An electronic publication from the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
Issue 9, November 2000 - February 2001 : ISSN 1329-3362
Conference abstracts and papers
12th National Health Promotion Conference: Inequalities in health
- reflecting back, stepping forward.
29 October - 1 November 2000, Hotel Sofitel, Melbourne, Victoria.
Paul Stewart and Anne Garrow
Strengths of young
Kooris.
We will present the findings from a study on the health and wellbeing of young Kooris aged 12 to 25 living in Melbourne.
This is a longitudinal study that is being conducted at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service under community control. We have collected both qualitative and quantitative data relating to factors that contribute to the health and wellbeing of young Kooris. An extensive questionnaire and health check was completed by a random sample of 174 young Kooris. We are examining factors that contribute to both risk and resiliency.
This presentation will outline the strengths and protective factors identified by study participants, such as strong family links, including extended family; friends, connection with the Koori community and Koori culture; sense of identity; aspirations; responsibilities and involvement in sport and creative activities.
We will discuss the implications of the findings and how they can contribute to strengthening young Kooris' wellbeing.
