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Medication use and chronic disease profiles in one high risk aboriginal community

This paper was not found in any repository; the policy of its publisher is unknown or unclear.
This paper was not found in any repository; the policy of its publisher is unknown or unclear.

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Abstract

Aim: To describe the prevalence of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) and hypoglycaemic prescription in a high risk Northern Territory Aboriginal community. Background: Screening from 1992–1996 in this community exposed high rates of albuminuria and diabetes; beneficial effects of treatment on blood pressure, renal disease and nonrenal and renal deaths were subsequently demonstrated. Since then, regular chronic disease testing and systematic treatment have been incorporated into adult health care plans in the NT. We assessed prevalence of treatment prescription in a repeat community-wide screen from 2004–2006. Methods: 920 and 1058 adults (≥20 years), >85% of the populations, participated in the first and second screens respectively. On the second screen, charts were reviewed for prescription of vasoactive and hypoglycemic medicines. Results: In males, ACEi were prescribed for 1.8%, 17.6%, 35.2% and 62.3% for ages 20–29 years, 30–39 years, 40–49 years and 50+ years, and 20.2% overall. For females, rates were 5.1%, 23%, 45.8% and 59.4% respectively, and 30.4% overall. For males, hypoglycaemics were prescribed in 0.5%, 4.6%, 14.2% and 31.3% in those age groups, and 7.9% overall, and for females rates were 2.2%, 10.9%, 28% and 39.6%, with 18.1% overall. Of those with ACR > 34, 54.2% of males and 63.9% of females were on ACEi. Among diabetics already recognized by providers, 88.2% of males and 84.8% of females had been prescribed hypoglycemics, and 81.8% and 68.9% were prescribed ACEi. Changes in health profiles between screens are compatible with good treatment effect (Scott et al, ANZSN, 2008). Conclusions: These changes mirror improved chronic disease care in the NT. Ongoing needs are more resources to improve coverage, intensified protocols of treatment, and heightened awareness of microalbuminuria as a cardiovascular risk factor.