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Unmet Needs of Aboriginal Australians With Musculoskeletal Pain: A Mixed‐Method Systematic Review
Author(s) -
Lin Ivan B.,
Bunzli Samantha,
Mak Donna B.,
Green Charmaine,
Goucke Roger,
Coffin Juli,
O'Sullivan Peter B.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
arthritis care and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.032
H-Index - 163
eISSN - 2151-4658
pISSN - 2151-464X
DOI - 10.1002/acr.23493
Subject(s) - medicine , indigenous , psychological intervention , health care , grey literature , family medicine , population , physical therapy , medline , nursing , environmental health , ecology , political science , law , economics , biology , economic growth
Objective Musculoskeletal pain ( MSP ) conditions are the biggest cause of disability, and internationally, indigenous peoples experience a higher burden. There are conflicting reports about Aboriginal Australians and MSP . We conducted a systematic review to describe the prevalence, associated factors, impacts, care access, health care experiences, and factors associated with MSP among Aboriginal Australians. Methods We used a systematic search of quantitative and qualitative scientific and grey literature ( PROSPERO # CRD 42016038342). Articles were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Due to study heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was conducted. Results Of 536 articles identified, 18 were included (14 quantitative, 4 qualitative), of high (n = 11), medium (n = 2), and low (n = 5) quality. Prevalence of MSP in Aboriginal populations was similar to or slightly higher than the non‐Aboriginal population (prevalence rate ratio 1.1 for back pain, 1.2–1.5 for osteoarthritis [ OA ], and 1.0–2.0 for rheumatoid arthritis). Aboriginal people accessed primary care for knee or hip OA at approximately half the rate of non‐Aboriginal people, and were less than half as likely to have knee or hip replacement surgery. Communication difficulties with health practitioners were the main reason why Aboriginal people with MSP choose not to access care. No articles reported interventions. Conclusion Findings provide preliminary evidence of an increased MSP burden among Aboriginal Australians, and particularly for OA , a mismatch between the disease burden and access to health care. To increase accessibility, health services should initially focus on improving Aboriginal patients’ experiences of care, in particular by improving patient‐practitioner communication. Implications for care and research are outlined.