A systematic review of the evidence that swimming pools improve health and wellbeing in remote Aboriginal communities in Australia

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
David HendrickxRoz Walker

Abstract

To provide an overview of the evidence for health and wellbeing benefits associated with swimming pools in remote Aboriginal* communities in Australia. Peer-reviewed and grey literature from 1990 to 2014 was searched to identify studies set in remote Australia that evaluated health and wellbeing benefits that have been associated with swimming pools. Studies were categorised using an evidence classification scale. Twelve studies met our search criteria. All prospective studies that collected data on skin infections found access to swimming pools to be associated with a drop of skin sore prevalence and -where measured- severity. Studies documenting ear and eye infections showed mixed outcomes. Many wider community and wellbeing benefits were documented in various studies, although many of these were primarily anecdotal in nature. Although a case can be made regarding skin infections and the broader wellbeing benefits that swimming pools may bring to remote Aboriginal communities, the benefit to ear and eye health remains unresolved. The decision to provide swimming pools to remote Aboriginal communities should not hinge on the demonstration of direct health benefits alone. Equity considerations and the potential broader benefits...Continue Reading

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Citations

Dec 7, 2016·Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·John Lowe
Oct 21, 2019·The Medical Journal of Australia·Lucy DavidsonAsha C Bowen
Mar 19, 2020·Health Promotion Journal of Australia : Official Journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals·Stacey M Willcox-PidgeonJustin Scarr
Feb 6, 2017·The Medical Journal of Australia·Pamela Palasanthiran, Asha C Bowen
Dec 1, 2020·Health Promotion Journal of Australia : Official Journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals·Nicole WickensLauren Nimmo
Nov 16, 2020·The Medical Journal of Australia·Rosemary WyberUNKNOWN END RHD CRE Investigators Collaborators
Nov 19, 2020·Open Forum Infectious Diseases·Nicholas M DouglasRob W Baird

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