Asthma education program for First Nations children: an exemplar of the knowledge-to-action framework.

Background: The prevalence of asthma in Aboriginal children is 6% to 14%. Gaps in knowledge regarding asthma and its management exist in First Nations (FN) communities, and culturally relevant education and resources are required. Studies have recommended that the children's asthma education program, the 'Roaring Adventures of Puff', be modified through partnership with FN communities to be culturally appropriate.

Diabetes mellitus in the First Nations population of British Columbia, Canada. Part 3. Prevalence of diagnosed cases.

Objectives: To describe the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the on-reserve Status Indian population of British Columbia based on a survey conducted in 1997 and to compare these rates with previous surveys carried out in 1987, 1992 and 1995.

Study Design: Survey questionnaires were distributed to health centres, health stations and nursing stations providing health services to the 198 First Nations reserves in British Columbia.

Results: Data were received from 82 of 198 First Nations communities (41%) representing 24,407 (45%) of the on-reserve population of the province (53,893).

Diabetes mellitus in the First Nations population of British Columbia, Canada. Part 2. Hospital morbidity.

Objectives: To describe hospitalization rates from diabetes mellitus or its complications among residents of the province of British Columbia, Canada during the 5-year period 1993 to 1997, comparing people with Indian Status to rest of the population.

Study Design: A data base of all acute-care hospital discharges with diabetes mellitus anywhere among the discharge diagnoses was created. Case definitions of diabetes-related hospitalization were based on logical combinations of ICD-9 coded discharge diagnoses.

A diabetes mellitus in the First Nations population of British Columbia, Canada. Part 1. Mortality.

Objectives: To describe mortality from diabetes mellitus or related diseases among residents of the province of British Columbia, Canada during the 6-year period 1991-1996, comparing the First Nations population (people with Indian Status) to the population of BC who are not Status Indian.

Study Design: A data base of all deaths during the 6-year period was created for this purpose. The number of deaths were tabulated using the 3-digit ICD-9 code for diabetes mellitus or a related disease, when they were recorded as the Underlying Cause of Death.

Human T-lymphotropic virus type I and II infections in First Nations alcohol and drug treatment centres in British Columbia, Canada, 1992-2000.

Since 1992, prevalence data on HTLV-I and II have been collected as part of an ongoing viral seroprevalence study in clients of six First Nations alcohol and drug treatment centres in British Columbia, Canada. Prior studies indicate that the lifetime risk of clinical disease (neurologic or hematologic) resulting from HTLV-I infection is low (less than 5%) and HTLV-II to date has not been clearly associated with clinical disease. In 1993, the first cases of HTLV-I-associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) were reported in four Aboriginal residents of British Columbia; these were the first reports of HTLV-I linked disease among Aboriginal persons in Canada.

HIV and hepatitis B surveillance in First Nations alcohol and drug treatment centres in British Columbia, Canada, 1992-2000.

We provide ongoing HIV and Hepatitis B surveillance in residential First Nations alcohol and drug treatment centres in British Columbia, Canada. All clients entering the centres are offered confidential viral testing as part of an education program on sexually transmitted diseases. Participation is voluntary and approximately two thirds of clients choose to be tested.