Abstracts of theses and treatises
Adams MJ (2001) How Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men care for their health: an ethnographic study. Unpublished Master of Arts thesis, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia.
The purpose of this research project was to determine how Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander men cared for their health. The methodology utilised, was an ethnographic approach. This allowed me to observe and take a participatory role with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women to provide a cultural, generational and gender perspective of Aboriginal history and its impact on men's health and wellbeing. Drawing on their knowledge, stories and experiences and by engaging them as facilitators and decision-makers, I ensured that the research project was conducted in a culturally appropriate manner and contained a worldview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
This ethnographic study was conducted through the process of fieldwork, which included participant observation, interviews, group meetings and literature reviews in data collection. Analysing and reporting back to participants complemented the cyclical nature of ethnography. In contrast to traditional ethnographic research methods where despite becoming part of the cultural scene the researcher never has a full emic view (Streubert & Carpenter, 1995). This research included both an emic (insider) and etic (outsider) understanding of the topic studied.
This study represented in a paradigm, showed that the common problem faced by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men in caring for their health was that they were weighed down by the four major categories that emerged: Denial of Traditional Roles, Support Systems, Cultural Appropriateness and No Gainful Employment. The strategies used by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men were : Self-destruction and Non-disclosure, which were negative strategies in dealing with their health. There was, however, a 'strategy of hope' that was also utilised. This was : Return to Country/Culture. The men felt that they needed to go back to their roots and capture the culture they had lost. This would be a way forward to assist in caring for their health.
For further information on this subject look in the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet Bibliography or return to the theses page.
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