A regional initiative to reduce skin infections amongst aboriginal children living in remote communities of the Northern Territory, Australia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Linked to extreme rates of chronic heart and kidney disease, pyoderma is endemic amongst Aboriginal children in Australia's Northern Territory (NT). Many of those with pyoderma will also have scabies. We report the results of a community-based collaboration within the East Arnhem Region, which aimed to reduce the prevalence of both skin infections in Aboriginal children.

Methodology/principal findings

Commencing September 2004, we conducted an ecological study that included active surveillance for skin infections amongst children aged <15 years in five remote East Arnhem communities over a three year period. Screening was undertaken by trained local community workers, usually accompanied by another project team member, using a standard data collection form. Skin i

SUBMITTER: Andrews RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2775159 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature