Vol 4 No 3 July 2004 - September 2004: ISSN 1445-7253
A peer-reviewed electronic journal from the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
Reports & publications
This section of the Bulletin identifies recent reports and publications, including book chapters. If you are aware of material that would be appropriate for inclusion in this section please contact us.
- Communicating positively: a guide to appropriate Aboriginal terminology added 16 August 2004
- Evaluation of the NSW Aboriginal vascular health program 2000-2003 added 1 July 2004
- Formative evaluation of the Kuwinyuwardu Aboriginal Resource Unit Gascoyne Healthy Lifestyle Program added 22 July 2004
- 'I want to be heard': an analysis of needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander illegal drug users in the ACT and region for treatment and other services added 14 July 2004
- Indigenous Australia and alcohol policy: meeting difference with indifference added 3 August 2004
- Indigenous health workforce needs added 30 August 2004
- Just gettin' on with my life without thinkin' about it: the experiences of Aboriginal people in Western Australia who are HIV positive added 22 September 2004
- 'National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey, 2002 added 1 July 2004
Access Economics (2004)
Indigenous health workforce needs.
Kingston: Australian Medical Association
This report was commissioned from Access Economics by the Australian
Medical Association (AMA). It informs the AMA’s 3rd report card
in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Series. This report
provides information on the need for expanding the Indigenous health workforce
and improving health service provision to Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people. Discussion focuses on health status, health goals, health
workforce shortfalls, primary care funding, training, infrastructure requirements
and opportunities to reduce the health deficit.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
The report (PDF - 454KB) is available on the AMA website. Further information and details regarding how to obtain a copy of the report are available on the AMA website.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2004)
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey, 2002.
Canberra: Australian Bureau of Statistics
This report documents the findings of the second Australian
Bureau of Statistics (ABS) national social survey of Indigenous Australians.
The survey was designed to analyse the complex social circumstances and
outcomes experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The findings include information on: family and culture; health; education;
work; income; and housing. Tables present relationships across some of
the topics, and comparisons with the 1994 National Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Survey (NATSIS) and with non-Indigenous data from the
2002 ABS General Social Survey. The report documents improvements in education
and employment, but it is evident that Indigenous Australians still experience
disadvantages when compared with non-Indigenous Australians, and in some
areas, particularly health, there has been little progress.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
The report
(PDF - 3.7MB - large file warning!) is available
on the Australian Bureau
of Statistics website. Further information and details regarding how
to obtain a copy of the report are available on the ABS website.
Bonar M, Greville HS, Thompson SC (2004)
Just gettin' on with my life without thinkin' about it: the experiences
of Aboriginal people in Western Australia who are HIV positive.
Perth: Department of Health
The research detailed in this report provides a means for Aboriginal people
who are HIV positive in Western Australia, to identify their needs to
a wider audience, including policy makers and service providers. Their
experiences and access to services are recorded within a framework of
the research: background; methodology; results; discussion and recommendations.
Of the forty-four HIV positive Aboriginal people known to be living in
Western Australia, twenty were interviewed. Topics for discussion included:
experiences of initial diagnosis; coping strategies; social support; disclosure;
discrimination; HIV and pregnancy; access to health and HIV services;
and physical, emotional, psychological impact of HIV on their lifestyles.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
The report
(PDF - 517KB) is available on the Western
Australian Department of Health website. For further information
and details of how to obtain a copy of the report contact: Communicable
Disease Control Branch, Population Health Division of the Department of
Health, PO Box 8172, Perth Business Centre, Western Australia 6849, ph:
(08) 9388 4999, fax: (08) 9388 4877 email: cdc@health.wa.gov.au
Brady M (2004)
Indigenous Australia and alcohol policy: meeting difference with indifference.
Sydney: University of New South Wales Press
This book describes policy relating to alcohol use among Indigenous people and includes international and national perspectives. A wide range of sources are drawn on to analyse alcohol policies and programs, and the broad context of Aboriginal health policy and administrative structures are outlined. The book highlights successful approaches to address alcohol abuse and proposes that attention be given to past shortcomings and the consequences for Indigenous people. Personal accounts provide insights into the challenges posed by this issue.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Details of the book and ordering details are available on the UNSW Press website. The book can also be ordered by contacting UNIREPS customer services: ph: (02) 9664 0999, fax: (02) 9664 5420, email: orders.press@unsw.edu.au. The book is also available through bookstores.
Dance P, Tongs J, Guthrie J, et al. (2004)
'I want to be heard': an analysis of needs of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander illegal drug users in the ACT and region for treatment
and other services.
Canberra: National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian
National University
A collaborative undertaking between the Australian National University’s
National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health and the Canberra-based
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service enabled this study to be
conducted. The study explored the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander illegal drug users in the ACT and surrounding region. Funding
was provided by the National Health and Medical Research Council within
the National Illicit Drugs Strategy. Ninety-five Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander illegal drug users between the ages of 16 and 50 years
were interviewed for the study.
This report outlines the background to the study, and process and methods used, and provides accounts from drug users - including their drug histories, treatment needs and health. The report identified factors that contribute to illegal drug use. It also gathered evidence that supports the need for new and expanded services, and improvement to existing services to address the physical, emotional and social problems of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander illegal drug users.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
The report (PDF - 1.86 MB - large file warning!) is available on the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University website. For further information and details regarding how to obtain a copy of the report contact: National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia ACT 0200, ph: (02) 6125 2378, fax: (02) 6125 0740, email: NCEPH_Publications@anu.edu.au.
Howie RJ (2004)
Formative evaluation of the Kuwinyuwardu Aboriginal Resource Unit
Gascoyne Healthy Lifestyle Program.
Subiaco, Western Australia: School of Population Health, University of
Western Australia
This evaluation report of the Gascoyne Healthy Lifestyle Program outlines
the community development principles and activities used to promote health
in four Aboriginal communities in Western Australia. Key focus areas for
the program included smoking, nutrition and physical activity. The report
reviews best practice models for developing Aboriginal health promotion
programs. It also discusses the use of strategies such as training Indigenous
Healthy Lifestyle Workers. A series of recommendations are made to improve
the successful implementation of health programs.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
For further information and details regarding how to obtain a copy of
the report contact: Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, 100
Roberts Road, Subiaco WA 6008, ph (08) 9489 7777.
Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation (2004)
Report on Miwatj Strongyloidiasis Study: implementing best practice
in the eradication of chronic strongyloidiasis for clients of Miwatj Health
Aboriginal Corporation.
Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory: Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation
This report details the findings of a study, undertaken at the community
controlled Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, to determine and implement
best practice in treating strongyloidiasis in an endemic Indigenous community.
The epidemiology of strongyloidiasis (caused by the roundworm Strongyloides
stercoralis) is described, treatments for the condition are compared,
and recommendations are made. The study found that strongyloides serology
is a useful tool to monitor effectiveness of treatment in endemic communities
and its inclusion in biennial adult health surveillance is a useful cost-effective
intervention in identifying adults with chronic strongyloidiasis. The
report aims to raise awareness of strongyloidiasis and share the knowledge
gained from interventions.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
The report
is available on the National
Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (NACCHO) website. For
further information and details regarding how to obtain a copy of the
report contact: Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, PO Box 519, Nhulunbuy
NT 0881. For correspondence about the study contact: Dr Wendy Page (Principal
Investigator), PO Box 556, Spring Hill QLD 4004, email: pagew@bigpond.net.au
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
(2004)
Summary of supporting evidence underlying the position paper on improving
access to PBS medications for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders.
Deakin, ACT: NACCHO
This summary outlines reasons why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
should be considered a distinct group for accessing PBS medications. Descriptions
of the health status, social determinants of health, barriers to accessing
services, and under-use of medicines observed among Indigenous Australians,
highlight the importance of Indigenous-specific health services. Precedents
for Government introduction of Indigenous-specific health measures are
discussed. Options for improving access to PBS medications in eligible
remote areas are outlined, as are reasons why improving the uptake of
medications is a best-buy for Government in non-remote areas. The summary
demonstrates the links between the use of medicines and health outcomes,
and highlights the need for improving access to medications by Indigenous
people.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
The report is available on the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (NACCHO) website. For further information contact: National Secretariat, ALIA House, Ground floor, 9-11 Napier Close, Deakin ACT 2600, PO Box 168, Deakin West ACT 2600, ph: (02) 6282 7513, fax: (02) 6282 7516, email: webmaster@naccho.org.au
NSW Health (2004)
Communicating positively: a guide to appropriate Aboriginal terminology.
North Sydney: NSW Department of Health
This guide was developed to provide NSW Health staff with background information and advice for communicating with Aboriginal people and their communities in New South Wales when developing policy and programs to improve Aboriginal health outcomes. The historical, political and cultural context surrounding the terminology is discussed. The aim of the guide is to assist in building cultural respect by using appropriate and accurate language.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
The guide
(PDF - 1.46MB - large file warning!) is available
on the NSW
Health website. For further information and details regarding how
to obtain a copy of the guide contact: Better Health Centre - Publications
Warehouse, Locked Mail Bag 5003, Gladesville NSW 2111, ph: (02) 9816 0452,
fax: (02) 9816 0492.
NSW Department of Health (2004)
Evaluation of the NSW Aboriginal Vascular Health Program 2000-2003.
North Sydney: NSW Department of Health
This report documents the findings of an external evaluation of the strategic
direction of the NSW Aboriginal Vascular Health Program. It includes information
on: demonstration projects; statewide initiatives; overall strategic approach;
and key findings. The findings support the continuation of the program
and its strategic direction, and offer a set of recommendations for further
action. The evaluation found that the program offers key lessons for the
development and implementation of new Indigenous health programs.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
The report
(PDF - 388KB) is available on the NSW
Health website. For further information and details regarding how
to obtain a copy of the report contact: Better Health Centre - Publications
Warehouse, Locked Mail Bag 5003, Gladesville NSW 2111, ph: (02) 9816 0452,
fax: (02) 9816 0492.
Statistical Information Management Committee 2004
(2004)
National summary of the 2001 and 2002 jurisdictional reports against
the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health performance indicators.
Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
The Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council (AHMAC) produced this report (compiled by the AIHW for the Statistical Information Management Group on behalf of AHMAC) in order to inform policy makers and senior government officials on aspects of, and trends in, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
This is the first report against the refined set of indicators endorsed
by AHMAC in 2000, and the fourth time that all jurisdictions have reported
against a set of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander national health
performance indicators.
The report details:
background information;
government inputs for: improving identification of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people in data collections, and expenditure on health
services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and selected
health promotion programs;
determinants of health: social equity; access to service; risk markers;
and
outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
The report
(PDF - 962KB) is available on the Australian
Institute of Health and Welfare website. Further information and details
regarding how to obtain a copy of the report are available on the website.
