Project description:ObjectiveStudies of perinatal health outcomes in Canadian First Nations populations have largely focused on limited geographical areas and have been unable to examine outcomes by registered status and community residence. In this study, we compare rates of adverse birth outcomes among First Nations individuals living within vs. outside of First Nations communities and those with vs. without registered status.MethodsData included 13,506 singleton pregnancies from the 2006 Canadian Birth-Census Cohort. Outcomes examined included preterm birth (PTB), small- and large-for-gestational-age birth (SGA, LGA), stillbirth, overall infant mortality, and neonatal and postneonatal mortality. Risk ratios (RRs) were estimated with adjustment for maternal age, education, parity, and paternal education.ResultsMothers living in First Nations communities and those with status had elevated adjusted risks of LGA (RR for First Nations community residence?=?1.22, 95% CI?=?1.09-1.35; RR for status?=?1.50, 95% CI?=?1.16-1.93). Rates of SGA were significantly lower among mothers with status (adjusted RR?=?0.62, 95% CI?=?0.44-0.86). Rates of PTB did not vary substantially by residence or by status. Adjusted differences in fatal outcomes could not be estimated, owing to small cell sizes. However, mothers living in First Nations communities had higher crude rates of infant mortality (10.9 vs. 7.7 per 1000), particularly for neonatal mortality (6.1 vs. 2.9).ConclusionFuture investigations should explore risk factors, including food security and access to health care services, that may explain disparities in SGA and LGA by status and residence within First Nations populations.
Project description:BackgroundFirst Nations people are known to have a higher risk of childhood-onset type 2 diabetes, yet population-level data about diabetes in First Nations children are unavailable. In a partnership between Chiefs of Ontario and academic researchers, we describe the epidemiologic features and outcomes of diabetes in First Nations children in Ontario.MethodsWe created annual cohorts from 1995/96 to 2014/15 using data from the Registered Persons Database linked with the federal Indian Register. We used the Ontario Diabetes Database to identify children with all types of diabetes and calculated the prevalence and incidence for First Nations children and other children in Ontario. We describe glycemic control in First Nations children and other children in 2014.ResultsIn 2014/15, there were 254 First Nations children and 10 144 other children with diagnosed diabetes in Ontario. From 1995/96 to 2014/15, the prevalence increased from 0.17 to 0.57 per 100 children, and the annual incidence increased from 37 to 94 per 100 000 per year among First Nations children. In 2014/15, the prevalence of diabetes was 0.62/100 among First Nations girls and 0.36/100 among other girls. The mean glycosylated hemoglobin level among First Nations children was 9.1% (standard deviation 2.7%) and for other children, 8.5% (standard deviation 2.1%).InterpretationFirst Nations children have substantially higher rates of diabetes than non-Aboriginal children in Ontario; this is likely driven by an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes and increased risk for diabetes among First Nations girls. There is an urgent need for strategies to address modifiable factors associated with the risk of diabetes, improve access to culturally sensitive diabetes care and improve outcomes for First Nations children.
Project description:Young Indigenous children in North America suffer from a higher degree of severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) than the general population, leading to speculation that the etiology and characteristics of the disease may be distinct in this population. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted the first microbiome analysis of an Indigenous population using modern molecular techniques. We investigated the caries-associated microbiome among Canadian First Nations children with S-ECC. Thirty First Nations children <72 mo of age with S-ECC and 20 caries-free children were recruited in Winnipeg, Canada. Parents or caregivers completed a questionnaire on general and dental health, diet, and demographics. The plaque microbiome was investigated by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Sequences were clustered into operational taxonomic units and taxonomy assigned via the Human Oral Microbiome Database, then analyzed at the community level with alpha and beta diversity measures. Compared with those who were caries free, children with S-ECC came from households with lower income; they were more likely to live in First Nations communities and were more likely to be bottle-fed; and they were weaned from the bottle at a later age. The microbial communities of the S-ECC and caries-free groups did not differ in terms of species richness or phylogenetic diversity. Beta diversity analysis showed that the samples significantly clustered into groups based on caries status. Twenty-eight species-level operational taxonomic units were significantly different between the groups, including Veillonella HOT 780 and Porphyromonas HOT 284, which were 4.6- and 9-fold higher, respectively, in the S-ECC group, and Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis, which were 5- and 2-fold higher, respectively, in the caries-free group. Extremely high levels of Streptococcus mutans were detected in the S-ECC group. Overall, First Nations children with S-ECC have a significantly different plaque microbiome than their caries-free counterparts, with the S-ECC group containing higher levels of known cariogenic organisms.
Project description:Background In Canada, First Nations (FN) people are at greater risk of mortality than the general population following index angiography. This disparity has not been investigated while considering guideline-recommended cardiovascular medication use. Methods and Results Retrospective analysis of administrative health data investigated patterns of medication dispensation during the first year after index angiography among patients in Manitoba, Canada. Medication possession ratios (MPRs) reflecting the percentage of days in which medications were supplied were calculated separately for β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, statins, and antiplatelets (clopidogrel). Patients were assigned to 1 of 4 categories: (1) not dispensed (0% MPR), (2) low (1-39% MPR), (3) intermediate (40-79% MPR), (4) high (≥80% MPR). Cox regression models that adjusted for MPR categories were used to explore the association between FN patients and both 5-year all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. FN patients were less likely to have an intermediate MPR (odds ratio: 0.75; 95% CI, 0.57-0.99) or a high MPR (odds ratio: 0.64; 95% CI, 0.50-0.81) for statin medications than non-FN patients. FN patients also had higher adjusted risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality than non-FN patients (hazard ratio, all-cause: 1.54 [95% CI, 1.25-1.89]; cardiovascular: 1.62 [95% CI, 1.16-2.25]). Conclusions FN status was independently associated with intermediate and high MPRs for statins during the first year following index angiography among patients with known ischemic heart disease. Differences in MPR categories did not explain the disparity in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality between the 2 populations. Reduction of cardiovascular disparities may be best addressed using primary prevention strategies that include decolonizing policies and practices.
Project description:Background and objectivesCompared with non-First Nations, First Nations People with diabetes experience higher rates of kidney failure and death, which may be related to disparities in care. This study examined First Nations and non-First Nations People with diabetes for differences in quality indicators and their association with kidney failure and death.Design, setting, participants, & measurementsAdults with diabetes and an outpatient creatinine in Alberta from 2005 to 2008 were identified. Logistic regression was used to determine the likelihood of process of care indicators (measurement of urine albumin/creatinine ratio [ACR], LDL, and hemoglobin A1C [A1C]) and surrogate outcome indicators (achievement of LDL and A1C targets). Cox regression was used to determine the association between lack of achievement of indicator targets and each of kidney failure and death.ResultsThis study identified 140,709 non-First Nations and 6574 First Nations People with diabetes. There was a significant interaction between First Nations status and CKD for the outcomes (P<0.01); therefore, results are stratified by CKD. Among participants without CKD, First Nations People were less likely to receive process of care indicators and achieve target A1C compared with non-First Nations People. For those with CKD, First Nations People were as likely to receive these indicators (other than LDL) and achieve LDL and A1C targets. Lack of LDL and A1C assessment and achievement of targets were associated with increased risk of kidney failure and death similarly for both groups.ConclusionsCompared with non-First Nations, First Nations People with diabetes but without CKD experience disparities in assessment of quality indicators and achievement of A1C target.
Project description:IntroductionFirst Nations Australians display remarkable strength and resilience despite the intergenerational impacts of ongoing colonisation. The continuing disadvantage is evident in the higher incidence, prevalence, morbidity and mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among First Nations Australians. Nationwide community consultation (Kidney Health Australia, Yarning Kidneys, and Lowitja Institute, Catching Some Air) identified priority issues for guideline development. These guidelines uniquely prioritised the knowledge of the community, alongside relevant evidence using an adapted GRADE Evidence to Decision framework to develop specific recommendations for the management of CKD among First Nations Australians.Main recommendationsThese guidelines explicitly state that health systems have to measure, monitor and evaluate institutional racism and link it to cultural safety training, as well as increase community and family involvement in clinical care and equitable transport and accommodation. The guidelines recommend earlier CKD screening criteria (age ≥ 18 years) and referral to specialists services with earlier criteria of kidney function (eg, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], ≤ 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 , and a sustained decrease in eGFR, > 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year) compared with the general population.Changes in management as result of the guidelinesOur recommendations prioritise health care service delivery changes to address institutional racism and ensure meaningful cultural safety training. Earlier detection of CKD and referral to nephrologists for First Nations Australians has been recommended to ensure timely implementation to preserve kidney function given the excess burden of disease. Finally, the importance of community with the recognition of involvement in all aspects and stages of treatment together with increased access to care on Country, particularly in rural and remote locations, including dialysis services.
Project description:ObjectivePopulation-based health information on urban Aboriginal populations in Canada is limited due to challenges with the identification of Aboriginal persons in existing health data sets. The main objective of the Our Health Counts (OHC) project was to work in partnership with Aboriginal stakeholders to generate a culturally relevant, representative baseline health data set for three urban Aboriginal communities in Ontario, Canada.DesignRespondent-driven sampling (RDS).SettingHamilton, Ontario, Canada.ParticipantsThe OHC study, in partnership with the De dwa da dehs ney >s Aboriginal Health Access Centre (DAHC), recruited 554 First Nations adults living in Hamilton using RDS.ResultsAmong First Nations adults living in Hamilton, 78% earned less than $20 000 per year and 70% lived in the lowest income quartile neighbourhoods. Mobility and crowded living conditions were also highly prevalent. Common chronic diseases included arthritis, hypertension, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and rates of emergency room access were elevated.ConclusionsRDS is an effective sampling method in urban Aboriginal contexts as it builds on existing social networks and successfully identified a population-based cohort. The findings illustrate striking disparities in health determinants and health outcomes between urban First Nations individuals and the general population which have important implications for health services delivery, programming and policy development.
Project description:BackgroundIn children, chronic wet cough may be a sign of underlying lung disease, including protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) and bronchiectasis. Chronic (> 4 weeks in duration) wet cough (without indicators pointing to alternative causes) that responds to antibiotic treatment is diagnostic of PBB. Timely recognition and management of PBB can prevent disease progression to irreversible bronchiectasis with lifelong consequences. However, detection and management require timely health-seeking by carers and effective management by clinicians. We aim to improve (a) carer health-seeking for chronic wet cough in their child and (b) management of chronic wet cough in children by clinicians. We hypothesise that implementing a culturally integrated program, which is informed by barriers and facilitators identified by carers and health practitioners, will result in improved lung health of First Nations children, and in the future, a reduced the burden of bronchiectasis through the prevention of the progression of protracted bacterial bronchitis to bronchiectasis.MethodsThis study is a multi-centre, pseudorandomised, stepped wedge design. The intervention is the implementation of a program. The program has two components: a knowledge dissemination component and an implementation component. The implementation is adapted to each study site using a combined Aboriginal Participatory Action Research and an Implementation Science approach, guided by the Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research. There are three categories of outcome measures related to (i) health (ii) cost, and (iii) implementation. We will measure health-seeking as the proportion of parents seeking help for their child in a 6-month period before the intervention and the same 6-month period (i.e., the same six calendar months) thereafter. The parent-proxy, Cough-specific Quality of Life (PC-QoL) will be the primary health-related outcome measure.DiscussionWe hypothesise that a tailored intervention at each site will result in improved health-seeking for carers of children with a chronic wet cough and improved clinician management of chronic wet cough. In addition, we expect this will result in improved lung health outcomes for children with a chronic wet cough.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry; ACTRN12622000430730 , registered 16 March 2022, Retrospectively registered.
Project description:BackgroundCanada's Aboriginal population faces significantly higher rates of stillbirth and neonatal and postnatal death than those seen in the general population. The objective of this study was to compare indicators of obstetric care quality and use of obstetric interventions between First Nations and non-First Nations mothers in British Columbia, Canada.MethodsWe linked obstetrical medical records with the First Nations Client File for all nulliparous women who delivered single infants in British Columbia from 1999 to 2011. Using logistic regression models, we examined differences in the proportion of women who received services aligned with best practice guidelines, as well as the overall use of obstetric interventions among First Nations mothers compared with the general population, controlling for geographic barriers (distance to hospital) and other relevant confounders.ResultsDuring the study period, 215,993 single births occurred in nulliparous women in British Columbia, 9152 of which were to members of our First Nations cohort. First Nations mothers were less likely to have early ultrasonography (adjusted risk difference = 10.2 fewer women per 100 deliveries [95% confidence interval {CI} -11.3 to -9.3]), to have at least 4 antenatal care visits (3.6 fewer women per 100 deliveries [95% CI -4.6 to -2.6]), and to undergo labour induction after prolonged (> 24 hours) prelabour rupture of membranes (-5.9 [95% CI -11.8 to 0.1]) or at post-dates gestation (-10.6 [95% CI -13.8 to -7.5]). Obstetric interventions including epidural, labour induction, instrumental delivery and cesarean delivery were used less often in First Nations mothers.InterpretationWe identified differences in the obstetric care received by First Nations mothers compared with the general population. Such differences warrant further investigation, given increases in perinatal mortality that are consistently shown and that may be a downstream consequence of differences in care.
Project description:Studies about the health of Indigenous (i.e., original inhabitants) populations often focus on chronic diseases and risk behaviors, emphasizing physical aspects of health. Our objective was to test for differences in self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL), which provides a multidimensional and holistic perspective on health, between First Nations (one group of Indigenous peoples) and Caucasian women. Data were from the First Nations Bone Health Study, conducted in the Canadian province of Manitoba. HRQOL was measured using the validated Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). It captures respondent's perceptions of eight health domains, as well as overall mental and physical health components.Analyses were conducted for 707 participants of which 47.4% were of First Nations origin. First Nations respondents had significantly lower unadjusted scores (p < 0.05) than Caucasian respondents on all SF-36 dimensions, except bodily pain and vitality. They also had significantly lower overall mental health scores. After adjusting for multiple determinants of health (e.g., age, education, substance use), differences were no longer statistically significant, except for the social functioning and role emotional domains and overall mental health component. Complex cultural factors are likely responsible for the persistent mental health inequalities experienced by First Nations women.