Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders Flashcards
What key considerations should be taken into account when engaging Indigenous communities in public health initiatives?
Cultural competence: Respect traditional knowledge, values & practices.
Community ownership: Indigenous communities should lead program design, implementation & evaluation.
Partnerships: Collaboration between Indigenous communities, healthcare providers, govt agencies & stakeholders.
Communication: Culturally appropriate, accessible, and delivered via trusted community channels.
Capacity building: Train community leaders, health workers & advocates to drive change.
A public health team is planning a nutrition program for a remote Indigenous community. What factors should they consider to ensure cultural competence?
Engage Elders & community leaders in decision-making.
Respect traditional food practices & knowledge.
Ensure communication is in culturally appropriate language & formats.
Train local Indigenous health workers for program delivery
Who were the Stolen Generation, and how does it impact health today?
Indigenous children forcibly removed from their families under past govt policies.
Consequences: Higher rates of imprisonment, low income, poor mental & physical health, homelessness.
Intergenerational effects: Descendants also experience these disadvantages.
What are key diet-related health concerns among Indigenous populations?
Obesity, diabetes, CVD & malnutrition.
Limited access to healthy foods in remote areas.
Increased reliance on energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods.
What strategies can improve nutrition in Indigenous communities?
Culturally sensitive nutritional education.
Community gardens & traditional food programs.
Promote traditional Indigenous foods.
Collaboration with healthcare providers to integrate dietary counselling.
Policy & advocacy to address food insecurity.
What is the Indigenous Australians Health Program (IAHP)?
Govt-funded initiative providing high-quality care for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people.
Supports Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
Focus areas:
- Primary health care services (e.g., immunisation, smoking reduction).
- Improving access (cultural competence, outreach services).
- Targeted health activities (chronic disease, child health).
- Infrastructure development.
What is the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023?
Policy framework guiding Indigenous health programs.
Vision: A healthcare system free of racism & inequality.
Strategies: Addressing social determinants of health to achieve health equality by 2031.
Priorities:
- Improve healthcare access.
- Strengthen community-controlled health sector.
- Address racism & inequality.
- Social & emotional wellbeing focus.
What is “My Life, My Lead,” and how does it support Indigenous health?
Public consultation platform highlighting issues affecting Indigenous health.
Engages ATSI people in discussions about their health priorities.
Informs policies & programs to address inequalities.
What are the key social & cultural determinants of health for Indigenous Australians?
Connection to family, community, country, language & culture.
Racism & discrimination within health systems.
Education & early childhood development.
Employment & income disparities.
Housing, environment & infrastructure quality.
Access to healthcare & government services.
Health choices: Diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol.
Food security & affordability.
A First Nations patient reports experiencing discrimination in a healthcare setting. How might this impact their health?
Reduced trust in healthcare providers.
Delays in seeking medical care.
Increased stress & mental health concerns.
Potential worsening of preventable health conditions.
What factors contribute to health inequalities in Indigenous Australians?
35% due to social determinants (employment, education, housing, income).
20% due to health risk factors (alcohol use, high BP, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking).
47% due to healthcare access & cultural/historical factors.
A child in a remote Indigenous community frequently experiences ear infections. What long-term impacts might this have?
Hearing loss → Speech & language delays.
Learning difficulties → Poor educational outcomes.
Increased risk of unemployment in adulthood.
What are common hearing, eye & oral health issues in Indigenous communities?
Otitis media (middle ear infection): Leads to hearing loss, speech delays, behavioural issues.
Tooth decay: Due to limited access to dental care & healthy diets.
Eye conditions: Higher rates of trachoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts.
How is social & emotional wellbeing defined for Indigenous Australians?
Holistic concept encompassing connection to land, culture, spirituality, family & community.
Not the same as mental illness, but can influence mental health.
Strong cultural identity & social support → Better emotional wellbeing.
What are indicators of good mental health in Indigenous communities?
Sense of belonging & strong cultural identity.
Positive interpersonal relationships.
Feeling that life has purpose & value.
How does suicide impact Indigenous Australians?
Suicide rate almost twice that of non-Indigenous Australians.
5th leading cause of death among Indigenous Australians.
Leading cause of death in Indigenous children aged 5-17.
Root causes: Personal, social, historical & intergenerational trauma.
What factors negatively impact mental health in Indigenous Australians?
Historical trauma (Stolen Generation).
Discrimination & racism.
Unemployment & financial stress.
Loss of cultural identity & connection.
A young Indigenous person in a remote community is struggling with mental health issues. What culturally appropriate strategies can support them?
Community Elders & mentors for guidance & support.
Programs that strengthen cultural identity.
Indigenous-led mental health services.
Healing circles & connection to Country.
What cultural, legal and ethical considerations should be taken in to account by the Australian Practising Dietititan co-ordinating nutritional interventions?
Recommendation: all dietitians should ensure that they adhere to workplace guidance on diversity health policies as part of their clinical practice. Dietitians should practice within the legal & ethical boundaries of the profession
Practice points:
1. All dietitians will take responsibility for adhering to their workplace guidance on diversity health policies.
2. Family or carers will be invited to be involved with dietetic assessment and intervention, at the wishes of the patient.
3. Family or carers will be actively encouraged and supported in the assessment and intervention process.
4. Quality of life of the patient and carer will be taken into consideration when offering treatment recommendations.
5. At all times the dietitian works within their remit as set out in the Dietitians Association of Australia Code of Professional Conduct.
6. The dietitian will take into account cultural identity considerations when treating patients.
7. Any ethical and legal considerations should be discussed with the patient and his/her family.
8. Any legal considerations should be discussed with the relevant medical and legal teams associated with the patient’s treatment provider.
9. Any ethical considerations should be discussed with the relevant medical team involved in the care of the patient, and the dietetic clinical supervisor.
10. Patients should be provided with information that is appropriate to their culture and level of education
