Homocysteine concentrations lowered following dietary intervention in an aboriginal community.

Low circulating folate concentrations lead to elevations of plasma homocysteine. Even mild elevations of plasma homocysteine are associated with significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Available evidence suggests that poor nutrition contributes to excessive premature CVD mortality in Australian Aboriginal people.

Chronic disease guidelines and the indigenous Coordinated Care Trials.

The establishment of the NT Coordinated Care Trials in 1997 provided an opportunity for the funding and development of detailed guidelines, designed specifically for the Indigenous population, covering screening and clinical management of major chronic diseases. All guidelines were incorporated into the NT Coordinated Care Trials Information System on the Tiwi Islands and in the Katherine West region, and used to generate individual and population care plans. In contrast to what is usually written, a broad range of guidelines can be developed in a relatively short period of time utilising a dedicated multi-disciplinary team and local working groups.

Success of a scabies control program in an Australian aboriginal community.

Objective: To adapt, implement and evaluate a model of scabies control in an Australian Aboriginal community.

Methods: After initially examining the population, we offered all residents treatment with 5% permethrin cream. Visits were made during the ensuing 25 months to rescreen and to treat new-cases of scabies and contacts.

Sustainability of a successful health and nutrition program in a remote aboriginal community.

Objective: To assess the long term effect of a nutrition program in a remote Aboriginal community (Minjilang).

Design: Evaluation of nutritional outcomes over the three years before and the three years after a health and nutrition program that ran from June 1989 to June 1990. Turnover of food items at the community store was used as a measure of dietary intake at Minjilang and a comparison community.

Survival tucker: improved diet and health indicators in an aboriginal community.

The poor nutritional status of Aboriginal Australians is a serious and complex public health concern. We describe an unusually successful health and nutrition project initiated by the people of Minjilang, which was developed, implemented and evaluated with the community. Apparent community dietary intake, assessed by the 'store-turnover' method, and biochemical, anthropometric and haematological indicators of health and nutritional status were measured before intervention and at three-monthly intervals during the intervention year.