrates that register-based analyses can be effective tools for assessing and identifying persons with latent problems that impede their functioning in the labour market. These findings also suggest that culturally related factors presumably play an important role in this concern.

Pharmacogenetics of Antiretroviral Drug Response and Pharmacokinetic Variations in Indigenous South African Populations.

Interindividual and interethnic differences in response to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) are influenced by genetic variation. The few genomic studies conducted among African-Americans and African ethnic groups do not reflect the extensive genetic diversity within African populations. ARVs are widely used in Africa. Therefore, genomic characterization of African populations is required before genotype-guided dosing becomes possible. The aim of this study was to determine and report on the frequency of genetic variants in genes implicated in metabolism and transport of ARVs in South African populations. The study comprised 48 self-reported South African Colored (SAC) and 296 self-reported Black African (BA) individuals. Allele and genotype frequency distributions for 93 variants contributing to metabolism and transport of ARVs were compared between groups, and other global populations. Fifty-three variants had significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies when comparing SAC and BA groups. Thirteen of these have strong clinical annotations, affecting efavirenz and tenofovir pharmacokinetics. This study provides a summary of the genetic variation within genes implicated in metabolism and transport of ARVs in indigenous South African populations. The observed differences between indigenous population groups, and between these groups and global populations, demonstrate that data generated from specific African populations cannot be used to infer genetic diversity within other populations on the continent. These results highlight the need for comprehensive characterization of genetic variation within indigenous African populations, and the clinical utility of these variants in ARV dosing for global precision medicine. Population pharmacogenetics is a nascent field of global health and warrants further research and education.

Population genetic study of 34 X-Chromosome markers in 5 main ethnic groups of China.

As a multi-ethnic country, China has some indigenous population groups which vary in culture and social customs, perhaps as a result of geographic isolation and different traditions. However, upon close interactions and intermarriage, admixture of different gene pools among these ethnic groups may occur. In order to gain more insight on the genetic background of X-Chromosome from these ethnic groups, a set of X-markers (18 X-STRs and 16 X-Indels) was genotyped in 5 main ethnic groups of China (HAN, HUI, Uygur, Mongolian, Tibetan). Twenty-three private alleles were detected in HAN, Uygur, Tibetan and Mongolian. Significant differences (p < 0.0001) were all observed for the 3 parameters of heterozygosity (Ho, He and UHe) among the 5 ethnic groups. Highest values of Nei genetic distance were always observed at HUI-Uygur pairwise when analyzed with X-STRs or X-Indels separately and combined. Phylogenetic tree and PCA analyses revealed a clear pattern of population differentiation of HUI and Uygur. However, the HAN, Tibetan and Mongolian ethnic groups were closely clustered. Eighteen X-Indels exhibited in general congruent phylogenetic signal and similar cluster among the 5 ethnic groups compared with 16 X-STRs. Aforementioned results proved the genetic polymorphism and potential of the 34 X-markers in the 5 ethnic groups.

The Distribution Dynamics of Human Development in Mexico 1990–2010

Based on census data linked to household surveys, we analyze the univariate and joint distribution of income, health and education at the municipality level in Mexico from 1990 to 2010 using Gaussian mixture models. The univariate analysis finds an emergence of a low‐income cluster in 2000, which disappears again by 2010. Our trivariate estimation shows an education‐led human development convergence over time while dynamics are mainly affected by fluctuations in health and income. Changes in development clusters have a clear spatial pattern and are closely related to the relative size of the agricultural sector and the proportion of indigenous population groups.

Cardio-metabolic health risks in indigenous populations of Southeast Asia and the influence of urbanization

BackgroundSouth East Asia (SEA) is home to over 30 tribes of indigenous population groups who are currently facing rapid socio-economic change. Epidemiological transition and increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCD) has occured. In Peninsular Malaysia, the Orang Asli (OA) indigenous people comprise 0 · 6% (150,000) of the population and live in various settlements. OA comprise three distinct large tribes with smaller sub-tribes. The three large tribes include Proto-Malay (sub-tribes: Orang Seletar and Jakun), Senoi (sub-tribes: Mahmeri and Semai), and Negrito (sub-tribes: Jehai, Mendriq and Batek).MethodsWe studied the health of 636 OA from seven sub-tribes in the Peninsular. Parameters that were assessed included height, weight, BMI and waist circumference whilst blood pressure, cholesterols, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels were recorded. We then analysed cardio-metabolic risk factor prevalences and performed multiple pair-wise comparisons among different sub-tribes and socio-economic clusters.ResultsCardio-metabolic risk factors were recorded in the seven sub-tribes.. Prevalence for general and abdominal obesity were highest in the urbanized Orang Seletar (31 · 6 ± 5 · 7%; 66 · 1 ± 5 · 9%). Notably, hunter gatherer Jehai and Batek tribes displayed the highest prevalence for hypertension (43 · 8 ± 9 · 29% and 51 · 2 ± 15 · 3%) despite being the leanest and most remote, while the Mendriq sub-tribe, living in the same jungle area with access to similar resources as the Batek were less hypertensive (16.3 ± 11.0%), but displayed higher prevalence of abdominal obesity (27.30 ± 13.16%).ConclusionsWe describe the cardio-metabolic risk factors of seven indigenous communities in Malaysia. We report variable prevalence of obesity, cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes in the OA in contrast to the larger ethnic majorities such as Malays, Chinese and Indians in Malaysia These differences are likely to be due to socio-economic effects and lifestyle changes. In some sub-tribes, other factors including genetic predisposition may also play a role. It is expected that the cardio-metabolic risk factors may worsen with further urbanization, increase the health burden of these communities and strain the government’s resources.

An explanatory analysis of economic and health inequality changes among Mexican indigenous people, 2000-2010.

IntroductionMexico faces important problems concerning income and health inequity. Mexico’s national public agenda prioritizes remedying current inequities between its indigenous and non-indigenous population groups. This study explores the changes in social inequalities among Mexico’s indigenous and non-indigenous populations for the time period 2000 to 2010 using routinely collected poverty, welfare and health indicator data.MethodsWe described changes in socioeconomic indicators (housing condition), poverty (Foster-Greer-Thorbecke and Sen-Shorrocks-Sen indexes), health indicators (childhood stunting and infant mortality) using diverse sources of nationally representative data.ResultsThis analysis provides consistent evidence of disparities in the Mexican indigenous population regarding both basic and crucial developmental indicators. Although developmental indicators have improved among the indigenous population, when we compare indigenous and non-indigenous people, the gap in socio-economic and developmental indicators persists.ConclusionsDespite a decade of efforts to promote public programs, poverty persists and is a particular burden for indigenous populations within Mexican society. In light of the results, it would be advisable to review public policy and to specifically target future policy to the needs of the indigenous population.

A systematic review of suicide prevention interventions targeting indigenous peoples in Australia, United States, Canada and New Zealand

BackgroundIndigenous peoples of Australia, Canada, United States and New Zealand experience disproportionately high rates of suicide. As such, the methodological quality of evaluations of suicide prevention interventions targeting these Indigenous populations should be rigorously examined, in order to determine the extent to which they are effective for reducing rates of Indigenous suicide and suicidal behaviours. This systematic review aims to: 1) identify published evaluations of suicide prevention interventions targeting Indigenous peoples in Australia, Canada, United States and New Zealand; 2) critique their methodological quality; and 3) describe their main characteristics.MethodsA systematic search of 17 electronic databases and 13 websites for the period 1981–2012 (inclusive) was undertaken. The reference lists of reviews of suicide prevention interventions were hand-searched for additional relevant studies not identified by the electronic and web search. The methodological quality of evaluations of suicide prevention interventions was assessed using a standardised assessment tool.ResultsNine evaluations of suicide prevention interventions were identified: five targeting Native Americans; three targeting Aboriginal Australians; and one First Nation Canadians. The main intervention strategies employed included: Community Prevention, Gatekeeper Training, and Education. Only three of the nine evaluations measured changes in rates of suicide or suicidal behaviour, all of which reported significant improvements. The methodological quality of evaluations was variable. Particular problems included weak study designs, reliance on self-report measures, highly variable consent and follow-up rates, and the absence of economic or cost analyses.ConclusionsThere is an urgent need for an increase in the number of evaluations of preventive interventions targeting reductions in Indigenous suicide using methodologically rigorous study designs across geographically and culturally diverse Indigenous populations. Combining and tailoring best evidence and culturally-specific individual strategies into one coherent suicide prevention program for delivery to whole Indigenous communities and/or population groups at high risk of suicide offers considerable promise.