Bacterial Skin Infection Burdens in Northern and Rural Canadian Indigenous Communities: A Review of National and Regional Data, and Evidence-Based Solutions

Authors

  • Rachel Asiniwasis MD, MS(HS), FRCPC Dermatologist and Associate Professor, University of Saskatchewan

Abstract

As a visible organ, the skin reveals powerful information about both internal and external health. Canada is the world’s second largest country landmass, and approximately 60% of Canadian Indigenous peoples reside in Northern and/or Rural Communities (NRCIC), which are generally underserviced. Barriers such as lack of health care access lead to skin health disparities, which are evident in the literature documenting high burdens of bacterial skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in NRCIC across Canada, mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]) and Streptococcus. A review of national and regional data published over the last 15 years is included, followed by narrative synthesis of evidence-based solutions.

 

Author Biography

Rachel Asiniwasis MD, MS(HS), FRCPC, Dermatologist and Associate Professor, University of Saskatchewan

Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis is a dermatologist and early-career clinician-researcher with a special interest in inflammatory dermatoses, remote outreach, virtual care, skin of color, Indigenous health, dermatologic health disparities, and translational research. She has been practicing in her hometown of Regina since 2014, after graduating residency at the University of Toronto. Recently, she graduated with a Master’s of Science in Health Sciences in clinical and translational research. She is Plains Cree and Saulteaux on her father’s side, and provides outreach dermatology clinics in the form of virtual care, teledermatology and in-person to various remote and northern Indigenous communities around Saskatchewan.

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Published

2023-03-01

How to Cite

1.
Asiniwasis R. Bacterial Skin Infection Burdens in Northern and Rural Canadian Indigenous Communities: A Review of National and Regional Data, and Evidence-Based Solutions. Can Dermatol Today [Internet]. 2023 Mar. 1 [cited 2024 Dec. 22];4(1):24–28. Available from: https://canadiandermatologytoday.com/article/view/13

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Articles