A Research Conception on Indigenous Chinese Leadership:Based on Comparative Case Studies on Political Elites in Ancient China

Due to the complexity of leadership and its variability across situations,it is suggested that research on leadership should focus on attempts to understand leadership in specific situations or roles,and develop local knowledge about leadership in each situation or role.This paper validates the possibility and importance of building indigenous leadership theories from historical perspective.We demonstrated how to carry out research on indigenous Chinese leadership from a historical perspective by comparative case studies using historical data.Based on the principles of typicalness,representativeness,and comparativeness,we selected six counterparts of political elites in ancient China as comparative cases,which includes Guan Zhong&Shang Yang(organizational reformer),Liu Bang&Xiang Yu(entrepreneur),Li Shimin&Qin Shihuang(intergenerational transition successor),Zhuge Liang&Zeng Guofan(professional manager),Lu Su&Zhang Juzheng(mess-to-order maker),and Zuo Zongtang&Wang Anshi(national dream driver).The paper aims to develop indigenous leadership theory specific to Chinese mental states and culture.

Socio-Psychological Factors of Rising Trend of Suicidal Ideation among Indigenous Workforce: Evidence from Himalayan Range

Apart from socio-economic disparities,indigenous people of the Himalayan range in Asia face an increasing trend of suicides.The tragic suicidal events usually go unaddressed,and no strategies are presently in place to mitigate suicides in the future.This study aims to explain the prevailing causes of suicidal ideation to come up with some policy recommendations.Through a preliminary survey,we identified social stigma,social isolation,lack of healthcare facilities,and domestic violence as the potential reasons for suicidal ideation.We identified individuals with suicide ideation for further data collection to test the relationships between the identified variables and suicidal ideation.A quantitative,explanatory and cross-sectional design was used to test the hypotheses.Inferential statistics were applied to the data containing 314 responses,and the results revealed that all the predictive variables influence the formation of suicidal ideation.The study uncovered some new dimensions of social stigma and social isolation that are common among the indigenous people.The results also indicate that some domestic violence is socially acceptable and considered a normal familial matter.Thefindings have theoretical and practical implications.We have identified new dimensions of social stigma,social isolation,and domestic violence that are new additions to the existing bank of literature.It provides insights to encourage public authorities,healthcare providers,and NGO managers to play their role in the right direction to mitigate the problem.This study opens further venues for researchers to investigate the complex issue of suicide more deeply.

Malaria Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Batwa Indigenous People of Kanungu District in Southwestern Uganda: Does “Place” Matter?

Introduction: Malaria is an important disease, causing high morbidity and mortality, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Measuring malaria prevalence using malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs), particularly among a vulnerable population sub-group, is a vital public health step in discovering effective methods of prevention and control. This study set out to examine the association between “place” and other risk factors with malaria prevalence among Batwa Indigenous People (IP). Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study design was implemented. Two surveys January 2014 (n = 572) and April 2014 (n = 541) involving interviews and testing for malaria using mRDTs were conducted in 10 Batwa settlements where a total of 1113 Batwa of all ages were surveyed and tested. The data were first compiled in MS Excel and then imported and analyzed using STATA ver.14. Descriptive statistics, were generated, followed by bivariable and multivariable regression model analysis to establish associations between the predictor and outcome variables with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Overall prevalence was 13.94% (n = 146). There is a significant relationship between settlement (place) and malaria prevalence AOR 11.7, 95% CI (1.38 - 98.93), p-value = 0.02. More males 16.97% (n = 84) tested positive compared to females 11.23% (n = 62) but there was no statistically significant association between gender and mRDT (p-value > 0.005). Children less than 5 years registered high prevalence and there was a significant relationship between age and mRDT (p-value ≤ 0.005). Wealth proxy indicators showed no association with prevalence p-value = 0.390. Season had no association with prevalence (p-value = 0.80). However, the proportion of the day spent in the forest/woodlands was significantly associated with malaria prevalence COR 12.83, 95% CI (1.14 - 143.73) p-value = 0.04. Low elevation was significantly associated with malaria prevalence COR 2.42, 95% CI (1.32 - 4.41), p = 0.004 but sleeping under a net and level of education did not show any association with malaria prevalence. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of place in predicting malaria prevalence among Batwa Indigenous People a marginalized and remortely located sub-population. This study has shown that place matters in determining malaria prevalence. However, other factors like age, elevation and gender also contribute to malaria prevalence. Batwa have higher prevalence than the national and even non-indigenous populations in the same district. We recommend targeting hotspots intervention approach since it has proven reasonable impact on reducing malaria prevalence.

Towards Inclusive Development: Situating the Socio-Economic Wellbeing and Environmental Issues of an Indigenous Cultural Community in the Philippines

The Municipality of Carranglan is a rural community where agriculture is the main source of livelihood. The Kalanguya Ancestral Domain (KAD) is also located in the area, and it provides a home for the Kalanguya indigenous cultural community. They have fled to the area for a variety of reasons. Despite its rural setting, Carranglan is regarded as a first-class municipality and the largest municipality in Nueva Ecija. This study described and documented the socio-economic profile, and existing issues and problems the Kalanguya Indigenous Peoples (IPs) experienced in their milieu, especially in terms of environmental protection. Recognizing and valuing their perspectives is vital for inclusive development. This study also situated the current status and conditions of the IPs, who generally live below the poverty line and face a range of plights and challenges. As part of safeguarding indigenous rights and interests, this study was undertaken after series of consultations with community elders and leaders. Key informant interviews, household surveys, semi-structured interviews, focused-group discussion (FGD), and direct observations were used to elicit information. Many of the respondents are elementary undergraduates which show that the community had lacked access to education. The following are the primary socioeconomic issues confronting IPs: insufficient access to potable water, suboptimal agricultural productivity, meager monthly income, and a dearth of supplementary and alternative livelihood opportunities. Forest fires, landslides, encroachment of illegal loggers, and concerns about wildlife resources are some of the current environmental issues they have encountered. The local population was supportive of plans and actions targeted at improving the environment. This reveals that the IPs possess unique indigenous forest expertise that enables them to properly manage natural resources.

Perception of Local Populations of Bouba-Ndjidda National Park on Indigenous Knowledge and the Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity Conservation

This study deals with the perceptions of indigenous knowledge in the field of conservation and the impact of climate change on biodiversity in the peripheral villages of the Bouba-Ndjidda National Park (PNBN), Department of Mayo-Rey, Cameroon. To this end, 23 out of 70 villages in the study area were selected, for a sample of 368 households surveyed through a questionnaire addressed to the heads of households. Data collection took place from August 27 to December 22, 2022. The results reveal that 70.7% of the population living near the PNBN practice agriculture as their main income-generating activity, followed by livestock (23.3%) and trade (6%). Knowledge in the field of the conservation of natural resources is rooted in occultism through rituals and sacrifices (99.50%) offered to the geniuses of nature and prohibitions on the felling of trees and sacred animals (13.00%). The populations perceive climate change through the variation of the seasons (97.60%), the increase in temperature (84.80%), the reduction in the duration of the rainy seasons (54.60%), the drop in agricultural yield (84.80%) and floods (74.70%). The consequence of these changes on wildlife is the disappearance of animal species such as the Rhinoceros, the Wild Dog, the Cheetah and the Ostrich. In order to cope with climate change, the natives have developed strategies such as the adoption of early crop varieties (maize, millet, soybeans, etc.), the reorganization of the agricultural calendar, the practice of reforestation, extension of field surfaces, the cessation of excessive deforestation and uncontrolled bush fires, the construction of fired brick houses, the practice of irrigation, seasonal migration and occultism. This indigenous knowledge is a perfect adaptation to climate change and makes it possible to better take into account the vision of local populations in the conservation of biodiversity.

Indigenous Breeding Practices in Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) as Influenced by Plumage Features in Northern Cameroon

The objective of this work was to draw up an inventory of environmental and anthropogenic factors linked to indigenous breeding practices of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) influenced by plumage characteristics. The information was collected using the snowball technique and using a formal questionnaire developed (AU-IBAR, 2015). The dominant plumage is pearl gray with a frequency of 38.89% followed by black (13.85%). In total, 154 adult animals were lost by operators with a frequency of 22.95%. According to plumage, white comes first with a frequency of 51.61% followed by Lavender plumage (36.58%). Predation is the major constraint with a frequency of 35.72%. The guinea fowl most targeted by predators are the white guinea fowl with a frequency of 56.25%, while predation is low for black plumage (25%), royal purple (33.34) and pearl gray (34.69). The pearl gray guinea fowl and the royal purple guinea fowl appear to have a more developed wild instinct, which explains the frequency of recorded escapes. White plumage is perceived as being more docile during breeding and tends to exhibit better resistance to heat stress compared to other phenotypes, making it more valued for traditional rituals. Dark plumage seems more sought after in breeding for its supposed prolificacy, its resistance to infections and its weight. According to breeders, the dominance relationship mainly depends on the number of individuals of the same plumage. Dark plumage in significant numbers in most flocks seems to have dominance in terms of food and choice of sexual partners, which would explain their large numbers.

Association of Polymorphisms of Leptin Gene with Body Weight and Body Sizes Indexes in Chinese Indigenous Cattle

PCR-SSCP was used to analyze the polymorphism of leptin gene in 539 samples of six cattle breeds, namely Nanyang （NY）, Qinchuan （QC）, Jiaxianred （JXR）, Xizhen （XZ）, Luxi （LX）, and Holstein cow （HOL） breeds. PCR products with a 330 bp were amplified and sequenced. The results showed that the frequencies of alleles A/B of NY, QC, JXR, XZ, LX, and HOL breeds were 0.558/0.442, 0.492/0.508, 0.571/0.429, 0.658/0.342, 0.591/0.409, and 0.615/0.385, respectively. The association of variations of leptin gene with growth traits in NY, QC, JXR breeds was analyzed. Some indexes of the individuals with genotype BB were higher than that with genotype AA and AB in NY breed, such as the indexes of body length, heart length, body weight, hucklebone width, body height, and average day gain. The height at hip cross of the individuals with genotype BB was higher than that of those with genotype AA and AB in QC breed （P 〈 0.05）. So leptin gene may be one of the candidate genes for growth traits with height at hip cross, but not for body weight, heart length, and body length trait. However, the height at hip cross and hucklebone width of the individuals with genotype AB and BB were higher than that of those with genotype AA in JXR breed （P 〈 0.05）, but the difference was not statistically significant in body weight and body sizes （body height, body length, and heart length）. And the polymorphisms in leptin gene were caused by G→T transversion at the 66th bp position, A→C transversion at the 67th bp position and G→T transversion at the 299th bp position. These results may be applied to marker-assisted selection of Chinese cattle breeds.

Characterization of Genetic Polymorphism of Novel MHC B-LBⅡ Alleles in Chinese Indigenous Chickens

Genetic polymorphism of the major histocompatibility complex （MHC） B-LBⅡ gene was studied by amplification of exon 2 using PCR, followed by cloning and DNA sequencing in eight indigenous Chinese chicken populations. To reveal the genetic variation of the B-LB Ⅱ gene, 37 types of patterns detected by PCR-SSCP were investigated first, which would be used to screen novel B-LB Ⅱsequences within the breeds. The types of PCR-SSCP patterns and final sequencing allowed for the identification of 31 novel MHC B-LBⅡ alleles from 30 unrelated individuals of Chinese chickens that were sampled. These are the first designators for the alleles of chicken MHC B-LBⅡ gene based on the rule of assignment for novel mammalian alleles. Sequence alignment of the 31 B-LB Ⅱ alleles revealed a total of 68 variable sites in the fragment of exon 2, of which 51 parsimony informative and 17 singleton variable sites were observed. Among the polymorphic sites, the nucleotide substitutions in the first and second positions of the codons accounted for 36.76% and 35.29%, respectively. The sequence similarities between the alleles were estimated to be 90.6%-99.5%. The relative frequencies of synonymous and nonsynonymous nucleotide substitutions within the region were 2.92%±0.94% and 14.64%±2.67%, respectively. These results indicated that the genetic variation within exon 2 appeared to have largely arisen by gene recombination and balancing selection. Alignment of the deduced amino acid sequences of the β1 domain coded by exon 2 revealed 6 synonymous mutations and 27 nonsynonymous substitutions at the 33 disparate sites. In particular, the nonsynonymous substitutions at the putative peptide-binding sites are considered to be associated with immunological specificity of MHC B-LB Ⅱ molecule in Chinese native chickens. These results can provide a molecular biological basis for the study of disease resistance in chicken breeding.

Application of Indigenous Plants in the Urban Ecological Landscape Design

Concept of indigenous plant and ecological landscape was introduced.Ecological role of indigenous plants in urban ecological landscape design was analyzed,visual beauty,beautiful seasonal aspect,fragrance and charm of these plants were stressed.Moreover,the role of indigenous plants in creating landscape spaces,landscapes of time sequence and also regional landscapes was enhanced,and it was proposed that application of indigenous plants accorded with requirements of the conservation-minded ecological landscape construction.Scientific selection of indigenous plants for the ecological landscape design was discussed,then the following points stressed:right trees should be selected for right land according to the actual eco-environment conditions;properties and functional needs of urban green spaces satisfied;indigenous plants with outstanding landscape ecological attributes selected;historical and cultural features of the city highlighted.Finally,attentions in the configuration of indigenous plants were given as(a) maintaining species diversity and simulating natural community structure;(b) coordinating relationship among plants according to the principle of "mutualism",focusing on color combination and changeful seasonal aspects.

Selection of Indigenous Plants in Roads in Northwestern Loess Plateau Area

[Objective] The aim was to study on resource utilization of indigenous plants in roads in order to solve resource shortage of indigenous plant in bioengi- neering. [Method] Based on northwestern loess plateau area, we conducted research on selection of indigenous plants and survey on the species which could live in adverse condition, mainly by surveying, with frequent tests as a supplement, to make a comprehensive observation and evaluation on plant combinations which are to be extensively applied. [Result] The research indicated that in central dividing strips, four arbors, including Platycladus orientalis （Linn.）Franco, Sabina chinensis, Sabinachinen- sis（Linn.）Ant., and Ulmus purnila L., and nine frutices, including Lycium chinense, Tamarix austromongolica, Rosa xanthina Lindl., Forsythia suspense, Atriplex canescens, Amygdalus triloba, Hippophae rharnnoides Linn., Arnorpha fruticosa L., and Syzygium aromaticum could be planted. In addition, Gleditsia sinensis Lain, Robinia pseudoacacia L, Elaeagnus angustifolia L., Rhus typhina, Salix babylonica, Salixmatsudana and Fraxinus chinensis, tall and strong, are suitable to be planted as border trees, presenting a good vision. Frutices, limited by height, are usually with more branches, which will provide a good landscape if grown with tall plants. Prunus dacidiana and Ulmus pumila L., prone to be damaged by insects, should be planted with other species to stop the infestation in space. [Conclusion] The research laid foundation for selection of indigenous plants in roads, providing references for resource shortage of indigenous plant for bioengineedng.

Relative Effectiveness of Ultraviolet Light Irradiation and Chlorination against Indigenous Bacteriophage and Bacteria in Primary Treated Wastewater

The effectiveness of chlorine and ultraviolet light at inactivating indigenous microbes in primary treated wastewater was examined in this study. The inactivation rates for somatic colipahge and F-specific bacteriophage were less than 2.5 log and 1 log, respectively, at either free chlorine doses of 6, 15 mg/L and 30 mg/L after 30 minutes contact time. However, E. coli and total coliforms were susceptible to chlorination and inactivated more than 4 log within first 15 minutes of contact time at any chlorine dosage tested. In contrast, the inactivation of bacteriophage was increased when increasing UV fluence. At the same disinfection effectiveness against E. coli, UV disinfection was more effective than chlorination against F-specific bacteriophages.

Innovative Practices for the Promotion of Local/Indigenous Knowl­edge for Disaster Risk Reduction Management in Sudur Paschim Province,Nepal

This study is an attempt to point out the different types of natural hazards in Sudur Paschim province of Nepal where environmental degradation processes such as deforestation,desertification,biodiversity loss,soil crisp and watershed degradation are rising trends.Using participatory method multi hazard prone areas were identified with type and intensity.Multi criteria evaluation method was applied to prioritize replicable actions with location-specific innovative practices and their legitimization for integrating local and indigenous knowledge into mainstream education,science and policy with a view to incorporate local and indigenous knowledge as live science in disaster and climate change education.Findings of the study reveal that varieties of natural hazards in combination with social factors such as poverty,conflict and inequality have resulted frequent disasters and social vulnerabilities in many parts of the province.Traditionally,indigenous and local people have responded threats of multi hazards by using their traditional knowledge and skills which has evolved over generations,and continue to adapt to future changes.These traditional,often faith-based,beliefs and practices were found to use as the key to their resilience in the face of natural hazards.However,many communities have been lost their knowledge as the elderly die without transferring it to younger members.Behind this proper educational policy and strategic development plans have not been implemented to cope local/indigenous knowledge into practices.Findings of the study indicate that indigenous and local knowledge is a precious province resource that can support the process of disaster prevention,preparedness and response in cost-effective disaster risk reduction.Therefore,policy framework has to prime focus to integrate indigenous and local knowledge,wisdom and skills into mainstream educational programs in order to transfer science into policy and education(words)into practice.

Environmental Correlates of Distribution of the 25 Broad-leaved Tree Species Indigenous to Guangdong Province,China

Twenty-five tree species indigenous to Guangdong Province were chosen in this study to portray their distribution patterns in relation to environmental factors. Both data of species distribution and environmental factors were tabulated based on a digitized map of Guangdong Province gridded at 0.5° latitude × 0.5° longitude. Grid-based diversity was mapped using DMAP, a distribution mapping program, and horizontal patterns were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis tests. The diversity center of the indige- nous tree species under study is located north of 23° N. These tree species exhibit significant latitudinal variation (P = 0.007 4), but no significant longitudinal difference (P = 0.052 2). Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMS) identified five different ecological species groups, while Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) showed the distribution of tree species along each of the five envi- ronmental gradients. An understanding of the environmental correlates of distribution patterns has great implication for the introduc- tion of the indigenous tree species for afforestation.

cDNA Cloning of Heat Shock Protein Genes and Their Expression in an Indigenous Cryptic Species of the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci Complex from China

Thermal adaptation plays a fundamental role in shaping the distribution and abundance of insects,and heat shock proteins（Hsps）play important roles in the temperature adaptation of various organisms.To better understand the temperature tolerance of the indigenous ZHJ2-biotype of whitefly Bemisia tabaci species complex,we obtained complete cDNA sequences for hsp90,hsp70,and hsp20 and analyzed their expression profiles under different high temperature treatments by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The high temperature tolerance of B.tabaci ZHJ2-biotype was determined by survival rate after exposure to different high temperatures for 1 h.The results showed that after 41°C heat-shock treatment for 1 h,the survival rates of ZHJ2 adults declined significantly and the estimated temperature required to cause 50% mortality（LT50）is 42.85°C for 1 h.Temperatures for onset（Ton）or maximal（Tmax）induction of hsps expression in B.tabaci ZHJ2-biotype were 35 and 39°C（or 41°C）.Compared with previous studies,indigenous ZHJ2-biotype exhibits lower heat temperature stress tolerance and Ton（or Tmax）than the invasive B-biotype.

Plant Growth,Yield Components,Economic Responses,and Soil Indigenous K Uptake of Two Cotton Genotypes with Different K-Efficiencies

HG103,a high K-efficiency cotton cultivar with high-yield potential,and LG122,a low K-efficiency cotton cultivar with low-yield potential were used to study the genotypic variation on yield,economic responses,and soil indigenous K exploitation for cotton in pot and field conditions in 2006 and 2007.Results indicated that both the cultivars differed significantly in the rate of translocation of dry matter into reproductive organs and the time of running into reproductive stage.Cotton yield and economic parameters of HG103 were much better than LG122.Potassium content in cotton shells reached the highest level at maturity stage for both genotypes.Results also showed that the K content in each plant part of HG103 was lower than that of LG122.The two genotypes showed different efficiencies and abilities on absorbing soil rapidly available K and slowly available K.LG122 showed higher absorption of K rate than HG103 after K fertilization,but on the contrary,HG103 uptake more soil indigenous K than LG122 in no K fertilization treatment.This result indicated that HG103 could tolerant and absorb more soil indigenous K than LG122,under condition of soil K stress.LG122 could grow well and absorb more K nutrient when soil K supply is sufficient.Our results demonstrated that higher K content in plant tissues and higher K uptake by plant may not an exclusive condition for high yield planting with K fertilization.Earlier translocation of more dry matters into reproductive organs is one of the key mechanisms of high K use efficiency in cotton.

Cr(Ⅵ) reduction in chromium-contaminated soil by indigenous microorganisms under aerobic condition

Bioremediation plays an increasingly important role in the remediation of chromium-contaminated soil because it is an environmentally friendly technology. To investigate the Cr(Ⅵ)reduction process by indigenous microorganisms in soil, a batch of incubation experiments were carried out in a bioreactor under aerobic conditions. The results showed that in the presence of indigenous microorganisms, the Cr(Ⅵ) concentration in the chromium-contaminated soil decreased from 1521.9 to 199.2 mg/kg within 66 h with culture medium addition, while a slight decrease in the Cr(Ⅵ) concentration was found in the sterilized soil,implying that the indigenous microorganisms contributed to the Cr(Ⅵ) reduction. In the microbial remediation process, Cr(Ⅵ)microbial reduction occurred after the reduction of NO3-, Mn4+ and Fe3+ and,before SO42- reduction. The reduction process of Cr(Ⅵ) can be divided into two phases, characterized by the exponential equation model of microbial reduction and the linear equation model of the combined effect of the major ions. It can be concluded that indigenous Cr(Ⅵ)-reducing bacteria have a potential application for in-situ remediation of Cr(Ⅵ)-contaminated soil.

Expression of Indigenous Landscapes in the Design of Modern Urban Squares

Modern urban square landscapes have been evolved to be with more regional and cultural features, yet the phenomenon of duplication is serious in urban square landscapes in China. In this study, the connotation of indigenous landscape is analyzed from the perspectives of local culture, integration of Chinese and western cultures, folk cultures and modern marketing, the causes of duplicated urban square landscapes are thoroughly elaborated. In view of the deficiencies of modern urban square landscapes, it is proposed that local plants, local ornamental materials and patterns should be fully applied in square designs, and the expression of detail landscapes should be attached sufficient importance, to completely demonstrate regional features of landscapes and better apply indigenous landscapes into the design of modern urban squares.

Effect of Indigenous Nitrogen Supply of Soil on the Grain Yield and Fertilizer-N Use Efficiency in Rice

The effects of application of N fertilizer on wheat on the grain yield and N use efficiency （FNUE） of rice in the wheat-rice rotation system, as well as on the soil fertility were studies. N-fertilizer application on wheat significantly increased total N, arnrnoniurn-N and nitrate-N contents in paddy field, resulting in high indigenous N supply of soil （INS）. Compared with low INS, the effect of N rate on the grain yield of rice was reduced significantly, and FNUE was decreased under high INS. These results indicated that high INS was one of the main reasons for the low FNUE in rice.

Effect of adding Lactobacillus plantarum and soluble carbohydrates to swine manure on odorous compounds, chemical composition and indigenous flora

Manure odor, which results in the increasing complaints and lawsuits, has increased the tension among swine producers and surrounding residents. The effects of Lactobacillus plantarum and different rates of soluble carbohydrates additions to swine manure on odorous compounds, chemical compounds and indigenous flora were evaluated. Additions were calculated on dried manure weight basis. Variables monitored included ammonia （NH3）, hydrogen sulfide （H2S）, odor offensiveness, pH, ammonium nitrogen（NH4^＋-N）, volatile fatty acids （VFAs）, urease and indigenous flora. The results indicated that the combination of L. plantarum and soluble carbohydrates dramatically reduced manure pH. Lower pH resulted in the reduction of NH3 volatilization （34.6%-92.4%, P〈0.01）, the increases of H2S （P〈 0.05） and NH4^＋-N （5.3%-17.5%, P〈0.05）. In addition, L. plantarum and soluble carbohydrates additions significantly reduced odor offensiveness, those VFAs related to malodor indicators（valeric acids, 12.3%-47.7%, P〈 0.05; iso-valeric, 3.5%-23.8%） and the main microorganisms responsible for odor production, with the number of Eubacteria in swine manure reducing by 4.9%, 11.6%, 17.4%, 34.1% and 32.2% respectively.

Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in Indigenous Australians with diabetes in pregnancy

AIM: To perform a systematic review of reported neonatal and pregnancy outcomes of Indigenous Australians with diabetes in pregnancy(DIP).METHODS: Electronic searches of Pub Med and Web of Science were carried out. Articles were selected if they contained original data on DIP outcomes in Indigenous Australians. There were no specific exclusion criteria.RESULTS: A total of eight articles, predominantly from Queensland and Western Australia were identified once inclusion criteria were applied. Birth data from midwifery registries or paper charts encompassing years 1985-2008 were used. A total of 465591 pregnant women with and without DIP were included in the eight studies, with 1363 being Indigenous women with DIP. Indigenous Australians experienced increased rates of many known adverse outcomes of DIP including: macrosomia, caesarean section, congenital deformities, low birth weight, hypoglycaemia, and neonatal trauma. There were regional differences among Indigenous Australians, particularly regional/remote vs metropolitan populations where the regional/remote data showed worse outcomes. Two of the articles did not note a difference between Aboriginals and Caucasians in the rates of measured adverse outcome. Studies varied significantly in size, measured outcomes, and subsequent analysis.CONCLUSION: The health disparities between Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians are further evidenced by poorer outcomes in DIP. This has broader implications for Indigenous health in general.