Density and population size estimates of the endangered northern yellow-cheeked crested gibbon Nomascus annamensis in selectively logged Veun Sai-Siem Pang National Park in Cambodia using acoustic spatial capture-recapture methods.

Many gibbon species are threatened with extinction, including the endangered northern yellow-cheeked crested gibbon, Nomascus annamensis. Assessing gibbon populations and understanding how human disturbances and environmental factors impact these populations is vital for effective conservation planning. In 2010, auditory surveys revealed that Veun Sai-Siem Pang National Park (VSSP) in Cambodia contains one of the largest known N. annamensis populations in the world, with an estimated 456 (95% CI 421-490) gibbon groups. Illegal selective logging is common in the park, but the impact of continued logging on the gibbon population has not been investigated. To determine any change in the N. annamensis population since 2010, between January and April 2019 we conducted auditory surveys at 13 sites that were at least 4 km apart. We surveyed each site for three days, each day recording the gibbon calls heard over 3.25 hours from three listening posts located 500 m apart. At the same sites, we assessed the logging intensity using transects and ecological plots. Gibbon densities can be influenced by various environmental factors such as canopy height and forest type. Therefore, in addition to investigating the relationship between the density of N. annamensis groups and logging, we included five additional environmental variables in our acoustic spatial capture-recapture models. Our best fit model with the lowest AIC value included canopy height, forest type, distance to villages, and logging. We estimate that there are 389 (95% CI 284-542) N. annamensis groups currently in VSSP. Selective logging is widespread in the park, primarily targeting four tree species. The estimated felling time of these logged trees, together with previous reports, indicate that the species most targeted in VSSP varies over time. To conserve the N. annamensis population in VSSP, it is crucial that action is taken to reduce illegal logging.

Pneumococcus in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders: the role of Aboriginal Health Workers and implications for nursing practice.

Abstract Background: Pneumonia is a common cause of hospitalization in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women. Aim: This article seeks to describe the importance of immunizing against pneumonia in Aboriginal Australians and suggest strategies for screening and follow-up. Method: An integrative literature review, using both published and grey literature was undertaken to identify methods of screening and surveillance strategies for pneumococcus. Results: The literature was summarized under the following themes: pneumococcal disease; prevention strategies; access to care; improving access to vaccinations; culturally competent interventions and the role of Aboriginal health professionals. Conclusion: Community controlled conditions and the role of the Aboriginal Health Workers are seen as critical to reducing health disparities. Nurses can play a critical role in bridging the gap between mainstream and community controlled organizations. Working to increase the numbers of Aboriginal health professionals is a critical step in improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Childhood disability in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: a literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have higher rates of disability than non-Indigenous children and are considered doubly disadvantaged, yet there is very little data reflecting prevalence and service access to inform design and delivery of services. Failing to address physical, social, and psychological factors can have life-long consequences and perpetuate longstanding health disparities. METHODS: A narrative literature review was undertaken to identify peer reviewed literature describing factors impacting on the prevention, recognition, and access to support and management of disability in Indigenous Australian children. RESULTS: Twenty-seven peer-reviewed journal articles met inclusion criteria. The majority of articles focused on the hearing loss and learning disabilities consequent of otitis media. Few articles reported data on urban or metropolitan Indigenous populations or described interventions. Individual/community-, provider-, and systems level factors were identified as impacting on recognition and management of disability in young Indigenous children. CONCLUSIONS: Given the burden of childhood disability, the limited literature retrieved is concerning as this is a barometer of activity and investment. Solutions addressing childhood disability will require collaboration between health, social and educational disciplines as well as an increased investment in prevention, identification and promotion of access.

The experience of lung cancer in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and what it means for policy, service planning and delivery.

BACKGROUND: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience inferior outcomes following diagnosis of lung cancer. AIM: To examine the experience of lung cancer in this population and identify reasons for poorer outcomes and lower levels of treatment compared with non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and opportunities for early intervention. METHOD: Literature was sought via electronic database searches and journal hand-searching for the period from January 1995 to July 2010. Databases used included Indigenous HealthInfoNet, SCOPUS, PsycInfo, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medline, HealthInsite and Google Scholar. FINDINGS: Exposure to risk factors, cultural and spiritual values, remoteness and geographic characteristics, entrenched socioeconomic inequalities and racism contribute to reduced service access and poor outcomes. The review highlighted a complex interplay of individual, social, health system and environmental factors that impact on optimal lung cancer care and lung cancer outcomes. Considering the burden of lung cancer within a framework of social determinants of health is necessary for policy-making and service planning and delivery. CONCLUSIONS: It is imperative that the disproportionate burden of lung cancer in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is addressed immediately. Whilst strategic interventions in lung cancer prevention and care are needed, service providers and policy makers must acknowledge the entrenched inequality that exists and consider the broad range of factors at the patient, provider and system level. Primary care strategies and health promotion activities to reduce risk factors, such as smoking, must also be implemented, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' engagement and control at the core of any strategy. This review has indicated that multifaceted interventions, supported by enabling policies that target individuals, communities and health professionals, are necessary to improve lung cancer outcomes and disparities.

Pneumococcus in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: the role of Aboriginal health workers and implications for nursing practice.

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is a common cause of hospitalization in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women. AIM: This article seeks to describe the importance of immunizing against pneumonia in Aboriginal Australians and suggest strategies for screening and follow-up. METHOD: An integrative literature review, using both published and gray literature was undertaken to identify methods of screening and surveillance strategies for pneumococcus. RESULTS: The literature was summarized under the following themes: Pneumococcal disease; prevention strategies; access to care; improving access to vaccinations; culturally competent interventions and the role of Aboriginal health professionals. CONCLUSION: Community controlled conditions and the role of the Aboriginal Health Workers are seen as critical to reducing health disparities. Nurses can play a critical role in bridging the gap between mainstream and community controlled organizations. Working to increase the numbers of Aboriginal health professionals is a critical step in improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Improving women's cardiovascular health: a position statement from the International Council on Women's Health Issues.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer of women worldwide, and it remains the primary cause of death and disability in both developed and developing countries. The International Council on Women's Health Issues is an international nonprofit association dedicated to the goals of promoting the health, health care, and the well-being of women. Based on the outcomes of a facilitated discussion at its 18th biannual meeting, delegates aim to raise awareness about the potent influence of gender-specific factors on the development, progression, and outcomes of CVD. Key recommendations for decreasing the burden of CVD are also discussed.

The feminization of aging: how will this impact on health outcomes and services?

We conducted an integrative review to identify issues and challenges that face aging women and to distinguish areas for future research. We found that many older women continue to face inequities related to health and often are invisible within the discourse of aging policy. In this article we argue for a greater focus on the unique needs of women, a gendered approach to policy and intervention development, and promotion of the health of women across the life span. Policymakers, health care workers, and researchers need to consider the perspective of gender as well as age when implementing and evaluating effective interventions.

The health of women and girls determines the health and well-being of our modern world: A white paper from the International Council on Women's Health Issues.

The International Council on Women's Health Issues (ICOWHI) is an international nonprofit association dedicated to the goal of promoting health, health care, and well-being of women and girls throughout the world through participation, empowerment, advocacy, education, and research. We are a multidisciplinary network of women's health providers, planners, and advocates from all over the globe. We constitute an international professional and lay network of those committed to improving women and girl's health and quality of life. This document provides a description of our organization mission, vision, and commitment to improving the health and well-being of women and girls globally.

Decisions for lung cancer chemotherapy: the influence of physician and patient factors.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to review the literature examining how the beliefs and behaviours of physicians and patients influence clinical communication, doctor-patient interaction and treatment decisions for lung cancer treatment. METHODS: Literature was obtained via electronic database searches and hand searching of journals from 1990 to 2011. RESULTS: Wide variability in perceptions of the value of chemotherapy in lung cancer is present among both physicians and patients. There is a mismatch in the degree patients and physicians weigh survival, such that patients value survival benefits highly whilst physicians strongly emphasize toxicity and associated symptoms. This lack of congruence between patients and clinicians is influenced by a range of factors and has implications for treatment decisions, long-term survival and quality of life in people affected by lung cancer. CONCLUSION: The divergence of treatment priorities indicates a need for improved communication strategies addressing the needs and concerns of both patients and clinicians. Patients should understand the benefits and risks of treatment options, while clinicians can gain a greater awareness of factors influencing patients' decisions on treatments. Reflecting these perspectives and patient preferences for lung cancer treatment in clinical guidelines may improve clinician awareness.