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Owais S, Ospina MB, Ford C, Hill T, Savoy CD, Van Lieshout R. Screen Time and Socioemotional and Behavioural Difficulties Among Indigenous Children in Canada: Temps d'écran et difficultés socio-émotionnelles et comportementales chez les enfants autochtones du Canada. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2024; 69:337-346. [PMID: 38151919 PMCID: PMC11032090 DOI: 10.1177/07067437231223333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe screen time levels and determine their association with socioemotional and behavioural difficulties among preschool-aged First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children. METHOD Data were taken from the Aboriginal Children's Survey, a nationally representative survey of 2-5-year-old Indigenous children in Canada. Socioemotional and behavioural difficulties were defined using parent/guardian reports on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted separately for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit participants, and statistically adjusted for child age, child sex, and parent/guardian education. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.002 to adjust for multiple comparisons. RESULTS Of these 2-5-year-old children (mean [M] = 3.57 years) 3,085 were First Nations (53.5%), 2,430 Métis (39.2%), and 990 Inuit (7.3%). Screen time exposure was high among First Nations (M = 2 h and 58 min/day, standard deviation [SD] = 1.89), Métis (M = 2 h and 50 min [SD = 1.83]), and Inuit children (M = 3 h and 25 min [SD = 2.20]), with 79.7% exceeding recommended guidelines (>1 h/day). After adjusting for confounders, screen time was associated with more socioemotional and behavioural difficulties among First Nations (total difficulties β = 0.15 [95% CI, 0.12 to 0.19]) and Métis (β = 0.16 [95% CI, 0.12 to 0.20]) but not Inuit children (β = 0.12 [95% CI, 0.01 to 0.23]). CONCLUSIONS Screen time exposure is high among Indigenous children in Canada, and is associated with more socioemotional and behavioural difficulties among First Nations and Métis children. Contributing factors could include enduring colonialism that resulted in family dissolution, lack of positive parental role models, and disproportionate socioeconomic disadvantage. Predictors of poor well-being should continue to be identified to develop targets for intervention to optimize the health and development of Indigenous children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria B. Ospina
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Camron Ford
- Bachelor of Medical Sciences Program, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Troy Hill
- McMaster Alumni Association, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Calan D. Savoy
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Ryan Van Lieshout
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
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Probst Y, McKnight A, O'Flynn G, Tillott S, Stanley RM. Describing the food choices of Aboriginal children attending an afterschool cultural program from two different knowledge systems: The importance of Country, community, and kinship. Nutr Diet 2024. [PMID: 38637156 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
AIMS This study describes a program co-created with Aboriginal communities to strengthen cultural ties with the children. Food data are reported from two knowledge systems (lenses): Western and Aboriginal relational, focused on Country, community, and kinship. METHODS A cultural program was undertaken with primary school children of Aboriginal heritage, on Yuin nation, over 10 weeks including culturally appropriate practices (painting, bushtucker, and dance). We report mixed method food outcomes framed by Western (quantitative) 24-h recall and Aboriginal relational methods (qualitative) captured by cultural images, yarning and continuous consultation methods to expose lessons from community and Country, to extend kinship. RESULTS In total, 111 children (79 providing food data) across three regional communities commenced the program. A storying approach to food data collection and interpretation was preferred. The number of serves of seafood products, such as fish increased, vegetable consumption improved, intakes of dairy improved in quality and energy intakes from discretionary foods decreased across the programs. Qualitative data exposed six themes: Eating with family, competing agendas, food as medicine, applying cultural practices, food choices driven by 'post-invasion tradition' and community events, which deepened our understanding of the food data. Teaching the importance of the ocean and water saw participants engage with family in practices such as fishing to improve overall awareness of culture through food. CONCLUSION The kinship system in a cultural context supported positive shifts towards accessible food choices driven by messages from Country. While the changes cannot be isolated to the program, cultural immersion drove change and strength-based reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Probst
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony McKnight
- Woolyungah Indigenous Centre, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gabrielle O'Flynn
- School of Education, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Tillott
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Rebecca M Stanley
- School of Education, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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Chau T, Tiego J, Brown L, Coghill D, Jobson L, Montgomery A, Murrup-Stewart C, Sciberras E, Silk TJ, Spencer-Smith M, Stefanac N, Sullivan DP, Bellgrove MA. Against the use of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 2-15 years. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2023; 57:1343-1358. [PMID: 36974891 PMCID: PMC10517593 DOI: 10.1177/00048674231161504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire is a widely used screening tool for emotional and behavioural problems in children. Recent quantitative analyses have raised concerns regarding its structural validity in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This paper aims to extend upon existing findings by analysing the factor structure of both the parent- and teacher-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in this population across a broader age range than in previous studies. METHODS Participants were the caregivers and teachers of 1624 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children (820 male, 804 female) aged 2-15 years from Waves 2-11 of the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children. The majority of children were Aboriginal living in major cities and inner regional areas. Internal consistency was estimated with McDonald's Omega. Exploratory structural equation modelling was conducted to investigate the factor structure of the parent-reported and teacher-reported versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. RESULTS Responses from teachers demonstrated higher internal consistency than responses from parents, which was unacceptably low across most age groups. The purported five-factor structure of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire failed to be replicated across both parent- and teacher-reported questionnaires. The results of bifactor and hierarchical exploratory structural equation models also failed to approximate the higher-order summary scales. These results indicate that the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire subscales and summary scores do not provide a valid index of emotional and behavioural problems in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. CONCLUSION The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire should not be used with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey Chau
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeggan Tiego
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Louise Brown
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - David Coghill
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura Jobson
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Alicia Montgomery
- Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Cammi Murrup-Stewart
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Emma Sciberras
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tim J Silk
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Megan Spencer-Smith
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicole Stefanac
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel P Sullivan
- Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Queensland Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Child Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark A Bellgrove
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Waller A, Ampofo A, Bryant J, Sanson-Fisher RW. Child rearing and parenting programs among First Nations' populations in high-income countries: a bibliometric review. AUST HEALTH REV 2023; 47:26-57. [PMID: 36356889 DOI: 10.1071/ah22073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objectives We set out to examine the volume, scope and quality of research related to First Nations peoples' perceptions of, and experiences with, child rearing and/or parenting programs. Methods We systematically reviewed the literature published between 2000 and 2020. Sixty-eight studies identified through electronic databases and references lists met inclusion criteria. Results The study found an 8% increase in publications in the field each year (P -value = 0.002), mostly conducted in Australia with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (n = 29, 41%). Scope included positive and negative experiences relating to: parenting from adult (n = 19 studies) and teenager (n = 4) perspectives; and pregnancy, antenatal and postnatal care from the perspective of adults (n = 23) and teenagers (n = 2). Descriptive studies included qualitative (n = 40; 58%), quantitative (n = 8, 12%) or mixed methods (n = 7, 10%). Thirteen experimental studies reported the development, acceptability and/or effectiveness of programs (19%), of which three met the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care design criteria. Conclusions Despite an overall increase in volume, research efforts do not demonstrate a clear scientific progression. Further methodologically rigorous studies examining child rearing and/or parenting programs developed in collaboration with First Nations populations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Waller
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; and Equity in Health and Wellbeing Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Ama Ampofo
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; and Equity in Health and Wellbeing Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jamie Bryant
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert W Sanson-Fisher
- Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; and Equity in Health and Wellbeing Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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Armstrong E, Maypilama Ḻ, Fasoli L, Guyula A, Yunupiŋu M, Garrutju J, Gundjarranbuy R, Gapany D, Godwin-Thompson J, Lowell A. How do Yolŋu recognise and understand their children’s learning? Nhaltjan ŋuli ga Yolŋuy nhäma ga märr-dharaŋan djamarrkuḻiw marŋgithinyawuy? PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272455. [PMID: 35980955 PMCID: PMC9387850 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Indigenous families have culturally-specific strengths, priorities, and methods for assessing their children’s development. Recognition and support of children’s and families’ strengths are important for identity, health and wellbeing. However, strengths can be missed in assessment processes developed in non-Indigenous contexts. Yolŋu are First Nations Australian peoples from North-East Arnhem Land. This study was conducted to explore Yolŋu early childhood development, assessment and support in response to concerns that Yolŋu strengths and priorities are often not recognised. The cultural and linguistic expertise of Yolŋu researchers was central in this qualitative study. Rich empirical data were collected through a form of video reflexive ethnography with six children and their extended families over seven years and through in-depth interviews with 38 other community members. An iterative process of data collection and analysis engaged Yolŋu families and researchers in a collaborative, culturally responsive research process which drew on constructivist grounded theory methods. Findings illustrate how Yolŋu children are immersed in complex layers of intertwined and continuous testing and teaching processes integrating holistic frameworks of cultural identity and connection, knowledge and practices. Yolŋu families monitor and recognise a child’s development through both direct and explicit testing and through observing children closely so that children can be supported to keep learning and growing into their knowledge, strengths and identity. Yolŋu expressed concern that such learning is invisible when the child is viewed through non-Yolŋu lenses and assessed with processes and tools from outside the community. Indigenous peoples have a right to culturally congruent assessment of their children. Those who share the child’s culture and language have the expertise to ensure that cultural strengths and priorities are recognised and understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Armstrong
- Northern Institute, College of Indigenous Futures, Education and the Arts, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Ḻäwurrpa Maypilama
- Northern Institute, College of Indigenous Futures, Education and the Arts, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Lyn Fasoli
- Northern Institute, College of Indigenous Futures, Education and the Arts, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Abbey Guyula
- Northern Institute, College of Indigenous Futures, Education and the Arts, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Megan Yunupiŋu
- Northern Institute, College of Indigenous Futures, Education and the Arts, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Jane Garrutju
- Yalu Marŋgithinyaraw Indigenous Corporation, Galiwin’ku, Elcho Island, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Rosemary Gundjarranbuy
- Yalu Marŋgithinyaraw Indigenous Corporation, Galiwin’ku, Elcho Island, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Dorothy Gapany
- Northern Institute, College of Indigenous Futures, Education and the Arts, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | - Anne Lowell
- Northern Institute, College of Indigenous Futures, Education and the Arts, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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Lovell J, Clark L. Implementing Interventions to Improve Health Communication Equity for First Nations People: Guidance from a Rapid Realist Review. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 27:555-562. [PMID: 36217757 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2022.2134523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Effective communication is critical for engagement between clients and health professionals, transfer of health information and health decision-making. Internationally, there is recognition that if health communication interventions were successfully implemented, then health communication equity would improve. This rapid realist review was undertaken with the aim of providing guidance on the circumstances in which communication interventions were likely to work in regional health service settings accessed by First Nations people from remote and very remote geographic areas of Australia. The realist review involved a process of searching literature on key terms and the identification of relevant studies and policies by a content expert group, including non-Indigenous and First Nations health researchers. Evidence was extracted to inform and synthesize into guiding principles, using a realist perspective. This review identified studies that provided evidence from 37 Australian and international settings where the dominant language and culture of the health sector differs from that of the majority of service users. A number of guiding principles were synthesized: 1) to build trust and respect by inclusion of an individual patient's cultural perspective; 2) to enhance concordant understanding of health information through two-way health literacies and learning; 3) to recognize the entanglement of health communication equity with regional socio-cultural and health determinants. This review generated realist informed guiding principles to suggest how and under what conditions health communication interventions can enable healthcare decision-making at an individual and service level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Lovell
- Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University, Alice Springs, Sadadeen, NT, Australia
| | - Louise Clark
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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Fowler F, Einsiedel L. A Qualitative Study Exploring Perceptions to the Human T Cell Leukaemia Virus Type 1 in Central Australia: Barriers to Preventing Transmission in a Remote Aboriginal Population. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:845594. [PMID: 35572972 PMCID: PMC9100826 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.845594] [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] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Central Australia has the highest recorded prevalence of infection with the human T cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) worldwide. Each of the clinical diseases associated with HTLV-1 have been reported in this region, including deaths due to adult T cell leukaemia, which is causally linked to HTLV-1. Nevertheless, no public health response has been implemented to reduce HTLV-1 transmission among the affected Aboriginal population. In the first study to explore the perceptions of healthcare professionals along with those of Aboriginal people whose communities are actually impacted by HTLV-1, we sought to understand the barriers to preventing HTLV-1 transmission in this remote area. Methodology/Principal Findings Semi and un-structured interviews were conducted with 30 Australian Aboriginal people, 26 non-Aboriginal healthcare professionals and 3 non-Aboriginal community workers. The purpose of the interviews was to explore perceptions towards HTLV-1 in a health context with a focus on sexual and reproductive rights. Deductive and inductive analyses were applied to the data and a decolonizing lens brought peripheral stories to the fore. A major finding was the contrast between views expressed by Aboriginal participants and healthcare professionals regarding the provision of knowledge to those affected. Aboriginal participants consistently articulated that they and their communities should be informed of, and can hold, knowledges pertaining to HTLV-1. This finding controverted the perceptions of healthcare professionals that the complexities of the virus would not be well-understood by their Aboriginal patients and that sharing HTLV-1 knowledges might overwhelm Aboriginal people. Further analyses revealed a spectrum of understanding and clinical practice, while also delineating signs of an imagined public health response. Conclusions/Significance HTLV-1 remains a neglected infection in Australia. Knowledge of HTLV-1 is held by a privileged medical elite and does not flow to marginalised Aboriginal people living in affected communities. We demonstrate that differences in the perspectives of stakeholders presents a significant barrier to the development of cohesive, culturally safe prevention programs that foster a shared knowledge of HTLV-1. The interview data suggests that a successful public health program is likely to require a dual approach that includes clinical care and community-driven health promotion. Aspects of this approach, which would raise awareness and potentially reduce transmission and lower HTLV-1 prevalence in Central Australia, may be applicable to other endemic settings with similar conditions of social disadvantage, geographic remoteness, resource limitations and cross-cultural challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Fowler
- Department of Social Work, Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany
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Rohit A, Kirkham R, McCarthy L, Puruntatameri V, Maple-Brown L, Brimblecombe J. Exploring differences in perceptions of child feeding practices between parents and health care professionals: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1449. [PMID: 34301222 PMCID: PMC8299622 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11493-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence on child feeding practice is often based on the perspectives and experiences of parents and less that of health practitioners. In this study, we explored child feeding practice in Aboriginal communities in northern Australia from both the parents and health practitioners' perspectives with the aim of informing nutrition improvement programs. METHODS Qualitative research methods were employed. Using semi-structured interviews, parents (n = 30) of children aged 2-5 years, and 29 service providers who were involved in the delivery of child health and nutrition programs in the same communities, were asked about child feeding attitudes and practices. Responses were analyzed through inductive and deductive analysis, recognizing that worldviews influence child feeding practices. RESULTS Sharing food was a central practice within families. Parents highly valued development of child independence in food behavior but were conflicted with the easy access to unhealthy food in their communities. This easy access to unhealthy food and inadequate food storage and kitchen facilities for some families were major challenges to achieving optimal diets for children identified by Aboriginal families and service providers. The responsive style of parenting described by parents was often misunderstood by service providers as sub-optimal parenting when viewed through a dominant western lens. CONCLUSIONS Approaches to support healthy feeding practices and optimal child nutrition require health-enabling food environments. Along with a community-based Aboriginal health workforce, it is paramount that the non-Aboriginal workforce be supported to be reflective of the impact of worldview on their practice, to ensure a culturally safe environment for families where parenting styles are understood and appropriately supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athira Rohit
- Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Diseases Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0810 Australia
| | - Renae Kirkham
- Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Diseases Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0810 Australia
| | - Leisa McCarthy
- Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Diseases Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0810 Australia
| | - Valentina Puruntatameri
- Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Diseases Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0810 Australia
| | - Louise Maple-Brown
- Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Diseases Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0810 Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT 0810 Australia
| | - Julie Brimblecombe
- Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Diseases Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0810 Australia
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Melbourne, 3168 Australia
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Levac L, Ronis S, Cowper‐Smith Y, Vaccarino O. A scoping review: The utility of participatory research approaches in psychology. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 47:1865-1892. [PMID: 31441516 PMCID: PMC6852237 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Consistent with community psychology's focus on addressing societal problems by accurately and comprehensively capturing individuals' relationships in broader contexts, participatory research approaches aim to incorporate individuals' voices and knowledge into understanding, and responding to challenges and opportunities facing them and their communities. Although investigators in psychology have engaged in participatory research, overall, these approaches have been underutilized. The purpose of this review was to examine areas of research focus that have included participatory research methods and, in turn, highlight the strengths and ways that such methods could be better used by researchers. Nearly 750 articles about research with Indigenous Peoples, children/adolescents, forensic populations, people with HIV/AIDS, older adults, and in the area of industrial-organizational psychology were coded for their use of participatory research principles across all research stages (i.e., research design, participant recruitment and data collection, analysis and interpretation of results, and dissemination). Although we found few examples of studies that were fully committed to participatory approaches to research, and notable challenges with applying and reporting on this type of work, many investigators have developed creative ways to engage respectfully and reciprocally with participants. Based on our findings, recommendations and suggestions for researchers are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Levac
- Department of Political ScienceUniversity of GuelphGuelphONCanada
| | - Scott Ronis
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of New BrunswickFrederictonNBCanada
| | - Yuriko Cowper‐Smith
- Political Science and International DevelopmentUniversity of GuelphGuelphONCanada
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Rohit A, Tonkin E, Maple-Brown L, Golley R, McCarthy L, Brimblecombe J. Parent Feeding Practices in the Australian Indigenous Population within the Context of non-Indigenous Australians and Indigenous Populations in Other High-Income Countries-A Scoping Review. Adv Nutr 2019; 10:89-103. [PMID: 30668618 PMCID: PMC6370272 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmy050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although extensive literature on parent feeding practices among the general Australian population exists, Australian Indigenous populations are generally overlooked. A systematic scoping review was carried out to map any source of literature showing Indigenous parent feeding practices in Australia in the context of what is known about parent feeding practices among broader Australian populations and Indigenous populations in other high-income countries.A search of 8 electronic health databases was conducted. Inclusion criteria were children aged <12 y and reporting ≥1 child outcome related to childhood overweight and/or obesity, body mass index, dietary intake, or eating behavior in the context of parent feeding practices. Studies were grouped according to Indigenous status of the population for data extraction and synthesis.A total of 79 studies were identified; 80% (n = 65) were conducted among the general Australian population and <20% (n = 14) focused on Indigenous populations. Although a wide range of feeding practices were identified among the general Australian population, Indigenous practices most closely aligned with highly responsive and permissive parenting dimensions. The highly valued child autonomy in Indigenous parenting is sometimes criticized by researchers when viewed through a Western lens because the child has agency in deciding what and when to eat.Evidence-based understanding and knowledge of Indigenous parent feeding practices in Australia are limited. Indigenous worldviews are expressed distinctly differently than the general Western worldview in parent feeding practices. How worldviews are represented in parent-child relationships is important to consider for the way in which research with Indigenous populations is conducted and the evidence it generates to inform policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athira Rohit
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Emma Tonkin
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Louise Maple-Brown
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rebecca Golley
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences (Nutrition), Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Leisa McCarthy
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Julie Brimblecombe
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Lowell A, Maypilama EL, Fasoli L, Gundjarranbuy R, Godwin-Thompson J, Guyula A, Yunupiŋu M, Armstrong E, Garrutju J, McEldowney R. Building Yolŋu Skills, Knowledge, and Priorities into Early Childhood Assessment and Support: Protocol for a Qualitative Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2018. [PMID: 29514777 PMCID: PMC5873874 DOI: 10.2196/resprot.8722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Yolngu or Yolŋu are a group of indigenous Australian people inhabiting north-eastern Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia. Recent government policy addressing disparities in outcomes between Indigenous and other children in Australia has resulted in the rapid introduction of early childhood interventions in remote Aboriginal communities. This is despite minimal research into their appropriateness or effectiveness for these contexts. Objective This research aims to privilege Aboriginal early childhood knowledge, priorities and practices and to strengthen the evidence base for culturally responsive and relevant assessment processes and support that distinguishes “difference” from “deficit” to facilitate optimal child development. Methods This collaborative qualitative research employs video ethnography, participant observation and in-depth interviews, involving Aboriginal families and researchers in design, implementation, interpretation and dissemination using a locally developed, culturally responsive research approach. Longitudinal case studies are being conducted with 6 families over 5 years and emerging findings are being explored with a further 50 families and key community informants. Data from all sources are analyzed inductively using a collaborative and iterative process. The study findings, grounded in an in-depth understanding of the cultural context of the study but with relevance to policy and practice more widely, are informing the development of a Web-based educational resource and targeted knowledge exchange activities. Results This paper focuses only on the research approach used in this project. The findings will be reported in detail in future publications. In response to community concerns about lack of recognition of Aboriginal early childhood strengths, priorities and knowledge, this collaborative community-driven project strengthens the evidence base for developing culturally responsive and relevant early childhood services and assessment processes to support optimal child development. The study findings are guiding the development of a Web-based educational resource for staff working with Aboriginal communities and families in the field of early child development. This website will also function as a community-developed tool for strengthening and maintaining Aboriginal knowledge and practice related to child development and child rearing. It will be widely accessible to community members through a range of platforms (eg, mobile phones and tablets) and will provide a model for other cultural contexts. Conclusions This project will facilitate wider recognition and reflection of cultural knowledge and practice in early childhood programs and policies and will support strengthening and maintenance of cultural knowledge. The culturally responsive and highly collaborative approach to community-based research on which this project is based will also inform future research through sharing knowledge about the research process as well as research findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Lowell
- Research Centre for Health and Wellbeing, School of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Elaine Lawurrpa Maypilama
- Research Centre for Health and Wellbeing, School of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Lyn Fasoli
- Research Centre for Health and Wellbeing, School of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | | | | | - Abbey Guyula
- Research Centre for Health and Wellbeing, School of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Megan Yunupiŋu
- Yalu Marŋgithinyaraw Indigenous Corporation, Galiwin'ku, Australia
| | - Emily Armstrong
- Research Centre for Health and Wellbeing, School of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Jane Garrutju
- Yalu Marŋgithinyaraw Indigenous Corporation, Galiwin'ku, Australia
| | - Rose McEldowney
- Research Centre for Health and Wellbeing, School of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
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Josif CM, Kruske S, Kildea SV, Barclay LM. The quality of health services provided to remote dwelling aboriginal infants in the top end of northern Australia following health system changes: a qualitative analysis. BMC Pediatr 2017; 17:93. [PMID: 28359332 PMCID: PMC5374585 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-017-0849-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Australia the health outcomes of remote dwelling Aboriginal infants are comparable to infants in developing countries. This research investigates service quality, from the clinicians’ perspective and as observed and recorded by the researcher, in two large Aboriginal communities in the Top End of northern Australia following health system changes. Methods Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with 25 clinicians providing or managing child health services in the two study sites. Thirty hours of participant observation was undertaken in the ‘baby-rooms’ at the two remote health centres between June and December 2012. The interview and observational data, as well as field notes were integrated and analysed thematically to explore clinicians’ perspectives of service delivery to infants in the remote health centres. Results A range of factors affecting the quality of care, mostly identified before health system changes were instigated, persisted. These factors included ineffective service delivery, inadequate staffing and culturally unsafe practices. The six themes identified in the data: ‘very adhoc’, ‘swallowed by acute’, ‘going under’, ‘a flux’, ‘a huge barrier’ and ‘them and us’ illustrate how these factors continue, and when combined portray a ‘very chaotic system’. Conclusion Service providers perceived service provision and quality to be inadequate, despite health system changes. Further work is urgently needed to improve the quality, cultural responsiveness and effectiveness of services to this population. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12887-017-0849-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathryn M Josif
- University Centre for Rural Health Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2480, Australia.
| | - Sue Kruske
- School of Nursing Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane, 4010, Australia
| | - Sue V Kildea
- School of Nursing Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane, 4010, Australia
| | - Lesley M Barclay
- University Centre for Rural Health Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2480, Australia
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Understanding barriers to fruit and vegetable intake in the Australian Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children: a mixed-methods approach. Public Health Nutr 2016; 20:832-847. [PMID: 27894381 PMCID: PMC5426329 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980016003013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective To identify barriers to fruit and vegetable intake for Indigenous Australian children
and quantify factors related to these barriers, to help understand why children do not
meet recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake. Design We examined factors related to carer-reported barriers using multilevel Poisson models
(robust variance); a key informant focus group guided our interpretation of
findings. Setting Eleven diverse sites across Australia. Subjects Australian Indigenous children and their carers (N 1230) participating
in the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children. Results Almost half (45 %; n 555/1230) of carers reported barriers to their
children’s fruit and vegetable intake. Dislike of fruit and vegetables was the most
common barrier, reported by 32·9 % of carers; however, we identified few factors
associated with dislike. Carers were more than ten times less likely to report barriers
to accessing fruit and vegetables if they lived large cities v. very
remote areas. Within urban and inner regional areas, child and carer well-being,
financial security, suitable housing and community cohesion promoted access to fruit and
vegetables. Conclusions In this national Indigenous Australian sample, almost half of carers faced barriers to
providing their children with a healthy diet. Both remote/outer regional carers and
disadvantaged urban/inner regional carers faced problems accessing fruit and vegetables
for their children. Where vegetables were accessible, children’s dislike was a
substantial barrier. Nutrition promotion must address the broader family, community,
environmental and cultural contexts that impact nutrition, and should draw on the
strengths of Indigenous families and communities.
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Gilroy J, Emerson E. Australian indigenous children with low cognitive ability: Family and cultural participation. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2016; 56:117-127. [PMID: 27286466 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2016.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Family and cultural inclusion are essential for the healthy development of young Australian Indigenous peoples with low cognitive ability. To date, this issue has received limited research attention. A secondary analysis of data collected in Wave 4 of Footprints in Time, Australia's Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children, was conducted to help address this research gap. The study results indicated that in some areas, Indigenous children with low cognitive ability are at a higher risk of social exclusion than their peers. We discuss the policy implications of these findings with regards to addressing Indigenous disadvantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Gilroy
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Eric Emerson
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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