Journal article
A systematic review of the evidence that swimming pools improve health and wellbeing in remote Aboriginal communities in Australia
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Vol.40(1), pp.30-36
2016
PMID: 26337282
Abstract
Objective
To provide an overview of the evidence for health and wellbeing benefits associated with swimming pools in remote Aboriginal* communities in Australia.
Methods
Peer‐reviewed and grey literature from 1990 to 2014 was searched to identify studies set in remote Australia that evaluated health and wellbeing benefits that have been associated with swimming pools. Studies were categorised using an evidence classification scale.
Results
Twelve studies met our search criteria. All prospective studies that collected data on skin infections found access to swimming pools to be associated with a drop of skin sore prevalence and ‐where measured‐ severity. Studies documenting ear and eye infections showed mixed outcomes. Many wider community and wellbeing benefits were documented in various studies, although many of these were primarily anecdotal in nature.
Conclusions
Although a case can be made regarding skin infections and the broader wellbeing benefits that swimming pools may bring to remote Aboriginal communities, the benefit to ear and eye health remains unresolved.
Implications
The decision to provide swimming pools to remote Aboriginal communities should not hinge on the demonstration of direct health benefits alone. Equity considerations and the potential broader benefits such amenities may entail are equally important.
Details
- Title
- A systematic review of the evidence that swimming pools improve health and wellbeing in remote Aboriginal communities in Australia
- Authors/Creators
- David Hendrickx - The Kids Research Institute AustraliaAnna Stephen - Royal Darwin HospitalDeborah Lehmann - The Kids Research Institute AustraliaDesiree Silva - The University of Western AustraliaMarleen Boelaert - Instituut voor Tropische GeneeskundeJonathan Carapetis - Princess Margaret Hospital for ChildrenRoz Walker - The Kids Research Institute Australia
- Publication Details
- Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Vol.40(1), pp.30-36
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 7
- Grant note
- CRE in Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing
- Identifiers
- 991005569332007891
- Copyright
- © 2015 Public Health Association of Australia
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Ngangk Yira Institute for Change
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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