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Systematic literature review to identify methods for treating and preventing bacterial skin infections in Indigenous children
Author(s) -
Nepal Smriti,
Thomas Susan L,
Franklin Richard C,
Taylor Kylie A,
Massey Peter D
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
australasian journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.67
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1440-0960
pISSN - 0004-8380
DOI - 10.1111/ajd.12680
Subject(s) - medicine , indigenous , cinahl , scopus , medline , hygiene , socioeconomic status , family medicine , environmental health , intensive care medicine , psychological intervention , pathology , population , nursing , ecology , political science , law , biology
Background/Objectives Bacterial skin infections in Indigenous children in Australia frequently lead them to access primary health care. This systematic review aims to identify and analyse available studies describing the treatment and prevention of bacterial skin infections in Indigenous children. Methods Electronic databases including Scopus, MEDLINE , CINAHL , ProQuest, Informit and Google Scholar were searched. Studies in English published between August 1994 and September 2016, with the subject of bacterial skin infections involving Indigenous children and conducted in Australia, New Zealand, the USA or Canada were selected. Results Initially 1474 articles were identified. After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles remained. Strategies for the treatment and prevention of bacterial skin infections included the management of active infections and lesions, improving environmental and personal hygiene, the installation of swimming pools and screening and treatment. Conclusion There is a need for more, rigorous, large‐scale studies to develop evidence for appropriate, culturally acceptable methods to prevent and manage bacterial skin infections in Indigenous children in Australia. The problem is complex with multiple determinants. Until underlying socioeconomic conditions are addressed skin infections will continue to be a burden to communities.