Researchers from The University of Queensland (UQ) have found that First Nations people in Australia are twice as likely to present at hospitals with asthma and other allergy-related illnesses compared to the broader Australian population.
The study, led by Dr. Desalegn Markos Shifti from UQ’s Child Health Research Centre, analyzed over 813,000 Emergency Department (ED) presentations at 12 public hospitals in Central Queensland between 2018 and 2023. The findings revealed that First Nations Australians were significantly more likely to visit EDs for asthma and other allergic diseases, including anaphylaxis, atopic dermatitis, and unspecified allergies.
Study Highlights and Findings
The study highlights the acute impact of asthma and allergic diseases on First Nations communities, particularly focusing on severe and potentially life-threatening cases that require immediate medical intervention. Dr. Shifti emphasized that ED visits for asthma and allergies have increased over time, raising concerns about the growing health burden within these communities.
Australia is recognized as the “allergy capital of the world,” with allergic diseases affecting around one in five people. The prevalence of such diseases is expected to increase by 70% by 2050. However, research into these diseases in rural, regional, and remote areas, including those impacting First Nations populations, remains limited. This gap in understanding affects efforts to address the scale and unique factors contributing to allergies in these communities.
The Need for Further Research
Associate Professor Jennifer Koplin, senior author of the study, expressed surprise that allergic and atopic diseases had not previously been considered significant concerns for Indigenous Australians. She called for further research to better understand the impact of allergic diseases on Indigenous populations and to explore the underlying causes of these disparities. Additionally, Koplin highlighted the need for strategies to address these health challenges within First Nations communities.
Collaboration for Better Health Outcomes
Dr. Gulam Khandaker, Acting Executive Director of Medical Services at Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, welcomed the collaboration between the Central Queensland Public Health Unit and UQ’s Child Health Research Centre. He emphasized the importance of research studies like this one in improving health outcomes for local communities.
“Medical research improves outcomes for patients and enables our clinicians to have access to evidence-based, best-practice treatments,” Dr. Khandaker said. “We are delighted to work in partnership with researchers from UQ’s Child Health Research Centre to ensure Central Queensland is well represented in this regard.”
The study received support from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and has been published in the journal BMJ Open.
Looking Forward
This groundbreaking research underscores the need for targeted attention and resources to address asthma and allergies within First Nations communities in Australia. With rising rates of these conditions and their increasing burden on emergency services, further investigation is crucial to developing strategies for effective prevention, treatment, and care tailored to the needs of Indigenous populations.
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