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Walker D, Tynan A, Tucker T, Fisher B, Fisher T. Engaging with a rural Aboriginal community to identify strategies to improve oral health within their community: a qualitative study. Aust J Prim Health 2023; 29:38-46. [PMID: 36318903 DOI: 10.1071/py22215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders bear a higher burden of oral disease compared to non-Indigenous persons. Rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are further disadvantaged due to service access difficulties. This study, initiated by community concern for oral health identified through its Health Action Group, aimed to explore a rural Aboriginal community's strategies to resolve oral health problems. CONCLUSION Community members are aware of local barriers and potential facilitators for improving oral health within their community. Their identification of priority strategies can be used to inform the delivery of oral healthcareservices and to develop oral healthcare promotion programs for the community. Co-designing solutions with the community should be an integral part of solving complex problems such as oral health. METHODS A qualitative research study using a phenomenological research design with focus group discussions and in-depth interviews was completed in partnership with a rural community in Queensland, Australia, with a predominantly Aboriginal population. The research team included Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal personnel; community and external personnel; and dental and non-dental personnel. The collaborative approach included the development, implementation, analysis and interpretation of the research involving the community through its Health Action Group. Community engagement led to the recruitment of 27 participants from local health and community groups. RESULTS Themes emerging from the data included: reducing financial barriers to accessing oral health care; integrating oral health care with other health services; increasing oral healthcare promotion activities; and ensuring local input and cultural safety within local oral healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Walker
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Anna Tynan
- Research Support Team, Baillie Henderson Hospital, Darling Downs Health, Corner of Torr and Hogg Street, Toowoomba, Qld 4350, Australia; and Southern Queensland Rural Health, The University of Queensland, Corner of Torr and Hogg Street, Toowoomba, Qld 4350, Australia
| | - Taygan Tucker
- Oral Health Services - Nhulunbuy, Top End Health Services, Northern Territory Government, Gove Dental Clinic, Endeavour Square, Nhulunbuy, NT 0880, Australia
| | - Barry Fisher
- Kingaroy Hospital, Darling Downs Health, 166 Youngman Street, Kingaroy, Qld 4610, Australia
| | - Tarita Fisher
- Darling Downs Health, PO Box 361, Murgon, Qld 4605, Australia
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Biles B, Biles J, Friere K, Deravin L, Lawrence J, Yashadhana A. Appraising community driven health research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: a scoping review using the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool. Health Promot Int 2022; 37:6717837. [PMID: 36161481 PMCID: PMC9511996 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Most research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has been conducted by non-Indigenous people and has not been a positive experience for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This scoping review maps approaches to health research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities in Australia from the last two decades. A literature search found 198 papers, of which 34 studies met the inclusion criteria. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool was then used to map the quality of the reported community driven research. The Quality Appraisal Tool privileges, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's epistemologies and ethical research governance. The findings reported on strengths and identified areas for improvement in reporting community driven research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Biles
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessica Biles
- Charles Sturt University, School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences, Albury, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate Friere
- Three Rivers UDRH, Charles Sturt University, Faculty of Science and Health, Albury, NSW, Australia
| | - Linda Deravin
- Charles Sturt University, School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences, Albury, NSW, Australia
| | - Jayne Lawrence
- Charles Sturt University, School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences, Albury, NSW, Australia
| | - Aryati Yashadhana
- Centre for Health Equity Training Research & Evaluation, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Centre for Primary Health Care & Equity, UNSW Medicine & Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Social Sciences UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
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Bullied Because of Their Teeth: Evidence from a Longitudinal Study on the Impact of Oral Health on Bullying Victimization among Australian Indigenous Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19094995. [PMID: 35564388 PMCID: PMC9101169 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19094995] [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: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Making life better for Indigenous peoples is a global priority. Although bullying and oral health have always been a topic of concern, there is limited information regarding the impact of this problem on the general population, with no evidence in this regard among the Australian Indigenous population. Thus, we aimed to quantify the relationship between bullying victimization and oral health problems by remoteness among 766 Australian Indigenous children aged between 10−15-years using data from the LSIC study. Bivariate and multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression analyses were employed. Findings indicated children self-reported bullying more than parents reported their children were being bullied (44% vs. 33.6%), with a higher percentage from rural/remote areas than urban areas. Parents reported that oral health problems increased the probability (OR 2.20, p < 0.05) of being bullied, in Indigenous children living in urban areas. Racial discrimination, lower level of parental education and poor child oral hygiene increase the risk of bullying victimization. Parental happiness with life and a safe community were associated with a lower risk of bullying. Dental problems are linked with Australian Indigenous children experiencing bullying victimization. Cultural resilience and eliminating discrimination may be two modifiable paths to ameliorating health issues associated with bullying in the Australian Indigenous community.
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Maqbool A, Selvaraj CM, Lu Y, Skinner J, Dimitropoulos Y. The Progress of the New South Wales Aboriginal Oral Health Plan 2014–2020: A Scoping Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10040650. [PMID: 35455828 PMCID: PMC9031810 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10040650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There are major disparities in oral health between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The New South Wales (NSW) Aboriginal Oral Health Plan 2014–2020 was developed to improve the oral health of Aboriginal people. This scoping review describes programs that have been undertaken to implement the NSW Aboriginal Oral Health Plan 2014–2020. The methodology by Arksey and O’Malley was used to guide this review. Academic and grey literature were searched using a structured Medline, Lowitja and advanced Google searches. Articles were included if they aligned with the strategic directions of the Plan. Key information, including the aims of the study, methodology and results were recorded in a template on Microsoft Excel software. A total of 31 articles were included in this review. This included 25 articles from the academic literature and six initiatives from the grey literature. Included articles were categorised according to the six strategic directions in the NSW Aboriginal Oral Health Plan. Four studies were related to the first strategic direction, six related to strategic direction two, four related to strategic direction three, six initiatives related to strategic direction four, five related to strategic direction five, and eight related to strategic direction six. While there has been significant progress in achieving the strategic directions of the NSW Aboriginal Oral Health Plan, there is scope for continued collaboration between oral health service providers, universities and Aboriginal communities to improve oral health outcomes for Aboriginal people in NSW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwaq Maqbool
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (C.M.S.); (Y.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Charlotte Marie Selvaraj
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (C.M.S.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yinan Lu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (C.M.S.); (Y.L.)
| | - John Skinner
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.S.); (Y.D.)
| | - Yvonne Dimitropoulos
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (J.S.); (Y.D.)
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Tynan A, Walker D, Tucker T, Fisher B, Fisher T. Managing oral health care and prevention: The experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders living in a rural community in Queensland, Australia. Aust J Rural Health 2022; 30:228-237. [PMID: 35196414 PMCID: PMC9306970 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To understand the experience of rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in engaging with oral health care services and programs in order to support the development of oral health services and prevention programs that better meet their needs. Design The study used a qualitative research design, which aims to describe participants' lived experience of engaging with oral health services and prevention programs in a rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Focus group discussions and in‐depth interviews were conducted with 27 participants. The 15 transcribed discussions were analysed using a 6‐step phenomenological process. Setting A rural community in Queensland, Australia, with a predominantly Aboriginal population. Participants Participants were purposively recruited from established health and community groups. Main outcome System‐level barriers to accessing and engaging with oral health services and prevention influence how communities manage oral health and seek treatment. Results The study identified 4 main themes describing the community's experience: service location and the efforts required to access oral health services; the financial burden of accessing oral health care and practising prevention; lack of confidence in oral health services; and the avoidance or delaying of accessing care for dental problems. Results confirmed a high burden of oral disease but limited attendance at an oral health facility and difficulties engaging in preventative oral health behaviours. Treatment seeking was usually instigated by the experience of pain and typically at a tertiary health facility. Conclusion Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in rural communities experience a high burden of oral disease but have limited engagement with oral health services. This is associated with system‐level barriers to accessing and engaging with oral health services and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tynan
- Baillie Henderson Hospital, Darling Downs Health, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.,The Rural Clinical School, The University of Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Walker
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Taygan Tucker
- Kingaroy Hospital, Darling Downs Health, Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia
| | - Barry Fisher
- Kingaroy Hospital, Darling Downs Health, Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia
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Henson C, Rambaldini B, Carlson B, Wadolowski M, Vale C, Gwynne K. A new path to address health disparities: How older Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander women use social media to enhance community health (Protocol). Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221084469. [PMID: 35273808 PMCID: PMC8902196 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221084469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Digital health offers a fresh avenue to address health disparities
experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Despite the scant
evidence about how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders access and use
health technology, the Australian government has prioritised research that
uses technology to enable people to manage their health and promote better
health outcomes. Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are
cultural leaders in their communities, enabling them to provide valuable
insights about the safety and efficacy of health care messaging. However, no
research has engaged older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, women as
partners in digital health research. Objective This paper provides a protocol for co-designed translational research that
privileges older Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander women’s cultural
expertise to design and test a framework for accessible, culturally safe and
feasible digital health technologies. Methods This mixed-methods research project will use the collective impact approach,
a user-centred, co-design methodology and yarning circles, a recognised
Indigenous research methodology. A series of yarning circles with three
different communities will elucidate enablers and barriers to access health
information; co-create a framework clarifying what works and does not work
for digital health promotion in their communities; and test the framework by
co-creating three digital health information programs. Conclusions Privileging the cultural expertise of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander women will provide a novel perspective and vital guidance that end
users and developers can trust and rely upon to create and evaluate
culturally safe and efficacious digital health promotion programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie Henson
- Centre for Global Indigenous Futures, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Boe Rambaldini
- Centre for Global Indigenous Futures, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bronwyn Carlson
- Centre for Global Indigenous Futures, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Arts, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Monika Wadolowski
- Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Kylie Gwynne
- Centre for Global Indigenous Futures, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
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Challenges in the provision and utilization of oral health services among the Australian Indigenous population: a scoping review. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-021-01661-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Kong AC, Sousa MS, Ramjan L, Dickson M, Goulding J, Gwynne K, Talbot F, Jones N, Srinivas R, George A. "Got to build that trust": the perspectives and experiences of Aboriginal health staff on maternal oral health. Int J Equity Health 2020; 19:187. [PMID: 33097061 PMCID: PMC7585174 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-020-01301-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Australia, models of care have been developed to train antenatal care providers to promote oral health among pregnant women. However, these models are underpinned by Western values of maternity care that do not consider the cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of Aboriginal health staff towards oral health care during pregnancy. It is part of a larger program of research to develop a new, culturally safe model of oral health care for Aboriginal women during pregnancy. METHODS A descriptive qualitative methodology informed the study. Focus groups were convened to yarn with Aboriginal Health Workers, Family Partnership Workers and Aboriginal management staff at two antenatal health services in Sydney, Australia. RESULTS A total of 14 people participated in the focus groups. There were four themes that were constructed. These focused on Aboriginal Health Workers and Family Partnership Workers identifying their role in promoting maternal oral health, where adequate training is provided and where trust has been developed with clients. Yet, because the Aboriginal health staff work in a system fundamentally driven by the legacy of colonisation, it has significantly contributed to the systemic barriers Aboriginal pregnant women continue to face in accessing health services, including dental care. The participants recommended that a priority dental referral pathway, that supported continuity of care, could provide increased accessibility to dental care. CONCLUSIONS The Aboriginal health staff identified the potential role of Aboriginal Health Workers and Family Partnership Workers promoting oral health among Aboriginal pregnant women. To develop an effective oral health model of care among Aboriginal women during pregnancy, there is the need for training of Aboriginal Health Workers and Family Partnership Workers in oral health. Including Aboriginal staff at every stage of a dental referral pathway could reduce the fear of accessing mainstream health institutions and also promote continuity of care. Although broader oral health policies still need to be changed, this model could mitigate some of the barriers between Aboriginal women and both dental care providers and healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana C. Kong
- Centre for Oral Health Outcomes and Research Translation (COHORT), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University/South Western Sydney Local Health District / Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, 2170 NSW Australia
| | - Mariana S. Sousa
- IMPACCT - Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, 2007 NSW Australia
| | - Lucie Ramjan
- Centre for Oral Health Outcomes and Research Translation (COHORT), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University/South Western Sydney Local Health District / Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, 2170 NSW Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Campbelltown, 2560 NSW Australia
| | - Michelle Dickson
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 NSW Australia
| | - Joanne Goulding
- Primary and Community Services, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, 2170 NSW Australia
| | - Kylie Gwynne
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, 2109 NSW Australia
| | - Folau Talbot
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 NSW Australia
| | - Nathan Jones
- Aboriginal Health Unit, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, 2170 NSW Australia
| | - Ravi Srinivas
- Centre for Oral Health Outcomes and Research Translation (COHORT), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University/South Western Sydney Local Health District / Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, 2170 NSW Australia
- Oral Health Services, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, 2170 NSW Australia
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 NSW Australia
| | - Ajesh George
- Centre for Oral Health Outcomes and Research Translation (COHORT), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University/South Western Sydney Local Health District / Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, 2170 NSW Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Campbelltown, 2560 NSW Australia
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 NSW Australia
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Luo F, Zou P, Zhang H, Pang S. Exploration of village health centres in Northern and Central China: A qualitative study. Aust J Rural Health 2020; 28:271-280. [PMID: 32558026 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12635] [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: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE China faces issues associated with urban-rural health inequities. This study explores functions of village health centres through a community perspective. Four research questions were asked, including: (a) What are the functions of village health centres? (b) How is medication administered in village health centres? (c) What are the roles of village doctors? (d) What are the evaluation mechanisms of village health centres? DESIGN In-depth interviews and field observations are used in the study. SETTING Nine rural villages in two provinces in Northern and Central China. PARTICIPANTS A total of 93 people across were interviewed. RESULTS Village health centres are primarily responsible for providing public health services and essential medical care. In addition, village health centres also function as a social venue of a rural community. A centralised medication scheme augments these processes through supplying health centres with affordable medications. Village doctors are expected to take the needs and preferences of their patients into consideration when creating care plans, and must establish trusting rapport with patients by upholding their unique values. This results in care that is convenient, accessible, and person-centred. Village health centres are evaluated through a 2-step process which has direct effects on the amount of government subsidy received. CONCLUSION Village health centres have multi-faceted functions in rural Chinese communities. Overall, the benefits of village health centres include convenient and timely access to care for rural residents. Improvements can be made in certain areas, such as streamlining provincial medication schemes and adopting a strengths-based model of evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Luo
- Department of Sociology, Humanities and Social Sciences College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Zou
- School of Nursing, Nipissing University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
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Tynan A, Walker D, Tucker T, Fisher B, Fisher T. Factors influencing the perceived importance of oral health within a rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Australia. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:514. [PMID: 32303214 PMCID: PMC7164228 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08673-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indigenous Australians suffer from higher rates of oral disease and have more untreated dental problems and tooth extractions than the general population. Indigenous Australians also have lower rates of accessing oral health services and are more likely to visit for a problem rather than a check-up. Multiple issues effect health service and prevention programs including: characteristics of health services such as distances to health services; existence of social and cultural barriers; available wealth and social support; and, characteristics of the individual and community including the importance given to the disease. This paper seeks to explore the perceived importance of oral health within a rural Indigenous community in Australia and the factors influencing this perception. METHODS The study used a phenomenology research design incorporating focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. It was undertaken in partnership with communities' Health Action Group who guided the focus, implementation and reporting of the research. A convenience sample was recruited from established community groups. Thematic analysis on the transcripts was completed. RESULTS Twenty-seven community members participated in three focus groups and twelve in-depth interviews. The study found that the community gives high priority to oral health. Factors influencing the importance include: the perceived severity of symptoms of oral disease such as pain experienced due to tooth ache; lack of enabling resources such as access to finance and transport; the social impact of oral disease on individuals including impact on their personal appearance and self-esteem; and health beliefs including oral health awareness. Participants also noted that the importance given to oral health within the community competed with the occurrence of multiple health concerns and family responsibilities. CONCLUSION This paper highlights the high importance this rural Indigenous community gives to oral health. Its findings suggest that under-utilisation of oral health services is influenced by both major barriers faced in accessing oral health services; and the number and severity of competing health and social concerns within the community. The study results confirm the importance of establishing affordable, culturally appropriate, community-based oral health care services to improve the oral health of rural Indigenous communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tynan
- Research Fellow, Research Support Team, Baillie Henderson Hospital, Darling Downs Health, Corner of Torr and Hogg Street, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
- Honorary Research Fellow, The Rural Clinical School, The University of Queensland, West Street, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
| | - David Walker
- Honorary Research Fellow. School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Taygan Tucker
- Dental Therapist, Oral Health Services - Nhulunbuy, Top End Health Services, Northern Territory Government Endeavour Square, Gove Dental Clinic, Endeavour Square, Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Barry Fisher
- Indigenous Liaison Officer, Kingaroy Hospital, Darling Downs Health, 166 Youngman Street, Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tarita Fisher
- Health Service Manager, Darling Downs Health, PO Box 361, Murgon, Queensland, Australia
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11
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Gwynne K, McCowen D, Cripps S, Lincoln M, Irving M, Blinkhorn A. A comparison of two models of dental care for Aboriginal communities in New South Wales. Aust Dent J 2016; 62:208-214. [PMID: 28008634 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aboriginal people, and particularly those in rural areas, continue to suffer very high levels of dental disease despite significant reductions in the wider Australian population in the past 30 years. Until recently, there has been a shortage of oral health clinicians and the majority have provided care in major cities. The NSW Government funded various models of care for rural and regional areas and vulnerable population groups including Aboriginal people. This study utilizes a comparative retrospective analysis to compare two models of oral health care for Aboriginal people including those living in rural NSW to inform future policy decisions. METHODS Two models (Model A - Fly in Fly out and Model B - Collective impact) of public oral health care for Aboriginal patients in NSW were examined using publicly available descriptive information. Two years of funding and Dental Weighted Activity Units (DWAUs) data were analysed for the two different models and regression analysis was used to compare the trends of monthly time series of DWAUs. CONCLUSIONS Based on the standardized national weighted pricing for public dentistry, model B offers significantly more services for less financial resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Gwynne
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia
| | - D McCowen
- Armajun Aboriginal Health Service, Inverell, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S Cripps
- Centre of Translational Data Science, Sydney Business School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Lincoln
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Irving
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Blinkhorn
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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