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Halley C, Cowden S. Reconciling a Broken Heritage: Developing Mental Health Social Work in Guyana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6931. [PMID: 37887669 PMCID: PMC10606164 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20206931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Guyana's colonial past has left a trail of economic instability, racial polarization, and physical and mental trauma. Despite the progress made since Guyana's independence in 1966, the remnants of this colonial past continue to shape present-day Guyana. As a result, violence and trauma continue to impact the mental health of the population. This is manifest in endemic problems of domestic violence and racialized social divisions which have created the conditions for rates of suicide which are amongst the highest in the world. The formal mental health provision which exists in Guyana is based primarily on an individualized and largely biomedical model of care. Despite valuable attempts to develop this provision, the difficulty of physically accessing this for some people and the stigma which surround this means that the capacity of this system to address the serious problems which exist is limited. It is also the case that in times of emotional and psychic distress, and in the context of Guyana being a very religious country, many people turn to traditional supernatural healers and remedies for support. In this paper, we discuss what is known as "Obeah", noting that while this is widely practiced, it remains something of a taboo subject in Guyana. We consider the reasons why these practices and beliefs continue to be influential. However, what neither these biomedical or supernatural perceptions of mental health are able to address is the sociogenic nature of Guyana's mental health issues, which we argue emerges out of the historic trauma of Guyana's experience of colonialism and the violence which it engendered. We argue that profound forms of mental distress which exist in Guyana call for an integrative and holistic practice model that contextualizes these problems through a sociogenic lens. Social workers, working collaboratively with other health-related professions, can occupy a critical role in integrating these different conceptions through developing a rights-based model of mental health where the causes of mental ill-health are understood as socially determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coya Halley
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Guyana, Georgetown P.O. Box 10-1110, Guyana;
| | - Stephen Cowden
- School of Health and Social Care, Department of Social Work, University of Gloucestershire, Gloucester GL2 9H, UK
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Meredith C, McKerchar C, Lacey C. Indigenous approaches to perinatal mental health: a systematic review with critical interpretive synthesis. Arch Womens Ment Health 2023; 26:275-293. [PMID: 37002367 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-023-01310-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Indigenous mothers and birthing parents experience significant inequities during the perinatal period, with mental health distress causing adverse outcomes for mothers/birthing parents and their infants. Limited literature is available to inform our understanding of solutions to these issues, with research primarily focusing on inequities. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of Indigenous approaches to treatment of perinatal mental health illness. Following the PRISMA guidelines for systematic literature reviews, an electronic search of CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Embase, APA PsycInfo, OVID Nursing, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases was conducted in January and February 2022 and repeated in June 2022. Twenty-seven studies were included in the final review. A critical interpretive synthesis informed our approach to the systematic review. The work of (Yamane and Helm J Prev 43:167-190, 2022) was drawn upon to differentiate studies and place within a cultural continuum framework. Across the 27 studies, the majority of participants were healthcare workers and other staff. Mothers, birthing parents, and their families were represented in small numbers. Outcomes of interest included a reduction in symptoms, a reduction in high-risk behaviours, and parental engagement/attachment of mothers/birthing parents with their babies. Interventions infrequently reported significant reductions in mental health symptoms, and many included studies focused on qualitative assessments of intervention acceptability or utility. Many studies focused on describing approaches to perinatal mental health distress or considered the perspectives and priorities of families and healthcare workers. More research and evaluation of Indigenous interventions for perinatal mental health illness is required. Future research should be designed to privilege the voices, perspectives, and experiences of Indigenous mothers, birthing parents, and their families. Researchers should ensure that any future studies should arise from the priorities of the Indigenous population being studied and be Indigenous-led and designed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Meredith
- Māori and Indigenous Health Innovation, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | | | - Cameron Lacey
- Māori and Indigenous Health Innovation, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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3
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Lukey S, Keevers L, Trueman S, Frith F, Chandler P, Rawari R, Henry W, Townsend ML. The social and emotional wellbeing needs of Aboriginal staff in out of home care: Walking in two worlds. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 141:106232. [PMID: 37220692 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a disproportionate representation of Aboriginal children in the Australian Out of Home Care system. An important strategy to ensure Aboriginal children experience trauma informed care that is culturally situated is to have access to Aboriginal practitioners. The experiences of Aboriginal practitioners working in Aboriginal Out of Home Care have not been explored thoroughly. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING This community led research was undertaken on Dharawal Country on the South Coast of the Illawarra region, Australia with an Out of Home Care program managed by an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation. The study included Aboriginal (n = 50) and non-Aboriginal (n = 3) participants connected through employment or community membership to the organisation. OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the wellbeing needs of Aboriginal practitioners working with Aboriginal children in Aboriginal Out of Home Care. METHODS This co-designed qualitative research project used yarning sessions (individual and group), co-analysis with co-researchers, document analysis and reflexive writing. FINDINGS Aboriginal practitioners are required to bring their cultural expertise to their work and with this, there is an expectation of cultural leadership and the fulfilling of cultural responsibilities. These elements bring with them emotional labour that must be acknowledged and accounted for in working in the Out of Home Care sector. CONCLUSION The findings point to the importance of establishing an organisational social and emotional wellbeing framework in recognition of Aboriginal practitioner's specific needs, centring cultural participation as a key wellbeing and trauma informed strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lukey
- The University of New England, Faculty of Health and Society, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.
| | - L Keevers
- The University of Wollongong, Early Start, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia; University of Canberra, Faculty of Health, School of Health Sciences, Australia.
| | - S Trueman
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Health District, Australia
| | - F Frith
- The University of Wollongong, Early Start, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
| | - P Chandler
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Health District, Australia
| | - R Rawari
- Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation, Australia
| | - W Henry
- Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation, Australia
| | - M L Townsend
- School of Psychology, the University of Wollongong, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
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Asamoah GD, Khakpour M, Carr T, Groot G. Exploring Indigenous Traditional Healing programs in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand: A scoping review. Explore (NY) 2023; 19:14-25. [PMID: 35768321 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore and catalog ways Indigenous Traditional Healing practices are supported within the mainstream healthcare system through policies and programs in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. DATA SOURCES A scoping review was conducted, guided by the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews. Databases for sources of information include CINAHL, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Public Health ProQuest, Global Health EBSCO, iPortal, and grey literature. STUDY SELECTION 2 reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of the studies for inclusion against the selection criteria independently. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were transferred to Covidence for further abstract and full-text review. DATA EXTRACTION Of a total of 2,017 articles identified, 22 met the inclusion criteria for data extraction for this scoping review. Data items extracted include study title, authors, year of publication, publication type, publication source, support policy or program, health system or service, Indigenous Traditional Healing practices, and significant findings. DATA SYNTHESIS 2 categories emerged from the analysis of the source of evidence. That is, healthcare systems and services with programs and policies supporting Indigenous Traditional Healing practices, and ways Indigenous Traditional Healing was adopted and utilized within the identified support programs. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the various ways Indigenous Traditional Healing practices are supported within the mainstream healthcare systems in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Indigenous Traditional Healing practices can be utilized as either the primary choice of treatment, to support Western biomedical treatment or through the adoption of Indigenous Traditional knowledge within the mainstream healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Darko Asamoah
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Mahasti Khakpour
- Interdisciplinary Health Program, St. Francis Xavier University, 110 A - Annex, PO Box 5000, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, B2G 2W5, Canada.
| | - Tracey Carr
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Gary Groot
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.
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Raeburn T, Zugai J, Liston C, Saunders P, Doyle K. How to Use Microhistory Methodology in Mental Health Research. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2023; 44:71-78. [PMID: 36251344 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2022.2129532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Incorporating anthropological principles, microhistory is a research methodology useful for exploring the interplay between ordinary people and social abstractions such as, the market, social systems, and governments. In this paper, the background and characteristics of microhistory are described, and a novel six-stage approach for conducting microhistories in mental healthcare is introduced. Each stage of the process is illustrated using sections from a microhistory focussed on the earliest recorded case comparison between British colonial mental healthcare and Aboriginal Australian traditional healing. Microhistory provides a way to uncover new insights about past mental healthcare, which may contribute to re-conceptualisations of modern-day beliefs and practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby Raeburn
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Midwifery and Health Sciences, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Joel Zugai
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Midwifery and Health Sciences, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Carol Liston
- Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul Saunders
- Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Kerrie Doyle
- Indigenous Health, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
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McPherson K, Nahon I. Culturally responsive women’s and men’s health physiotherapy for Indigenous people living in regional, rural, and remote Australia. PHYSICAL THERAPY REVIEWS 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/10833196.2022.2152553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin McPherson
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
- Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, Orange, Australia
| | - Irmina Nahon
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
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Cox T, Mond J, Hoang H. ‘We’re also healers’: Elders leading the way in Aboriginal community healing. Aust J Prim Health 2022; 28:283-288. [PMID: 35638114 DOI: 10.1071/py21289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of colonisation, dispossession and marginalisation on the health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples (hereafter respectfully referred to as Aboriginal people) is well documented. Aboriginal people continue to practice traditional healing, and in recent years have initiated numerous community-based healing programs around Australia. The Closing the Gap policy has also resulted in numerous community health programs. Despite these program and policy responses, Aboriginal people continue to experience persistent health disparities. The role of Aboriginal Elders in shaping Aboriginal health has yet to be a focus of research attention. This paper reports on a study that examined the contributions of Elders to the healing of Aboriginal people in a remote Tasmanian community. METHODS Our co-designed participatory action research methodology was undertaken with eight community Elders. RESULTS Analysis of qualitative data derived through interviews and yarning circle discussions revealed an emerging theme of community healing; with Elders undertaking a suite of therapeutic practices, and promoting cultural values to strengthen Aboriginal identity, community cohesion and connections to Country. The Elders identified healing as an essential process in response to intergenerational trauma, racism and marginalisation. CONCLUSIONS The findings inform policy stakeholders to consider the wisdom and voice of Elders in addressing Aboriginal community healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terrance Cox
- Centre for Rural Health, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 1322, Launceston, Tas. 7250, Australia
| | - Jonathon Mond
- Centre for Rural Health, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 1322, Launceston, Tas. 7250, Australia
| | - Ha Hoang
- Centre for Rural Health, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 1322, Launceston, Tas. 7250, Australia
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Ciofalo N, Dudgeon P, Nikora LW. Indigenous community psychologies, decolonization, and radical imagination within ecologies of knowledges. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 69:283-293. [PMID: 35015301 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As the American Psychological Association Taskforce on Indigenous Psychology acknowledges, fidelity to the inalienable right to self-determination is the ethical foundation of Indigenous psychology. The task of decolonizing psychology is not only about divesting from Eurocentric paradigms that have controlled and limited Indigenous wellbeing, but producing new paradigms founded on Indigenous knowledges. The Indigenous paradigm of social and emotional wellbeing is both a new therapeutic practice and theory of wellbeing. As the exploration of the domains of SEWB has shown, findings from the National Empowerment Project indicate that strengthening a connection to culture is identified as of highest importance to the flourishing of Indigenous individuals, families, and communities. Wellbeing in Abya Yala (the Americas) is conceived as Sumak Kawsay or Buen Vivir and Māori constructs of wellbeing as Hauora. These transnational wellbeing conceptualizations can be situated within a larger global health movement, which is centered on strengthening Indigenous cultures of wellbeing, and sustainable planet-people relationships. Indigenous community psychologies are not anthropocentric and are centered on the sacredness of nature, the cultivation of spirituality, and accountability to maintain harmonious ecosystem relationships. Indigenous community psychologies from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Mexico are brought in plurilogue envisioning international solidarity networks that engage communities, activists, and committed student generations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patricia Dudgeon
- University of Western Australia (UWA) School of Indigenous Studies, Perth, WA, Australia
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Ciofalo N. Making the road caminando de otra manera: Co-constructing decolonial community psychologies from the Global South. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 69:426-435. [PMID: 34743322 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Current discussion on coloniality dismantles structures embedded in neoliberal capitalism that maintain and perpetuate social pathologies. Theories and praxes emerging from Abya Yala (North, Central, and South America) provide academic and nonacademic contributions to co-construct community psychologies de otra manera (otherwise). These accountable ways of knowing and acting in cultural context and local place, become ways of making counterculture to inform decolonial community psychologies. The epistemologies of the Global South have produced invaluable teachings for transformative revisions of community psychology within frameworks that go beyond liberation and toward decoloniality. Activist women and decolonial feminists from the Global South, contest patriarchal rationality and universalism and co-construct new ways of being, thinking-feeling, sentipensar, and acting. Decolonial paradigms weave networks of solidarity with communities in their struggles to sustain Indigenous cosmovisions, delinking from western-centric ideologies that are not anthropocentric and promote sustainability, epistemic and ecological justice, and Sumak Kawsay/Buen Vivir (wellbeing) that includes the rights of the Earth. This paper deepens into decolonial community psychologies from Abya Yala that are making the road caminando (walking) de otra manera by applying methodologies of affective conviviality with communities, sentipensando, and co-authoring collective stories that weave pluriversal solidary networks within ecologies of praxes into colorful tapestries of liberation. These are the proposed coordinates to sketch pathways toward decoloniality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Ciofalo
- Community, Liberation, Indigenous, and Eco-Psychologies Specialization, Pacifica Graduate Institute, Carpinteria, California, USA
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Dudgeon P, Alexi J, Derry K, Brideson T, Calma T, Darwin L, Gray P, Hirvonen T, McPhee R, Milroy H, Milroy J, Murray D, Sutherland S. Mental health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia during COVID-19. THE AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL ISSUES 2021; 56:485-502. [PMID: 34898755 PMCID: PMC8653111 DOI: 10.1002/ajs4.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
In May 2020, an independent working party was convened to determine the mental health and well-being needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia, in response to COVID-19. Thirty Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and allies worked together in a two-month virtual collaboration process. Here, we provide the working party's five key recommendations and highlight the evidence supporting these proposals. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination and governance must be prioritised to manage the COVID-19 recovery in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. To mitigate long-term social and economic impacts of COVID-19 to Australian society, the historical underinvestment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must be reconciled. Equitable, needs-based funding is required to support strengths-based, place-based initiatives that address the determinants of health. This includes workforce and infrastructure development and effective evaluation. There is a clear, informed pathway to health and healing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples being enacted by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and community organisations; it remains to be seen how these recommendations will be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pat Dudgeon
- Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing ProjectPoche Centre for Indigenous HealthUniversity of Western Australia, CrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Joanna Alexi
- Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing ProjectPoche Centre for Indigenous HealthUniversity of Western Australia, CrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Kate Derry
- Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing ProjectPoche Centre for Indigenous HealthUniversity of Western Australia, CrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Tom Brideson
- Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) AustraliaParkesACTAustralia
| | - Tom Calma
- University of CanberraBruceACTAustralia
| | - Leilani Darwin
- Black Dog InstituteAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience CentreRandwickNSWAustralia
| | - Paul Gray
- Australian Indigenous Psychologists AssociationSydneyNSWAustralia
- Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and ResearchUniversity of Technology SydneyNSWAustralia
| | | | - Rob McPhee
- Kimberley Aboriginal Medical ServicesBroomeWAAustralia
| | - Helen Milroy
- Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing ProjectPoche Centre for Indigenous HealthUniversity of Western Australia, CrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Jill Milroy
- Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing ProjectPoche Centre for Indigenous HealthUniversity of Western Australia, CrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Donna Murray
- Indigenous Allied Health AustraliaDeakinACTAustralia
| | - Stewart Sutherland
- College of Health & MedicineAustralian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
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Cox T, Hoang H, Mond J, Cross M. 'It all comes back to community!': A qualitative study of Aboriginal Elders promoting cultural well-being. Aust J Rural Health 2021; 29:909-917. [PMID: 34757629 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine Australian Aboriginal Elders' (Elders) views on their contributions to and their potential to contribute to the well-being of their community. DESIGN Participatory action research methodology was employed. Data collection methods included yarning interviews and group circle discussions. Data were thematically analysed. SETTING The project was undertaken in collaboration with Elders from a discrete Aboriginal community in rural/remote Tasmania, an island state in southern Australia. PARTICIPANTS Twelve Aboriginal community Elders. INTERVENTION N/A. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES N/A. RESULTS Elders were promoting cultural well-being through interconnected themes of mentoring, cultural healing and seeking balance between health services and the community's cultural foundation. Cultural values, identity, community cohesion and connections to country were further embedded in these themes. CONCLUSION The study findings draw attention to the age-old wisdom of Aboriginal Elders, who actively promote cultural well-being as a main determinant of community health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terrance Cox
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Ha Hoang
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jonathon Mond
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Merylin Cross
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
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Rooney EJ, Johnson A, Jeong SYS, Wilson RL. Use of traditional therapies in palliative care for Australian First Nations peoples: An integrative review. J Clin Nurs 2021; 31:1465-1476. [PMID: 34611956 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To conduct an integrative review of the literature to understand how the incorporation of traditional therapies affect First Nations people's utilisation of palliative care services. BACKGROUND First Nations peoples face many barriers related to accessing and utilising specialised health services such as palliative care. Whilst culturally appropriate care has been shown to improve these outcomes, there is little evidence regarding how this may be achieved. DESIGN Integrative review. METHODS A systematic search was conducted using electronic databases CINAHL, Joanna Briggs, Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect InformitHealth and ProQuest between the years of 2005 - 2021 databases were searched for papers with full text available and published in English. Papers were included if they were primary-based research and focused on the topics of the use of traditional therapies in a palliative care context by First Nations persons. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme principles were used to assess the methodological quality of the selected articles. RESULTS Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The review included six qualitative studies and one quantitative study. From these studies, five themes were identified in the literature: supporting a holistic approach, developing culturally appropriate care, conflict within a Western medical model, regulatory issues, and geographical barriers. CONCLUSION There is a dearth of current literature available discussing the utilization of traditional therapies in palliative care. From the literature analysed, the benefits of including traditional therapies are overall positive, however, there are barriers including conflict with the Western model of medicine and regulation. More research is required in the provision of traditional therapies in palliative care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The incorporation of traditional medicines within a palliative care setting could help nurses provide holistic and culturally appropriate care, especially in rural and remote areas where they make up the majority of the healthcare force.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda Johnson
- University of Newcastle, Gosford, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Yeun-Sim Jeong
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Gosford, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rhonda L Wilson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Gosford, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Nursing, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Bradley P, Lowell A, Daiyi C, Macklin K, Nagel T, Dunn S. It's a little bit like prison, but not that much: Aboriginal women's experiences of an acute mental health inpatient unit. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2021; 30:917-930. [PMID: 33630404 DOI: 10.1111/inm.12843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This research aimed to gain an understanding of the acute mental health inpatient experience as described by Aboriginal women during admission. It recorded for the first time the words of Aboriginal women within the inpatient unit, including their perceptions of factors which may promote or impede a culturally safe environment. Eleven Aboriginal women inpatients gave interviews before discharge from the inpatient unit. Five Aboriginal Reference Group (ARG) members with experience of the inpatient unit also gave interviews, adding 'insider-outsider' perspectives. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, entered into NVivo software, and analysed inductively to raise codes and develop themes. Five interconnecting themes emerged: Social Context: life experience preceding, shaping, and following admission; Connection: with kin, community, and culture. Control: self-determination, legally and physically curtailed; Caring: actions promoting reconnection and self-determination; Communication: conveying caring and supporting agency, reconnection, and return to community. Findings reflected inpatient issues reported in previous studies, adding insights into the cultural concerns of Aboriginal women and offering practical clinical implications for culturally secure service delivery in an inpatient setting. Existing literature offered a basis for developing the model offered here for transcultural interaction for recovery in an inpatient setting. Attention to these findings can enhance Aboriginal women's inpatient experience and promote further research. The article complies with the COREQ-32 checklist for describing qualitative studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Bradley
- Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Anne Lowell
- Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Cherise Daiyi
- Top End Mental Health & AOD Services, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Karen Macklin
- Top End Mental Health & AOD Services, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Tricia Nagel
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Sandra Dunn
- Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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Hochhauser S, Rao S, England-Kennedy E, Roy S. Why social justice matters: a context for suicide prevention efforts. Int J Equity Health 2020; 19:76. [PMID: 32450868 PMCID: PMC7249373 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-020-01173-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicide is among the 10 leading causes of death in the US and has the potential to suddenly change many lives. It often occurs when people are disproportionately affected by societal conditions, including inequities, discrimination, oppression, and historical trauma. We posit that a social justice framework can improve suicide prevention efforts when incorporated into existing strategies because it mandates that inequities be addressed. It does so through education, engagement, advocacy, and action, and can be especially effective in states and nations with high suicide rates and entrenched societal inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Hochhauser
- College of Health and Social Services Building, 1335 International Mall, Suite 326, P.O. Box 30001 MSC 3HLS, Las Cruces, NM, 88003-8001, USA
| | - Satya Rao
- College of Health and Social Services Building, 1335 International Mall, Suite 326, P.O. Box 30001 MSC 3HLS, Las Cruces, NM, 88003-8001, USA
| | - Elizabeth England-Kennedy
- Department of Health & Physical Education, Rhode Island College, 138 Murray Center, 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave, Providence, RI, 02908, USA.
| | - Sharmistha Roy
- College of Health and Social Services Building, 1335 International Mall, Suite 326, P.O. Box 30001 MSC 3HLS, Las Cruces, NM, 88003-8001, USA
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