scholarly journals Study protocol: a clinical trial for improving mental health screening for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pregnant women and mothers of young children using the Kimberley Mum's Mood Scale

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Carlin ◽  
Sarah J. Blondell ◽  
Yvonne Cadet-James ◽  
Sandra Campbell ◽  
Melissa Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Real World ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Perinatal Depression ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Important Public Health ◽  
Torres Strait ◽  
Mood Scale

Abstract Background Improving the rates of, and instruments used in, screening for perinatal depression and anxiety among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are important public health priorities. The Kimberley Mum’s Mood Scale (KMMS) was developed and later validated as an effective and acceptable perinatal depression and anxiety screening tool for the Kimberley region under research conditions. Other regions have expressed interest in using the KMMS with perinatal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. It is, however, important to re-evaluate the KMMS in a larger Kimberley sample via a real world implementation study, and to test for applicability in other remote and regional environments before recommendations for wider use can be made. This paper outlines the protocol for evaluating the process of implementation and establishing the ‘real world’ validity and acceptability of the KMMS in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Far North Queensland in northern Australia. Methods The study will use a range of quantitative and qualitative methods across all sites. KMMS validation/revalidation internal consistency of Part 1 will be determined using Cronbach’s alpha. Equivalence for identifying risk of depression and anxiety compared to a standard reference assessment will be determined from receiver operating characteristic curves. Sensitivity and specificity will be determined based on these cut-points. Qualitative methods of phenomenology will be used to explore concepts of KMMS user acceptability (women and health professionals). Additional process evaluation methods will collate, assess and report on KMMS quality review data, consultations with health service administrators and management, field notes, and other documentation from the research team. This information will be reported on using the Dynamic Sustainability Framework. Discussion This project is contributing to the important public health priority of screening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women for perinatal depression and anxiety with tools that are meaningful and responsive to cultural and clinical needs. Identifying and addressing barriers to implementation contributes to our understanding of the complexity of improving routine clinical practie. Trial registration The study was registered retrospectively on 15/05/2019 with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial registry (ACTRN12619000580178).

scholarly journals In the pursuit of equity: COVID-19, data and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-45
Author(s):  
Kalinda Griffiths ◽  
Ian Ring ◽  
Richard Madden ◽  
Lisa Jackson Pulver
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Quality Of Data ◽  
Success Story ◽  
Torres Strait Islander People ◽  
Pandemic Planning ◽  
The Future ◽  
Torres Strait

Since March 2020 in Australia, there has been decisive national, and state and territory policy as well as community led action involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as information about COVID-19 arose. This has resulted in, what could only be framed as a success story in self-determination. However, there continues to be issues with the quality of data used for the surveillance and reporting of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people during the pandemic. This article discusses some of the important events in pandemic planning regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and how this relates to surveillance and monitoring in the emerging and ongoing threat of COVID-19 within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The authors also identify some of the data considerations required in the future to monitor and address public health.

scholarly journals ‘Having a Quiet Word’: Yarning with Aboriginal Women in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia about Mental Health and Mental Health Screening during the Perinatal Period

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (21) ◽  
pp. 4253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Carlin ◽  
David Atkinson ◽  
Julia V Marley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Perinatal Depression ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Aboriginal Women ◽  
Anxiety Screening ◽  
Mood Scale

Despite high rates of perinatal depression and anxiety, little is known about how Aboriginal women in Australia experience these disorders and the acceptability of current clinical screening tools. In a 2014 study, the Kimberley Mum’s Mood Scale (KMMS) was validated as an acceptable perinatal depression and anxiety screening tool for Aboriginal women in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. In the current study, we explored if it was appropriate to trial and validate the KMMS with Aboriginal women in the Pilbara. Yarning as a methodology was used to guide interviews with 15 Aboriginal women in the Pilbara who had received maternal and child health care within the last three years. Data were analysed thematically, the results revealing that this cohort of participants shared similar experiences of stress and hardship during the perinatal period. Participants valued the KMMS for its narrative-based approach to screening that explored the individual’s risk and protective factors. While support for the KMMS was apparent, particular qualities of the administering health care professional were viewed as critical to the tool being well received and culturally safe. Building on these findings, we will work with our partner health services in the Pilbara to validate the KMMS with Pilbara Aboriginal women.

Bicultural Stress: An Aboriginal Community Perspective

1996 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Salisbury ◽  
Sue Follent
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Cultural Sensitivity ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Torres Strait ◽  
Barriers To Use

A survey was designed to assess and to compare the levels of stress being experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal respondents. The survey covered a range of areas including demographics, access to transport, drug and alcohol use, use of public services, identification of stressful events in the past 12 months and a self evaluation of stress symptoms. The groups were matched by age, sex and income. The results showed differences between the stressful events and stress symptoms reported by the two groups, with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander group reporting considerably higher levels. There were significant differences in access to transport and use of public health facilities. The barriers to the use of public health services were identified. A major finding was that 69% of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sample experienced more than one loss through death compared to 5% of the non-Aboriginal sample in the previous 12 months. It was concluded that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sample experienced more stressful events, had more stress related symptoms and used public mental health services less than the non-Aboriginal sample. The barriers to use of services were a lack of cultural sensitivity and the discomfort experienced by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sample when accessing services. A partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community is required to develop a public health service that is acceptable and useful to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sample.

scholarly journals #CoveringClimateNow: A social journalism project profiling climate and health

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Williams ◽  
M Sweet ◽  
M McInerney ◽  
S Finlay
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Climate Change ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Global Media ◽  
Practical Advice ◽  
Australian Health ◽  
Climate And Health ◽  
Torres Strait

Abstract Concerns about poor quality media reporting of climate change has led to many initiatives seeking to influence coverage. In 2019/2020, a global media collaboration was established with the aim of generating a sustained media focus on key climate-related events. This paper reports an analysis of an Australian health media organisation's contribution to the collaboration, and the opportunities this provided for public health advocates, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and communities, and the wider community. It presents key reflections from Croakey Health Media's contribution to the global #CoveringClimateNow collaboration, with the aim of providing practical advice to enable further such collaborations and activities in other countries. This project was run on a very small budget, and this presentation is likely to be particularly relevant for low-budget organisations and contexts. Key messages Poor quality media coverage of climate change has stimulated innovation. Collaboration locally and globally can convey solutions to climate change.

scholarly journals Adapting wellbeing research tools for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with Chronic Kidney Disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tricia Nagel ◽  
Michelle Sweet ◽  
Kylie Dingwall ◽  
Stefanie Puszka ◽  
Jaqueline Hughes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Expert Panel ◽  
Torres Strait Islander People ◽  
Pilot Testing ◽  
Torres Strait

Abstract Background: Chronic kidney disease is an increasingly common health problem for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is associated with multiple concurrent psychosocial stressors which frequently result in negative impacts on emotional and social wellbeing. There is a need for well-designed intervention studies to provide evidence of effective treatment for comorbid depression or other mental illness in this setting. Attention to early phase piloting and development work has been recommended when testing complex interventions. This paper documents feasibility testing and adaptation of an existing culturally responsive brief wellbeing intervention, the Stay Strong App, and three commonly used wellbeing outcome measures, in preparation for a clinical trial testing effectiveness of the intervention. Methods: The Stay Strong App has not been used in the setting of Chronic Kidney Disease before. It is reviewed and adapted for people with comorbid Chronic Kidney Disease and wellbeing concerns through expert consensus between research team and an Expert Panel. The outcome measures (Kessler 10, Patient Health Questionnaire 9, and EuroQoL) are valid, reliable, and commonly used tools to assess various aspects of wellbeing, which have also not been used in this context before. Feasibility and acceptability are examined and developed through 3 stages: Pilot testing in a purposive sample of five haemodialysis patients and carers; translation of outcome measures through collaboration between the Aboriginal Interpreter Service, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research officers and the research team; and conversion of translated outcome measures to electronic format. Findings: Research team and expert panel consensus led to adaptation of the Stay Strong App for renal patients through selective revision of words and images. Pilot testing identified challenges in delivery of the wellbeing measures leading to word changes and additional prompts, integration of audio translations in 11 local Indigenous languages within an interactive Outcome Measures App, and related research protocol changes. Conclusion: Modelling the complex intervention prior to full-scale testing provided important information about the design of both the outcome measures and the intervention. These changes are likely to better support success in conduct of the clinical trial and future implementation of the intervention in clinical settings.

Applying strengths-based approaches to nutrition research and interventions in Australian Indigenous communities

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Wendy Foley ◽  
Lisa Schubert
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Social Resources ◽  
The Other ◽  
Public Health Nutrition ◽  
Australian Aboriginal ◽  
What Works ◽  
Nutrition Research ◽  
Torres Strait

This paper provides a background to strengths-based approaches used in health and considers what these have to offer in the context of public health nutrition, with particular reference to work with Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Deficit, disease and dysfunction permeate approaches in health fields, including nutrition. Public health has focused on gathering evidence about ‘what works’ from this deficit perspective, particularly in those communities identified as vulnerable. Strengths-based approaches, on the other hand, work with the assets already existing in individuals, communities and institutions to support the conditions for health. Although strengths-based approaches are used in some health fields, they are under-utilised in public health nutrition. A strengths-based paradigm draws on the theory of salutogenesis to accentuate positive capacities so that nutrition professionals and clients/communities can jointly identify problems and activate solutions. Research processes and findings from a number of participatory Indigenous nutrition health projects will be discussed. This research has identified significant social resources within Australian Indigenous communities and these assets offer points from which to work. A strengths-based paradigm offers a different language with which to address nutrition inequalities. It can contribute to empowering Indigenous individuals and communities towards healthier nutrition. We propose that redressing the current imbalance between strengths and deficit-based approaches is needed in public health nutrition and consider the nature and potentials of strengths-based approaches in nutrition, with particular reference to their use in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups.

scholarly journals Adapting wellbeing research tools for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with Chronic Kidney Disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tricia Nagel ◽  
Michelle Sweet ◽  
Kylie Dingwall ◽  
Stefanie Puszka ◽  
Jaquelyne T Hughes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Expert Panel ◽  
Torres Strait Islander People ◽  
Pilot Testing ◽  
Torres Strait

Abstract Background: Chronic kidney disease is an increasingly common health problem for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is associated with multiple concurrent psychosocial stressors frequently resulting in negative impacts on emotional and social wellbeing. There is need for well-designed intervention studies to provide evidence of effective treatment for comorbid depression or other mental illness in this setting. Attention to early phase piloting and development work is recommended when testing complex interventions. This paper documents feasibility testing and adaptation of an existing culturally responsive brief wellbeing intervention, the Stay Strong App, and three commonly used wellbeing outcome measures, in preparation for a clinical trial testing effectiveness of the intervention. Methods: The Stay Strong App, which has not been used in the setting of Chronic Kidney Disease before, is reviewed and adapted for people with comorbid wellbeing concerns through expert consensus between research team and an Expert Panel. The outcome measures (Kessler 10, Patient Health Questionnaire 9, and EuroQoL) are valid, reliable, and commonly used tools to assess various aspects of wellbeing, which have also not been used in this context before. Feasibility and acceptability are examined and developed through 3 stages: Pilot testing in a purposive sample of five haemodialysis patients and carers; translation of outcome measures through collaboration between the Aboriginal Interpreter Service, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research officers and the research team; and conversion of translated outcome measures to electronic format. Results: Research team and expert panel consensus led to adaptation of the Stay Strong App for renal patients through selective revision of words and images. Pilot testing identified challenges in delivery of the wellbeing measures leading to word changes and additional prompts, integration of audio translations in 11 local Indigenous languages within an interactive Outcome Measures App, and related research protocol changes. Conclusion: Modelling the complex intervention prior to full-scale testing provided important information about the design of both the outcome measures and the intervention. These changes are likely to better support success in conduct of the clinical trial and future implementation of the intervention in clinical settings.

scholarly journals Editorial

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-2
Author(s):  
Levon Blue ◽  
Peter Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Indigenous People ◽  
Real World ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Research Methodologies ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
The Third ◽  
Real World Problem ◽  
Final Article ◽  
Torres Strait

In this edition, the contributing authors represent a variety of disciplines, including sociology, humanities, psychology and management/business. The importance of academics from many disciplines researching and writing about Indigenous matters means that researchers are positioning themselves as ready to work across disciplines to help solve real-world problem facing Indigenous people worldwide. In the first article, Josie Arnold advocates for practice-led research (PLR) as a model for credentialling Indigenous knowledges in academia. The second article, by Jennifer Chisholm, critically examines and problematises the notion of Indigenous transgender acceptance. In the third article, Stefan Gröschl argues that interculturalism is a means towards collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. The final article in this issue is co-authored by Mohajer Abbass Hameed and Shaun Coade, who argue that the majority of research methodologies and treatment protocols used in mainstream psychology are in tension with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural values.

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