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D’Costa B, Lobo R, Sibosado A, Leavy JE, Crawford G, Ward J. Evaluation of the Young, Deadly, Syphilis Free multi-media campaign in remote Australia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273658. [PMID: 36084099 PMCID: PMC9462794 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Since 2011, remote Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have experienced an outbreak of infectious syphilis, with young people aged 15–29 years over-represented in notifications. The Young Deadly Syphilis Free multi-media campaign was implemented in 12 remote regions in four Australian jurisdictions over nine months from 2017–2018. Campaign components included television and radio advertisements, social media posts, and health promotion resources available via a dedicated website. The aim of this research was to evaluate the impacts (proximal, mediator, distal) of the Young Deadly Syphilis Free campaign for young Aboriginal people and health and community workers residing in remote campaign regions.
Methods
A cross-sectional (post-only) evaluation design was used. Data were collected through online surveys; metrics for social media (Facebook, Instagram) were also collected to determine campaign engagement via social media. A 22-item young people survey assessed campaign awareness, exposure, message recognition and diagnostics (proximal variables); along with intended behaviour and knowledge and attitudes (mediator variables). A 24-item health and community worker survey assessed campaign awareness, exposure, message recognition and diagnostics (proximal variables); and changes in professional practice (distal variable). Descriptive statistics summarised demographic characteristics and univariate analysis examined associations between key variables.
Results
Just over half (n = 25, 58%) of young people and three quarters (n = 36; 75%) of health and community workers were aware of the campaign. Recognition of key campaign messages was high for both participant groups (>64%), and television, Facebook, and website were the most common campaign exposure routes. Positive impacts on intended behaviour (young people) and professional practice (health and community workers) were also reported. Facebook was effective in engaging some young people in campaign content and was preferred by young people for accessing information.
Conclusion
The findings point to the value of utilising a multi-media campaign in raising awareness about syphilis among young Aboriginal people and health and community workers in remote Australian regions. A longer-term campaign that accommodates the diverse needs of Aboriginal young people from geographically remote communities would optimise campaign impacts and support behavioural change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda D’Costa
- Sexual Health and Blood-Borne Virus Applied Research and Evaluation Network, Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Roanna Lobo
- Sexual Health and Blood-Borne Virus Applied Research and Evaluation Network, Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amanda Sibosado
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Justine E. Leavy
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gemma Crawford
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - James Ward
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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The Barriers and Facilitators of Sport and Physical Activity Participation for Aboriginal Children in Rural New South Wales, Australia: A Photovoice Project. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19041986. [PMID: 35206182 PMCID: PMC8871796 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19041986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Participating in physical activity is beneficial for health. Whilst Aboriginal children possess high levels of physical activity, this declines rapidly by early adolescence. Low physical activity participation is a behavioral risk factor for chronic disease, which is present at much higher rates in Australian Aboriginal communities compared to non-Aboriginal communities. Through photos and ‘yarning’, the Australian Aboriginal cultural form of conversation, this photovoice study explored the barriers and facilitators of sport and physical activity participation perceived by Aboriginal children (n = 17) in New South Wales rural communities in Australia for the first time and extended the limited research undertaken nationally. Seven key themes emerged from thematic analysis. Four themes described physical activity barriers, which largely exist at the community and interpersonal level of children’s social and cultural context: the physical environment, high costs related to sport and transport, and reliance on parents, along with individual risk factors such as unhealthy eating. Three themes identified physical activity facilitators that exist at the personal, interpersonal, and institutional level: enjoyment from being active, supportive social and family connections, and schools. Findings highlight the need for ongoing maintenance of community facilities to enable physical activity opportunities and ensure safety. Children held strong aspirations for improved and accessible facilities. The strength of friendships and the family unit should be utilized in co-designed and Aboriginal community-led campaigns.
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Verbunt E, Luke J, Paradies Y, Bamblett M, Salamone C, Jones A, Kelaher M. Cultural determinants of health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people - a narrative overview of reviews. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:181. [PMID: 34384447 PMCID: PMC8359545 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01514-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The cultural determinants of health centre an Indigenous definition of health, and have been linked to positive health and wellbeing outcomes. There is growing evidence for the importance of the cultural determinants of health; however, to date, no high-level overview of the evidence-base has been provided. Synthesising existing literature on cultural determinants of health for Aboriginal peoples in a single manuscript will highlight what we know, and what needs to be explored in future research. It will also contribute to global efforts to capture the evidence of cultural determinant approaches amongst Indigenous populations. We therefore endeavoured to identify cultural determinants and highlight their impact on Aboriginal health and wellbeing outcomes, and outline the relationship and interconnection of different cultural determinants of health. METHODS An overview of reviews was conducted. Medline (Ovid) and Scopus were searched using terms related to 'cultural determinants of health' and an 'Aboriginal definition of health'. The database search was complemented by a web-based search of grey literature. Nine reviews were retrieved and included in our overview. RESULTS Family/community, Country and place, cultural identity and self-determination were strongly identified across reviews as having a positive impact on the health and wellbeing outcomes of Aboriginal peoples. Family/community and Country and place were found to be components of 'culture' that shaped cultural identity. Self-determination was outlined as a requirement for Aboriginal peoples to pursue their cultural, social, and economic rights. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS Cultural determinants are associated with health benefits for Indigenous peoples. A causal framework, developed to discuss the relationship and interconnection of the cultural determinants of health, demonstrates that cultural identity at an individual-level is important to benefiting from other cultural determinants of health. While self-determination and connection to culture and community-controlled organisations are integral factors to increase Aboriginal resilience and resistance and improve health and wellbeing outcomes. Further research is required to shift towards a multi-level understanding of the cultural determinants of health and to develop an Indigenous-led evidence-base around causal pathways. Such a shift would ensure priorities important to Indigenous peoples are captured in policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebony Verbunt
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Joanne Luke
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yin Paradies
- Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Muriel Bamblett
- Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Connie Salamone
- Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amanda Jones
- Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret Kelaher
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Nelson SE, Wilson K. Understanding barriers to health care access through cultural safety and ethical space: Indigenous people's experiences in Prince George, Canada. Soc Sci Med 2018; 218:21-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Indigenous Australians Perceptions' of Physical Activity: A Qualitative Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15071492. [PMID: 30011932 PMCID: PMC6069039 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15071492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Given poorer health and higher rates of chronic disease seen in Indigenous populations around the world and the evidence linking exercise with health and wellbeing, recommendations for encouraging and increasing Indigenous people’s participation in physical activity are needed. This paper systematically reviews published qualitative research papers exploring issues related to the perspectives of Indigenous Australians around physical activity. Key terms relevant to attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions of Indigenous Australians on physical activity and sport were explored in 11 electronic bibliographic databases including EMBASE, Medline and Web of Science. Of the 783 studies screened, eight qualitative studies met the selection criteria; only one was exclusively undertaken in a rural setting. Four major themes emerged: family and community, culture and environment, sport, and gender differences. Men highlighted sport and going on walkabout as preferred types of physical activity while women preferred family-focused activities and activities and support for women's sport. Several studies found exercise was supported when in the context of family and community but was considered shameful when done only for oneself. Sport was regarded as playing an influential role in bringing communities together. Group, community, or family activities were desired forms of physical activity with the environment they are conducted in of high importance. These findings should inform future research and intervention programs aimed at addressing the physical activity levels of Indigenous Australians and may be relevant to other Indigenous populations.
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Priest N, Thompson L, Mackean T, Baker A, Waters E. 'Yarning up with Koori kids' - hearing the voices of Australian urban Indigenous children about their health and well-being. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2017; 22:631-647. [PMID: 27764969 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2016.1246418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Australian Indigenous children experience some of the most substantial health inequalities globally. In this context, research regarding their health and well-being has overemphasised physical illnesses with limited exploration of a diverse range of dimensions and determinants, particularly those based on Indigenous holistic understandings of health and well-being. This deficit-based approach has thus missed many strengths and assets of Indigenous children. This research aimed to gain insight into the perspectives of Indigenous children about their health and well-being in an urban setting in Australia. It joins a limited international literature examining views and experiences of non-majority children. DESIGN Participatory and qualitative child-friendly research methods were utilised. The project was developed in partnership with Indigenous community organisations and members. Photo-elicitation activities and focus groups were conducted with 31 Indigenous children aged 8-12 years. Qualitative data were analysed thematically, combining focus group and interview data. RESULTS It was evident an urban Indigenous child perspective of health and well-being includes rich understandings of the interconnectedness of physical, social-emotional and cultural dimensions of holism, as well as the integral importance of family and community relationships. The study also found that specific worries regarding loss of loved ones and racism were highly salient in Indigenous children's lives. CONCLUSION The overwhelming conclusion to be drawn from this research is that Indigenous children in urban areas need ongoing recognition of both their agency and resilience in the face of adversity, within a wider context of historical and contemporary racialisation and racism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Priest
- a Centre for Social Research and Methods , Australian National University , Canberra , Australia
| | - Laura Thompson
- b Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health , University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Tamara Mackean
- c Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and Wellbeing , Flinders University , Adelaide , Australia
| | - Alison Baker
- d Victoria Institute for Education, Diversity & Lifelong Learning , Victoria University , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Elizabeth Waters
- b Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health , University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Australia
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Péloquin C, Doering T, Alley S, Rebar A. The facilitators and barriers of physical activity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander regional sport participants. Aust N Z J Public Health 2017; 41:474-479. [PMID: 28749566 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disparities in health perspectives between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations are major concerns in many of the world's well-developed nations. Indigenous populations are largely less healthy, more prone to chronic diseases, and have an earlier overall mortality than non-Indigenous populations. Low levels of physical activity (PA) contribute to the high levels of disease in Indigenous Australians. METHOD Qualitative analysis of structured one-on-one interviews discussing PA in a regional setting. Participants were 12 Indigenous Australian adults, and 12 non-Indigenous Australian adults matched on age, sex, and basketball division. RESULTS Most participants reported engaging in regular exercise; however, the Indigenous group reported more barriers to PA. These factors included cost, time management and environmental constraints. The physical facilitators identified by our Indigenous sample included social support, intrinsic motivation and role modelling. CONCLUSION Findings describe individual and external factors that promote or constraint PA as reported by Indigenous Australian adults. Results indicate that Indigenous people face specific barriers to PA when compared to a non-Indigenous sample. Implications for public health: This study is the first to compare the perspective of Indigenous Australians to a matched group of non-Indigenous Australians and provides useful knowledge to develop public health programs based on culturally sensitive data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudie Péloquin
- Victoria University of Wellington, School of Psychology, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Thomas Doering
- Central Queensland University, School of Medical and Applied Sciences, Rockhampton, Queensland
| | - Stephanie Alley
- Central Queensland University, School of Human, Health, and Social Sciences, Physical Activity Research Group, Rockhampton, Queensland
| | - Amanda Rebar
- Central Queensland University, School of Human, Health, and Social Sciences, Physical Activity Research Group, Rockhampton, Queensland
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Jette S, Roberts EB. 'We usually just start dancing our Indian dances': urban American Indian (AI) female youths' negotiation of identity, health and the body. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2016; 38:396-410. [PMID: 26416430 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.12349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we utilise qualitative research techniques to explore how 14 urban American Indian (AI) females (aged 11-17) living in the state of Maryland discursively construct and experience health and the body, as well as how/if traditional culture shapes their understandings. In doing so, we address a significant gap in the knowledge base concerning the health beliefs of urban AI youth, and build upon research utilising a decolonising approach. Using a two-step process of thematic analysis and poststructuralist discourse analysis, we arrived at three key findings: (1) while youths are taught (and learn) mainstream lessons about health and bodily norms (mostly at school), they negotiate these lessons in complex and at times contradictory ways; (2) they do not view their AI status as conferring more or less risk upon them or their community; and (3) AI identity appears to be fluid in nature, becoming more salient, even a resource, in certain situations. We conclude with a discussion of the importance of spaces within the urban context in shaping youths' embodied subjectivities, and in particular, contrast the space of the school with that of the urban AI community centre.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Jette
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, USA
| | - Erica Blue Roberts
- Department of Behavioural and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, USA
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Malseed C, Nelson A, Ware R. Evaluation of a School-Based Health Education Program for Urban Indigenous Young People in Australia. Health (London) 2014. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2014.67077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Spencer G. The ‘healthy self’ and ‘risky’ young Other: young people's interpretations of health and health-related risks. HEALTH RISK & SOCIETY 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/13698575.2013.804037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Thing LF, Ottesen LS. Young people's perspectives on health, risks and physical activity in a Danish secondary school. HEALTH RISK & SOCIETY 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/13698575.2013.802294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Brown S, Shoveller J, Chabot C, LaMontagne AD. Risk, resistance and the neoliberal agenda: young people, health and well-being in the UK, Canada and Australia. HEALTH RISK & SOCIETY 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/13698575.2013.796346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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