Living with rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in Victoria, Australia: A qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In Victoria, Australia, children with Pacific Islander ('Pacific') ethnicities are overrepresented in acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). In June 2023, ARF and RHD became notifiable in Victoria. To inform public health and clinical practice, we described young Pacific patients' and their caregivers' understandings and experiences of ARF/RHD, and identified possible ways to improve the delivery of clinical care.

Methods

We established a project reference group including local Pacific people to guide this research. Pacific patients who attended an ARF/RHD clinic at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, were invited to participate, as were their caregivers. A Samoan researcher conducted qualitative 'talanoa' (conversational) interviews

SUBMITTER: Oliver J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11392276 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature