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Gardner K, Graham S, Beadman M, Doyle M, Wilms J, Beetson K, Bryant J, Martin K, Treloar C, Murphy D, Bell S, Browne A, Aggleton P, Bolt R. 'Our culture makes us strong': Understanding and working with community strengths among Aboriginal people in western Sydney. Health Promot J Austr 2024. [PMID: 39228099 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.906] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strengths-based approaches to health care are often seen as an alternative to deficit-based approaches and are common in Aboriginal health settings. Despite this, there is little existing research that describes Aboriginal peoples' perspectives about the strengths of their communities. This paper describes cultural strengths and resources as understood by Aboriginal people living in western Sydney. METHODS In-depth interviews were used to collect qualitative data from two communities on Dharug and Dharrawal Country in western Sydney Australia. Data come from a larger study, which focused on how cultural strengths supported sexual well-being. Fifty-two interviews were conducted with Aboriginal young people (aged 16-24 years) by trained peer interviewers. Additionally, 16 interviews with Aboriginal adults (25 years and older) were conducted by members of the research team. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION While opinions varied, four key areas of cultural strength were identified: (1) strong kinship relationships; (2) knowledge sharing; (3) shared experiences, identities, and values; and (4) knowing Country. Throughout these four themes, the sense of connection and belonging is viewed as an important overarching theme. CONCLUSION Communities are not homogenous with regard to what they view as cultural strengths. Knowing Country and practising culture meant different things to different individuals while providing a similar sense of belonging, connection, and identity. SO WHAT Health service providers, policies, and programs can use this information to understand the continuing impacts of past policies and events whilst recognising that each community has strengths that can be drawn upon to improve service engagement, knowledge sharing, and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Gardner
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Social Research in Health UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S Graham
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - M Beadman
- Centre for Social Research in Health UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Doyle
- Centre for Research Excellence in Aboriginal Health and Alcohol, Discipline of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J Wilms
- Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - K Beetson
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J Bryant
- School of Social Sciences UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - K Martin
- Centre for Social Research in Health UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - C Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - D Murphy
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S Bell
- Centre for Social Research in Health UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A Browne
- The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - P Aggleton
- Centre for Gender, Health and Social Justice, UCL, London, UK
- School of Sociology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - R Bolt
- Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northwest Territories, Australia
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Bryant J, Bolt R, Martin K, Beadman M, Doyle M, Treloar C, Bell S, Murphy D, Newman C, Browne A, Aggleton P, Beetson K, Brooks M, Wilms J, Leece B, Stanbury L, Botfield J, Davis B, Graham S. Yarning as a method for building sexual wellbeing among urban Aboriginal young people in Australia. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2024; 26:871-886. [PMID: 37740584 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2023.2258948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes the strategies used by Aboriginal young people to build positive relationships and sexual wellbeing. It does so to counter the risk-focussed narratives present in much existing research and to showcase the resourcefulness of Aboriginal young people. We used peer-interview methods to collect qualitative data from 52 Aboriginal young people living in western Sydney, Australia. Participants reported a strong desire to stay safe and healthy in their sexual relationships and to achieve this they relied heavily on oral communication and yarning strategies. Participants viewed communication as a way to gain or give advice (about bodies, infections, pregnancy, relationships); to assess the acceptability and safety of potential partners; to negotiate consent with partners; to build positive relationships; and to get themselves out of unhealthy relationships. Participants also discussed 'self-talk' as a strategy for building sexual wellbeing, referring to narratives of self-respect and pride in culture as important in establishing Aboriginal young people's positive views of self and as deserving of respectful and safe sexual relationships. These findings suggest that future programmes and interventions based on yarning could be well-regarded, given it is a cultural form of pedagogy and a strategy Aboriginal young people already use to build positive relationships and identities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Bryant
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Reuben Bolt
- Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Australia
| | - Kacey Martin
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mitchell Beadman
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael Doyle
- Centre for Research Excellence in Aboriginal Health and Alcohol, Discipline of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephen Bell
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Dean Murphy
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Christy Newman
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Annette Browne
- Faculty of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Peter Aggleton
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Gender, Health and Social Justice, UCL, London, UK
- School of Sociology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Karen Beetson
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Megan Brooks
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Jessica Wilms
- Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Penrith, Australia
| | - Bronwyn Leece
- Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Penrith, Australia
| | - Linda Stanbury
- Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Penrith, Australia
| | | | - Ben Davis
- Family Planning NSW, Ashfield, Australia
| | - Simon Graham
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Lariat J, Chikwari CD, Dauya E, Baumu VT, Kaisi V, Kafata L, Meza E, Simms V, Mackworth-Young C, Rochford H, Machiha A, Bandason T, Francis SC, Ferrand RA, Bernays S. "It's not safe for me and what would it achieve?" Acceptability of patient-referral partner notification for sexually transmitted infections to young people, a mixed methods study from Zimbabwe. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2023; 31:2220188. [PMID: 37565610 PMCID: PMC10424614 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2023.2220188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Partner notification (PN) is considered integral to the management of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Patient-referral is a common PN strategy and relies on index cases notifying and encouraging their partners to access treatment; however, it has shown limited efficacy. We conducted a mixed methods study to understand young people's experiences of PN, particularly the risks and challenges encountered during patient-referral. All young people (16-24 years) attending a community-based sexual and reproductive health service in Zimbabwe who were diagnosed with an STI were counselled and offered PN slips, which enabled their partners to access free treatment at the service. PN slip uptake and partner treatment were recorded. Among 1807 young people (85.0% female) offered PN slips, 745 (41.2%) took up ≥1 PN slip and 103 partners (5.7%) returned for treatment. Most participants described feeling ill-equipped to counsel and persuade their partners to seek treatment. Between June and August 2021, youth researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 41 purposively selected young people diagnosed with an STI to explore their experiences of PN. PN posed considerable social risks, threatening their emotional and physical safety. Except for a minority in long-term, publicly acknowledged relationships, participants did not expect PN would achieve successful outcomes. Public health discourse, which constructs PN as "the right thing to do", influenced participants to adopt narratives that concealed the difficulties of PN and their unmet needs. Urgent interrogation is needed of whether PN is a suitable or constructive strategy to continue pursuing with young people. To improve the outcomes of preventing reinfection and onward transmission of STIs, we must consider developing alternative strategies that better align with young people's lived experiences.Plain language summary Partner notification is a public health strategy used to trace the sexual partners of people who have received a sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis. It aims to interrupt the chains of STI transmission and prevent reinfection by treating both the person diagnosed and their sexual partners. The least effective but most common partner notification strategy used in many resource-limited settings is called "patient referral". This involves a sexual healthcare provider encouraging the person diagnosed to give a "partner notification slip" to their potentially exposed sexual partner/s and persuading them to access treatment. This research sought to better understand young people's experiences of partner notification, particularly the risks and challenges they faced during patient-referral.All young people (16-24 years) attending a community-based sexual and reproductive health service in Zimbabwe who were diagnosed with an STI were counselled and offered PN slips, which enabled their partners to access free treatment at the service. Young people trained as researchers interviewed 41 young people who had received a STI diagnosis to explore their experiences of partner notification.Only a small number (5.7%) of the partners of those who took a slip attended the service for treatment. Most participants felt they did not have the preparation, skills, or resources to persuade their partners to seek treatment. Many described negative experiences during and after partner notification, including relationship breakdown, reputation damage, and physical violence.These findings suggest that we should reconsider if partner notification is suitable or effective for use with young people. We should explore alternative approaches that do not present risks to young people's social, emotional, and physical safety and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joni Lariat
- Associate Lecturer, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chido Dziva Chikwari
- Assistant Professor, THRU Zim, Harare, Zimbabwe; Assistant Professor, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ethel Dauya
- Study Coordinator, THRU Zim, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | | | - Esnath Meza
- Youth Researcher, THRU Zim, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Victoria Simms
- Associate Professor. THRU Zim, Harare, Zimbabwe; Associate Professor, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Anna Machiha
- STI Coordinator, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Suzanna C. Francis
- Associate Professor, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rashida A. Ferrand
- Professor, THRU Zim, Harare, Zimbabwe; Professor, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sarah Bernays
- Associate Professor, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Associate Professor, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Thomas C, Cockcroft E, Jenkins G, Liabo K. Working with children and young people in research: Supportive practices and pathways to impact. J Child Health Care 2023:13674935231171451. [PMID: 37186542 DOI: 10.1177/13674935231171451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Children and young people have much to contribute to the design and delivery of health research and care. Nevertheless, there are multiple barriers to meaningful and impactful involvement of children and young people. This narrative review synthesised existing literature on the involvement of children and young people as partners in health research. Authors screened electronic databases and reference lists to identify relevant studies. Data were extracted on how involvement was described, what young people contributed to, and the impact of their involvement. The review identified 15 reports; these reported researcher observations and findings from focus group discussions and questionnaires about the involvement. Impacts recorded in these studies included influence on research; outputs from involvement activities; shifts in researchers' attitudes; a sense of achievement in young people; and fulfilling relationships. These impacts were associated with principles being followed: building relationships over time to allow for unexpected involvement in the research, flexibility so young people could contribute in ways that work for them, and training. Methods adapted to be youth-appropriate such as visual aids and icebreaker games also enabled impact. Impactful involvement relies on processes that respond to young people's preferences for engagement and activities that support them to share their views.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Thomas
- University of Exeter Medical School, Department for Health and Community Sciences, Exeter, UK
| | - Emma Cockcroft
- University of Exeter Medical School, Department for Health and Community Sciences, Exeter, UK
| | - Georgia Jenkins
- University of Exeter Medical School, Department for Health and Community Sciences, Exeter, UK
| | - Kristin Liabo
- University of Exeter Medical School, Department for Health and Community Sciences, Exeter, UK
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Graham S, Martin K, Gardner K, Beadman M, Doyle MF, Bolt R, Murphy D, Newman CE, Bell S, Treloar C, Browne AJ, Aggleton P, Beetson K, Brooks M, Botfield JR, Davis B, Wilms J, Leece B, Stanbury L, Bryant J. Aboriginal young people's perspectives and experiences of accessing sexual health services and sex education in Australia: A qualitative study. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2196561. [PMID: 37018760 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2196561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) young people seek information and access health services for their sexual health needs. This study examined Aboriginal young people's perspectives on sexual health services and sex education in Australia. Overall, 51 Aboriginal people aged 16-26 years were interviewed by peer researchers in Sydney, Australia in 2019-2020. The findings suggest that the internet was used to assess information quickly and confidentially, but Aboriginal young people questioned its reliability and accuracy. Family, Elders and peers were seen as sources of advice because they had real-life experience and highlighted intergenerational learning that occurs in Aboriginal communities. School-based sex education programmes had mixed reviews, with a preference for programmes delivered by external specialists providing anonymity, clear and accurate information about sex and relationships and positive approaches to sex education, including how to gain consent before sex. There was a need identified for school-based programmes to better consider the needs of Aboriginal young people, including those who identified as LGBTQI + . Aboriginal Medical Services were highly valued for providing culturally safe access to services, while sexual health clinics were valued for providing specialised confidential clinical services with low levels of judgement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Graham
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kacey Martin
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kristy Gardner
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mitchell Beadman
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael F Doyle
- Centre for Research Excellence in Aboriginal Health and Alcohol, Discipline of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Reuben Bolt
- Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Australia
| | - Dean Murphy
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christy E Newman
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephen Bell
- UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- The School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Peter Aggleton
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Gender, Health & Social Justice, University College London, London, UK
- School of Sociology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Karen Beetson
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Megan Brooks
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, Australia
| | | | - Ben Davis
- Family Planning NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jessica Wilms
- Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Penrith, Australia
| | - Bronwyn Leece
- Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Penrith, Australia
| | - Linda Stanbury
- Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Penrith, Australia
| | - Joanne Bryant
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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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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Graham S, Blaxland M, Bolt R, Beadman M, Gardner K, Martin K, Doyle M, Beetson K, Murphy D, Bell S, Newman CE, Bryant J. Aboriginal peoples' perspectives about COVID-19 vaccines and motivations to seek vaccination: a qualitative study. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:e008815. [PMID: 35858705 PMCID: PMC9304971 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-008815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people compared with non-Aboriginal people in Australia have higher rates of chronic conditions. These conditions increase the risk of poorer health outcomes if infected with COVID-19, highlighting the importance of COVID-19 vaccination. This study examined what Aboriginal people think about COVID-19 vaccines, reasons why they were vaccinated or not vaccinated and factors involved in receiving COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS We used a participatory peer researcher method to interview 35 Aboriginal people aged 15-80 years living in Western Sydney, Australia. Local Aboriginal people who had ties with the community conducted the interviews. The questions and analyses were framed using the WHO's Behavioural and Social Drivers of COVID-19 model. Interviews occurred between February 2021 and March 2021. Peer researchers were paid for their time in training and to conduct the interviews and each participant received $50. RESULTS Reasons why participants would seek vaccination included: to protect themselves from infection and severe illness, to protect others in their community, to travel again and to return to 'normal life'. Reasons why some participants were hesitant about being vaccinated included: fear of vaccine side effects; negative stories on social media; and distrust in Australian governments and medical institutions. Aboriginal people preferred to access COVID-19 vaccination through their local Aboriginal Health Service or a general practitioner they already knew. CONCLUSION Achieving high vaccination rates in Aboriginal communities is possible if vaccination programmes are delivered through trusted general practitioners or Aboriginal Health Services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Graham
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Megan Blaxland
- Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Reuben Bolt
- Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Mitchell Beadman
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kristy Gardner
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kacey Martin
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Doyle
- NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Indigenous Health and Alcohol, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Beetson
- Department of Aboriginal Health, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dean Murphy
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Bell
- Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christy E Newman
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanne Bryant
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Meunier É, Alohan D, Tellone S, Silvera R, Cohall A, Baran A, Wakefield M, Grov C, Fisher CB. Attitudes Toward Peer-Delivered Sexual-Health Services Among New York City Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals Who Have Sex with Men and Attend Collective Sex Venues. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:1167-1184. [PMID: 35584703 PMCID: PMC9253071 DOI: 10.1177/10497323221101714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Collective sex venues such as sex clubs are strategic sites to promote sexual health among sexual and gender minority individuals. We present qualitative findings from a multiple-method study on the acceptability of sexual-health services at collective sex venues in New York City (NYC) among attendees who identified as men, transgender, or gender non-conforming. In a survey used for sample selection (n = 342), most respondents (82.7%) agreed that "having outreach workers at sex venues is a good thing." Interviewees (n = 30) appreciated how on-site services could promote sexual health in their community. They felt peer workers should be familiar with collective sex venues and share demographic characteristics with attendees. Some participants felt workers should keep some boundaries from attendees, while others felt they could be fully integrated in the environment, suggesting that either peer outreach or popular-opinion leader types of interventions could be feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Étienne Meunier
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Daniel Alohan
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Stephen Tellone
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
- ProHealth, New York, NY
| | - Richard Silvera
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases
| | - Alwyn Cohall
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | | | | | - Christian Grov
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York NY
| | - Celia B. Fisher
- Center for Ethics Education and Department of Psychology, Fordham University, Bronx, NY
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Reflecting on the Value of Community Researchers in Criminal Justice Research Projects. SOCIAL SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci11040166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
While the importance of community researchers has long been acknowledged in disability studies, inclusive research practices such as these are less common in research about another marginalised group: people who are in prison or have spent time in prison. Over the past decade in Australia, the number and rate of people imprisoned has risen rapidly, and recidivism rates remain high, indicating a need for improved services. In this article, we draw on methodological reflections from two case studies on research with marginalised communities, one in disability studies and one in post-prison research. We apply insights from disability research to argue the importance of incorporating community researchers in qualitative research projects seeking to explore the experiences of people involved with the criminal justice system, such as people who have been released from prison.
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10
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Palfreyman A, Riyaz S, Rizwan Z, Vijayaraj K, Chathuranga IPR, Daluwatte R, Devindi WAT, Eranda BS, Jayalath V, Junaid A, Kamal A, Kannangara SK, Madushani KMGP, Mathanakumar L, Mubarak SI, Nagalingam V, Palihawadana S, Pathirana R, Sampath VGS, Shanmuganathan L, Thrimawithana T, Vijayaratnam P, Vithanage SL, Wathsala RKKAS, Yalini RM. Cultivating capacities in community-based researchers in low-resource settings: Lessons from a participatory study on violence and mental health in Sri Lanka. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000899. [PMID: 36962631 PMCID: PMC10021324 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Participatory methods, which rely heavily on community-based data collectors, are growing in popularity to deliver much-needed evidence on violence and mental health in low- and middle-income countries. These settings, along with local researchers, encounter the highest burden of violence and mental ill-health, with the fewest resources to respond. Despite increased focus on wellbeing for research participants and, to a lesser degree, professional researchers in such studies, the role-specific needs of community-based researchers receive scant attention. This co-produced paper draws insights from one group's experience to identify rewards, challenges, and recommendations for supporting wellbeing and development of community-based researchers in sensitive participatory projects in low-resource settings. Twenty-one community-based researchers supporting a mixed-methods study on youth, violence and mental health in Sri Lanka submitted 63 reflexive structured journal entries across three rounds of data collection. We applied Attride-Stirling's method for thematic analysis to explore peer researchers' learning about research, violence and mental health; personal-professional boundaries; challenges in sensitive research; and experiences of support from the core team. Sri Lanka's first study capturing experiences of diverse community-based researchers aims to inform the growing number of global health and development actors relying on such talent to deliver sensitive and emotionally difficult work in resource-limited and potentially volatile settings. Viewing participatory research as an opportunity for mutual learning among both community-based and professional researchers, we identify practice gaps and opportunities to foster respectful team dynamics and create generative and safe co-production projects for all parties. Intentional choices around communication, training, human and consumable resources, project design, and navigating instable research conditions can strengthen numerous personal and professional capacities across teams. Such individual and collective growth holds potential to benefit short- and long-term quality of evidence and inform action on critical issues, including violence and mental health, facing high-burden, low-resource contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Palfreyman
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Brubacher LJ, Dewey CE, Tatty N, Healey Akearok GK, Cunsolo A, Humphries S, Harper SL. "Sewing Is Part of Our Tradition": A Case Study of Sewing as a Strategy for Arts-Based Inquiry in Health Research With Inuit Women. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:2602-2616. [PMID: 34605697 PMCID: PMC8649823 DOI: 10.1177/10497323211042869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we present a case study of sewing as a strategy for arts-based inquiry in health research, situated within a broader project that highlighted Nunavut Inuit women's childbirth experiences. Five focus groups were hosted as sewing sessions with pregnant women (N = 19) in Iqaluit, Nunavut (2017-2018). Women's reflections on the sessions, and the significance of sewing to Inuit, were integrated with researchers' critical reflections to examine the value of sewing as a strategy for arts-based inquiry within a focus group method: results related to the flexibility of the sessions; how collective sewing created space for voicing, sharing, and relating; sewing as a tactile and place-specific practice tied to Inuit knowledge and tradition; and lessons learned. Our results underscore the possibilities of arts-based approaches, such as sewing, to enhance data gathering within a focus group method and to contribute to more locally appropriate, place-based methods for Indigenous health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Jane Brubacher
- University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Laura Jane Brubacher, Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1.
| | | | | | | | - Ashlee Cunsolo
- Labrador Institute of Memorial University, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada
| | | | - Sherilee L. Harper
- University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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McKay FH, Godrich SL. Interventions to address food insecurity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: a rapid review. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2021; 46:1448-1458. [PMID: 34637657 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2020-1075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Food insecurity disproportionately impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. This review sought to investigate research and evaluations of programs and interventions implemented to address food insecurity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. A rapid review was conducted to collate the available research from 6 databases. The search was conducted in May 2020. Search constructs related to food insecurity, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and Australia. Twenty-five publications were included in this review, 24 reported on an intervention, while 9 were evaluations of an intervention. Interventions included behaviour change projects, including projects that sought to change purchasing and cooking behaviours, school-based education programs, and gardening programs. In general, the studies included in this sample were small and lacked a systematic consideration of the factors that shape the experience of food insecurity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people specifically. Based on the findings of this review, authors suggest greater consideration to the systematic determinants of food insecurity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to have lasting and sustainable impact on food insecurity. This review has been registered with the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42020183709). Novelty: Food insecurity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people poses significant risk to health and wellbeing. Small-scale food security interventions may not provide ongoing and sustained impact. Any intervention to promote food security will need to involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and be sustained once external parties have left.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona H McKay
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Stephanie L Godrich
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, South West Campus, Bunbury, WA 6230, Australia
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