BMJ  2003;327:415-419 (23 August), doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7412.415

Paper

Benefits of swimming pools in two remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia: intervention study

¹ Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, PO Box 855, West Perth, WA 6872, Australia, ² Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia

Objective To determine the health impact of swimming pools built with the aim of improving quality of life and reducing high rates of pyoderma and otitis media.

Design Intervention study assessing prevalence of ear disease and skin infections before and at six monthly intervals after opening of swimming pools.

Setting Two remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia.

Participants 84 boys and 78 girls aged < 17 years.

Main outcome measures Changes in prevalence and severity of pyoderma and perforation of tympanic membranes with or without otorrhoea over 18 months after opening of pools.

Results In community A, 61 children were seen before the pool was opened, and 41, 46, and 33 children were seen at the second, third, and fourth surveys. Equivalent figures for community B were 60, 35, 39, and 45. Prevalence of pyoderma declined significantly from 62% to 18% in community A and from 70% to 20% in community B during the 18 months after the pools opened. Over the same period, prevalence of severe pyoderma fell from 30% to 15% in community A and from 48% to 0% in community B. Prevalence of perforations of the tympanic membrane fell from 32% in both communities to 13% in community A and 18% in community B. School attendance improved in community A.

Conclusion Swimming pools in remote communities were associated with reduction in prevalence of pyoderma and tympanic membrane perforations, which could result in long term benefits through reduction in chronic disease burden and improved educational and social outcomes.

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This article has been cited by other articles:

• Dale, K., Wolfe, R., Sinclair, M., Hellard, M., Leder, K. (2009). Sporadic Gastroenteritis and Recreational Swimming in a Longitudinal Community Cohort Study in Melbourne, Australia. Am J Epidemiol 0: kwp297v1-kwp297 [Abstract] [Full text]  
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Rapid Responses:

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Is it just me ?

JP Dias
bmj.com, 22 Aug 2003 [Full text]

Is it just me? Yes, it is! Only Strep, Skin Sore and Sore Throat.

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BMJ - stick to british medical topics

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Benefit of salted water.

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Not just for the British

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Improving health in Aboriginal communities by building swimming pools is an innovative method

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Yes it is you, contd.

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