Risk factors and mitigation of influenza among Indigenous children in Australia, Canada, United States, and New Zealand: a scoping review

Aim: This review considers prominent risk factors and mitigation strategies of influenza among Indigenous children.

Methods: Seven electronic databases were searched from the period of 2004-2017 to locate articles discussing influenza among Indigenous children in the developed circumpolar nations of Australia, Canada, United States, and New Zealand. Articles selected for inclusion discussed influenza among Indigenous children as either individuals or as a part of a community. Ancestry searches of articles meeting the review criteria were also undertaken to discern seminal research in this topic area.

Results: From the 39 primary research studies included, marked risk factors and mitigation strategies of influenza among Indigenous children were identified using inductive analysis. Notable risk factors included age under 2 years, cigarette smoke exposure, presence of a chronic illness, and crowded living conditions. Successful mitigation of influenza for Indigenous children included strategies to improve vaccine coverage, provision of health education, and policy change.

Conclusion: In the past, the impact of influenza upon Indigenous communities has been devastating for both children and their families. By utilizing existing public health infrastructure and collaborating with culturally unique Indigenous groups, preventive action for Indigenous children at significant risk of contracting influenza can be realized.