Search

Aim: In the absence of published statewide notification data, the aim of this study was to analyse trends in notifiable blood lead levels (hereafter referred to as lead poisoning) in NSW from 1998 to 2008, to help inform lead poisoning notification policy., Methods: NSW blood lead poisoning notification data for 1998-2008 were extracted from the Notifiable Diseases Database and analysed by age, gender and Area Health Service of residence., Results: There were 6000 lead poisoning notifications from 1998 to 2008, with an average annual notification rate of 11.8 per 100 000 population for 1998-2003. This rate declined to an average of 4.0 per 100 000 population in the period 2004-2008. Males accounted for 92% of notifications, and males aged 20-59 years had average notification rates between 20 and 27 per 100 000 population. Children aged 0-4 years had notification rates of 9.3 per 100 000 population in girls and 13.6 per 100 000 population in boys., Conclusion: Notification rates have fallen dramatically, however children aged 0-4 years and men are disproportionately represented in lead poisoning notifications.

Aim: To analyse trends in hepatitis A notifications and information on exposure to risk factors, in particular international travel, collected through routine surveillance in NSW., Methods: Hepatitis A notification data for the period 2000-2009 were extracted from the Notifiable Diseases Database and analysed by age group, gender, area of residence and exposure risk factors, including travel, food eaten and contact with other possible infectious cases., Results: The notification rate for hepatitis A in NSW fell from 3.0 cases per 100000 population in 2000 to 1.4 cases per 100000 population in 2009. Notification rates were highest among people aged 20-24 years and residents of metropolitan Sydney. Travel to a country where hepatitis A is endemic was a risk exposure identified in 43% of cases., Conclusion: International travel to highly endemic countries continues to be the most common risk factor for hepatitis A infection notified in NSW despite recommendations that travellers be vaccinated prior to travel to these areas.

Aim: To assess the availability, accessibility and uptake of eye health services for Aboriginal people in western NSW in 2010., Methods: The use of document review, observational visits, key stakeholder consultation and service data reviews, including number of cataract operations performed, to determine regional service availability and use., Results: Aboriginal people in western NSW have a lower uptake of tertiary eye health services, with cataract surgery rates of 1750 per million for Aboriginal people and 9702 per million for non-Aboriginal people. Public ophthalmology clinics increase access to tertiary services for Aboriginal people., Conclusion: Eye health services are not equally available and accessible for Aboriginal people in western NSW. Increasing the availability of culturally competent public ophthalmology clinics may increase access to tertiary ophthalmology services for Aboriginal people. The report of the review was published online, and outlines a list of recommendations.