Ivan B Lin1, Samantha Bunzli2, Donna B Mak3, Charmaine Green1, Roger Goucke4, Juli Coffin5, Peter B O'Sullivan6. 1. University of Western Australia, Geraldton, Western Australia, Australia. 2. University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 3. University of Notre Dame Australia School of Medicine, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia. 4. Sir Charles Gardner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. 5. University of Notre Dame Australia, Broome, Western Australia, Australia. 6. Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) conditions are the biggest cause of disability, and internationally, indigenous peoples experience a higher burden. There are conflicting reports about Aboriginal Australians and MSP. We conducted a systematic review to describe the prevalence, associated factors, impacts, care access, health care experiences, and factors associated with MSP among Aboriginal Australians. METHODS: We used a systematic search of quantitative and qualitative scientific and grey literature (PROSPERO# CRD42016038342). Articles were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Due to study heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was conducted. RESULTS: Of 536 articles identified, 18 were included (14 quantitative, 4 qualitative), of high (n = 11), medium (n = 2), and low (n = 5) quality. Prevalence of MSP in Aboriginal populations was similar to or slightly higher than the non-Aboriginal population (prevalence rate ratio 1.1 for back pain, 1.2-1.5 for osteoarthritis [OA], and 1.0-2.0 for rheumatoid arthritis). Aboriginal people accessed primary care for knee or hip OA at approximately half the rate of non-Aboriginal people, and were less than half as likely to have knee or hip replacement surgery. Communication difficulties with health practitioners were the main reason why Aboriginal people with MSP choose not to access care. No articles reported interventions. CONCLUSION: Findings provide preliminary evidence of an increased MSP burden among Aboriginal Australians, and particularly for OA, a mismatch between the disease burden and access to health care. To increase accessibility, health services should initially focus on improving Aboriginal patients' experiences of care, in particular by improving patient-practitioner communication. Implications for care and research are outlined.
OBJECTIVE:Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) conditions are the biggest cause of disability, and internationally, indigenous peoples experience a higher burden. There are conflicting reports about Aboriginal Australians and MSP. We conducted a systematic review to describe the prevalence, associated factors, impacts, care access, health care experiences, and factors associated with MSP among Aboriginal Australians. METHODS: We used a systematic search of quantitative and qualitative scientific and grey literature (PROSPERO# CRD42016038342). Articles were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Due to study heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was conducted. RESULTS: Of 536 articles identified, 18 were included (14 quantitative, 4 qualitative), of high (n = 11), medium (n = 2), and low (n = 5) quality. Prevalence of MSP in Aboriginal populations was similar to or slightly higher than the non-Aboriginal population (prevalence rate ratio 1.1 for back pain, 1.2-1.5 for osteoarthritis [OA], and 1.0-2.0 for rheumatoid arthritis). Aboriginal people accessed primary care for knee or hip OA at approximately half the rate of non-Aboriginal people, and were less than half as likely to have knee or hip replacement surgery. Communication difficulties with health practitioners were the main reason why Aboriginal people with MSP choose not to access care. No articles reported interventions. CONCLUSION: Findings provide preliminary evidence of an increased MSP burden among Aboriginal Australians, and particularly for OA, a mismatch between the disease burden and access to health care. To increase accessibility, health services should initially focus on improving Aboriginal patients' experiences of care, in particular by improving patient-practitioner communication. Implications for care and research are outlined.
Authors: Penny O'Brien; Samantha Bunzli; Ivan Lin; Tilini Gunatillake; Dawn Bessarab; Juli Coffin; Gail Garvey; Michelle Dowsey; Peter Choong Journal: J Clin Med Date: 2020-07-27 Impact factor: 4.241
Authors: Kim L Bennell; Clare Bayram; Christopher Harrison; Caroline Brand; Rachelle Buchbinder; Romi Haas; Rana S Hinman Journal: Lancet Reg Health West Pac Date: 2021-06-09
Authors: Christina M Bernardes; Stuart Ekberg; Stephen Birch; Renata F I Meuter; Andrew Claus; Matthew Bryant; Jermaine Isua; Paul Gray; Joseph P Kluver; Daniel Williamson; Corey Jones; Kushla Houkamau; Marayah Taylor; Eva Malacova; Ivan Lin; Gregory Pratt Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-01-29 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Christina M Bernardes; Ivan Lin; Stephen Birch; Renata Meuter; Andrew Claus; Matthew Bryant; Jermaine Isua; Paul Gray; Joseph P Kluver; Stuart Ekberg; Gregory Pratt Journal: Public Health Pract (Oxf) Date: 2021-12-11
Authors: Penny O'Brien; Brooke Conley; Samantha Bunzli; Jonathan Bullen; Juli Coffin; Jennifer Persaud; Tilini Gunatillake; Michelle M Dowsey; Peter F Choong; Ivan Lin Journal: PLoS One Date: 2021-12-23 Impact factor: 3.240