Skin health of Aboriginal children living in urban communities

Bernadette M. Ricciardo; Heather Lynn Kessaris; Noel Nannup; Dale Tilbrook; Nadia Rind; Richelle Douglas; Jodie Ingrey; Jacinta Walton; Carol Michie; Brad Farrant; Eloise Delaney; S. Prasad Kumarasinghe; Jonathan R. Carapetis; Asha C. Bowen

doi:10.1111/ajd.14363

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Skin health of Aboriginal children living in urban communities

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Skin health of Aboriginal children living in urban communities

Bernadette M. Ricciardo, Heather Lynn Kessaris, Noel Nannup, Dale Tilbrook, Nadia Rind, Richelle Douglas, Jodie Ingrey, Jacinta Walton, Carol Michie, Brad Farrant, …

Australasian journal of dermatology, Vol.65(8), pp.e224-e237

2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ajd.14363

PMID: 39205508

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Abstract

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

child

dermatology

skin

urban

Background Skin concerns are frequent among urban-living Aboriginal children, yet specialist dermatology consultations are limited with studies highlighting the need for improved cultural security. Through newly established paediatric dermatology clinics at two urban Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), we aimed to describe clinic and patient data, including disease frequencies and associations, to inform dermatology service provision and advocacy. Methods A prospective cohort study of Aboriginal children and young people (CYP, 0–18 years) attending Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP) co-ordinated paediatric dermatology clinics at two urban ACCHOs. Results Data were collected from 32 clinics over 19 months, with 335 episodes of care and a mean attendance rate of 74%. From 78 new patients, 72 (92%) were recruited into the study, only one of whom had previously received dermatologist assessment. Eczema, tinea or acne accounted for 47% (34/72) of referrals, and 60% of patients received their first appointment within 4 weeks of referral. In 47/72 (65%) consultations, the GP referral and dermatologist diagnosis concurred. The most frequent diagnoses (primary or secondary) at first consultation were atopic dermatitis (26%, 19/72), dermatophyte infections (25%, 18/72), acne (21%, 15/72), bacterial skin infections (18%, 13/72) and post-inflammatory dyspigmentation (18%, 13/72). Three categories of the 2022 Australasian College of Dermatologists curriculum (infections, eczema/dermatitis, pigmentary disorders) accounted for 59% of all diagnoses. Conclusions This study highlights the specialist dermatology needs of urban-living Aboriginal CYP. ACCHO-embedded dermatology clinics co-ordinated by AHPs demonstrated benefits for Aboriginal CYP in accessing care. Opportunities to embed dermatology practice within ACCHOs should be prioritised.

Details

Title: Skin health of Aboriginal children living in urban communities
Authors/Creators: Bernadette M. Ricciardo - Fiona Stanley Hospital
Heather Lynn Kessaris - Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
Noel Nannup - The Kids Research Institute Australia
Dale Tilbrook - Maalingup Aboriginal Gallery, Caversham, WA, Australia
Nadia Rind - Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, East Perth, WA, Australia
Richelle Douglas - Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, East Perth, WA, Australia
Jodie Ingrey - South West Aboriginal Medical Service, Bunbury, WA, Australia
Jacinta Walton - Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
Carol Michie - The Kids Research Institute Australia
Brad Farrant - The Kids Research Institute Australia
Eloise Delaney - Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
S. Prasad Kumarasinghe - Western Dermatology, Nedlands, WA, Australia
Jonathan R. Carapetis - Princess Margaret Hospital for Children
Asha C. Bowen - Perth Children's Hospital
Publication Details: Australasian journal of dermatology, Vol.65(8), pp.e224-e237
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australasian College of Dermatologists.
Grant note: National Health and Medical Research Council (http://data.elsevier.com/vocabulary/SciValFunders/501100000925) Channel 7 Telethon Trust (100012155) GNT2014208; GNT1175509; GNT1173874 / National Health and Medical Research Council (http://data.elsevier.com/vocabulary/SciValFunders/501100000925) Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases National Health and Medical Research Council (501100000925) Channel 7 Telethon Trust (http://data.elsevier.com/vocabulary/SciValFunders/100012155)
Identifiers: 991005870545107891
Murdoch Affiliation: Ngangk Yira Institute for Change
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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