Journal articles: 'Torres Strait Islanders Mental health'

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Bird, Jennifer, Darlene Rotumah, James Bennett-Levy, and Judy Singer. "Diversity in eMental Health Practice: An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service Providers." JMIR Mental Health 4, no. 2 (May 29, 2017): e17. http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/mental.7878.

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Background In Australia, mental health services are undergoing major systemic reform with eMental Health (eMH) embedded in proposed service models for all but those with severe mental illness. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service providers have been targeted as a national priority for training and implementation of eMH into service delivery. Implementation studies on technology uptake in health workforces identify complex and interconnected variables that influence how individual practitioners integrate new technologies into their practice. To date there are only two implementation studies that focus on eMH and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service providers. They suggest that the implementation of eMH in the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations may be different from the implementation of eMH with allied health professionals and mainstream health services. Objective The objective of this study is to investigate how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service providers in one regional area of Australia used eMH resources in their practice following an eMH training program and to determine what types of eMH resources they used. Methods Individual semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 16 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service providers. Interviews were co-conducted by one indigenous and one non-indigenous interviewer. A sample of transcripts were coded and thematically analyzed by each interviewer and then peer reviewed. Consensus codes were then applied to all transcripts and themes identified. Results It was found that 9 of the 16 service providers were implementing eMH resources into their routine practice. The findings demonstrate that participants used eMH resources for supporting social inclusion, informing and educating, assessment, case planning and management, referral, responding to crises, and self and family care. They chose a variety of types of eMH resources to use with their clients, both culturally specific and mainstream. While they referred clients to online treatment programs, they used only eMH resources designed for mobile devices in their face-to-face contact with clients. Conclusions This paper provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander service providers and the eMH field with findings that may inform and guide the implementation of eMH resources. It may help policy developers locate this workforce within broader service provision planning for eMH. The findings could, with adaptation, have wider application to other workforces who work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. The findings highlight the importance of identifying and addressing the particular needs of minority groups for eMH services and resources.

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O'Shea, K. "Torres strait islander mental health: Current issues." Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 34, s1 (January 2000): A49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/000486700718.

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Salisbury, Christine. "A Health Service and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Partnership to Develop and Plan Mental Health Services." Australian Journal of Primary Health 4, no. 4 (1998): 18. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py98058.

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The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an action research partnership between the Tweed Valley Health Service (TVHS) and the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander community for the development and delivery of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Services. This partnership was based upon Labonte's (1989) view of empowerment where it is suggested that to be empowered means to have increased capacity to define, analyse and act upon one's problems. It was proposed that the establishment of a 'partnership' based upon these principles would assist in operationalising Indigenous community participation in TVHS planning. To achieve this type of 'partnership', the health service had to be willing to enter the partnership and to give the authority to the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Outcome Council to seek and trial solutions on Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Mental Health matters. Key outcomes were defined as the extent to which the re-organised services proved to be acceptable and utilised by the local Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander population. Outcomes were operationalised through measures of service utilisation and consumer satisfaction with accessibility, process and outcomes. The study trialed participatory action research as a method for Indigenous participation in Mental Health Service planning and development and concludes that it is a valid model for cross cultural research and health service development in a complex medical setting.

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Adams, Mick, Kootsy (Justin) Canuto, Neil Drew, and Jesse John Fleay. "Postcolonial Traumatic Stresses among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians." ab-Original 3, no. 2 (September 1, 2020): 233–63. http://dx.doi.org/10.5325/aboriginal.3.2.233.

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Abstract The mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males in Australia is often misunderstood, mainly because it has been poorly researched. When analyzing the quality of life of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males, it is crucial to consider the associated factors that have directly and indirectly contributed to their poor health and wellbeing, that is, the effects of colonization, the interruption of cultural practices, displacement of societies, taking away of traditional homelands and forceful removal of children (assimilation and other policies). The displacement of families and tribal groups from their country broke up family groups and caused conflict between the original inhabitants of the lands and dislocated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tribal groups. These dislocated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were forced to reside on the allocated government institutions where they would be (allegedly) protected. Whilst in the institutions they were made to comply with the authority rules and were forbidden to practice or participate in their traditional rituals or customs or speak their own tribal languages. Additionally, the dispossession from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditional lands and the destruction of culture and political, economic, and social structures have caused many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have a pervading sense of hopelessness for the future. The traditional customs and life cycles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males were permanently affected by colonization adversely contributing to mental health problems in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. In this article we aim to provide a better understanding of the processes impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males' social and emotional wellbeing.

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Armstrong, Gregory, Georgina Sutherland, Eliza Pross, Andrew Mackinnon, Nicola Reavley, and Anthony F. Jorm. "Talking about suicide: An uncontrolled trial of the effects of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health first aid program on knowledge, attitudes and intended and actual assisting actions." PLOS ONE 15, no. 12 (December 17, 2020): e0244091. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0244091.

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Objective Suicide is a leading cause of death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Friends, family and frontline workers (for example, teachers, youth workers) are often best positioned to provide initial assistance if someone is at risk of suicide. We developed culturally appropriate expert consensus guidelines on how to provide mental health first aid to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviour and used this as the basis for a 5-hour suicide gatekeeper training course called Talking About Suicide. This paper describes the outcomes for participants in an uncontrolled trial of this training course. Methods We undertook an uncontrolled trial of the Talking About Suicide course, delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid instructors to 192 adult (i.e. 18 years of age or older) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (n = 110) and non-Indigenous (n = 82) participants. Questionnaires capturing self-report outcomes were self-administered immediately before (n = 192) and after attending the training course (n = 188), and at four-months follow-up (n = 98). Outcome measures were beliefs about suicide, stigmatising attitudes, confidence in ability to assist, and intended and actual actions to assist a suicidal person. Results Despite a high level of suicide literacy among participants at pre-course measurement, improvements at post-course were observed in beliefs about suicide, stigmatising attitudes, confidence in ability to assist and intended assisting actions. While attrition at follow-up decreased statistical power, some improvements in beliefs about suicide, stigmatising attitudes and intended assisting actions remained statistically significant at follow-up. Importantly, actual assisting actions taken showed dramatic improvements between pre-course and follow-up. Participants reported feeling more confident to assist a suicidal person after the course and this was maintained at follow-up. The course was judged to be culturally appropriate by those participants who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders. Implications The results of this uncontrolled trial were encouraging, suggesting that the Talking About Suicide course was able to improve participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and intended assisting actions as well as actual actions taken.

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Salisbury, Christine, and Sue Follent. "Bicultural Stress: An Aboriginal Community Perspective." Australian Journal of Primary Health 2, no. 2 (1996): 78. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py96032.

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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.

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Parker, Robert M. "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health: paradise lost?" Medical Journal of Australia 196, no. 2 (February 2012): 89–90. http://dx.doi.org/10.5694/mja11.11561.

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Milroy, Helen, Shraddha Kashyap, Jemma R. Collova, Monique Platell, Graham Gee, and Jeneva L. Ohan. "Identifying the key characteristics of a culturally safe mental health service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: A qualitative systematic review protocol." PLOS ONE 18, no. 1 (January 12, 2023): e0280213. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0280213.

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Background Mental health inequities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations are well documented. There is growing recognition of the role that culturally safety plays in achieving equitable outcomes. However, a clear understanding of the key characteristics of culturally safe mental health care is currently lacking. This protocol outlines a qualitative systematic review that aims to identify the key characteristics of culturally safe mental health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, at the individual, service, and systems level. This knowledge will improve the cultural safety of mental health care provided to Indigenous peoples, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. Methods and expected outputs Through a review of academic, grey, and cultural literature, we will identify the key characteristics of culturally safe mental health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. We will consider the characteristics of culturally safe care at the individual practitioner, service, and systems levels. Prospero registration number CRD42021258724.

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Dudgeon, Patricia, Jemma R. Collova, Kate Derry, and Stewart Sutherland. "Lessons Learned during a Rapidly Evolving COVID-19 Pandemic: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-Led Mental Health and Wellbeing Responses Are Key." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 20, no. 3 (January 25, 2023): 2173. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032173.

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As the world journeys towards the endemic phase that follows a pandemic, public health authorities are reviewing the efficacy of COVID-19 pandemic responses. The responses by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia have been heralded across the globe as an exemplary demonstration of how self-determination can achieve optimal health outcomes for Indigenous peoples. Despite this success, the impacts of pandemic stressors and public health responses on immediate and long-term mental health and wellbeing require examination. In December 2021, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and wellbeing leaders and allies (N = 50) attended a virtual roundtable to determine the key issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, and the actions required to address these issues. Roundtable attendees critically reviewed how the rapidly evolving pandemic context has impacted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB). This paper presents an overview of this national collaborative consultation process, and a summary of the key issues and actions identified. These results build on evidence from other roundtables held in Australia during 2020, and the emerging consensus across the globe that Indigenous self-determination remains essential to Indigenous SEWB, especially during and following a pandemic.

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Carman, William, Marie Ishida, Justin S. Trounson, Stewart W. Mercer, Kanya Anindya, Grace Sum, Gregory Armstrong, Brian Oldenburg, Barbara McPake, and John Tayu Lee. "Epidemiology of physical–mental multimorbidity and its impact among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in Australia: a cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample." BMJ Open 12, no. 10 (October 2022): e054999. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054999.

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ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the differences in multimorbidity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians, and the effect of multimorbidity on health service use and work productivity.SettingCross-sectional sample of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia wave 17.ParticipantsA nationally representative sample of 16 749 respondents aged 18 years and above.Outcome measuresMultimorbidity prevalence and pattern, self-reported health, health service use and employment productivity by Indigenous status.ResultsAboriginal respondents reported a higher prevalence of multimorbidity (24.2%) compared with non-Indigenous Australians (20.7%), and the prevalence of mental–physical multimorbidity was almost twice as high (16.1% vs 8.1%). Multimorbidity pattern varies significantly among the Aboriginal and non-Indigenous Australians. Multimorbidity was associated with higher health service use (any overnight admission: adjusted OR=1.52, 95% CI=1.46 to 1.58), reduced employment productivity (days of sick leave: coefficient=0.25, 95% CI=0.19 to 0.31) and lower perceived health status (SF6D score: coefficient=−0.04, 95% CI=−0.05 to −0.04). These associations were found to be comparable in both Aboriginal and non-Indigenous populations.ConclusionsMultimorbidity prevalence was significantly greater among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders compared with the non-Indigenous population, especially mental–physical multimorbidity. Strategies are required for better prevention and management of multimorbidity for the aboriginal population to reduce health inequalities in Australia.

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Costa, Nadia, Mary Sullivan, Rae Walker, and Kerin M. Robinson. "Emergency Department Presentations of Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People." Health Information Management Journal 37, no. 3 (October 2008): 15–25. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/183335830803700303.

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This paper explains how routinely collected data can be used to examine the emergency department attendances of Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The data reported in the Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset (VEMD) for the 2006/2007 financial year were analysed. The presentations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal people were compared in terms of age, gender, hospital location (metropolitan and rural) and presenting condition. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were found to attend the emergency department 1.8 times more often than non-Aboriginal people. While the emergency department presentation rates of metropolitan Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal people were similar, rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people presented to the emergency department 2.3 times more often than non-Aboriginal people. The injuries or poisonings, respiratory conditions and mental disorders presentation rates of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal population were compared. No previous studies have assessed the accuracy of the Indigenous status and diagnosis fields in the VEMD; therefore the quality of this data is unknown.

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Lee, Grace Yeeun, Julie Robotham, Yun Ju C. Song, Jo-An Occhipinti, Jakelin Troy, Tanja Hirvonen, Dakota Feirer, et al. "Partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples: An Evaluation Study Protocol to Strengthen a Comprehensive Multi-Scale Evaluation Framework for Participatory Systems Modelling through Indigenous Paradigms and Methodologies." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 20, no. 1 (December 21, 2022): 53. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010053.

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The social and emotional wellbeing of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be supported through an Indigenous-led and community empowering approach. Applying systems thinking via participatory approaches is aligned with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research paradigms and can be an effective method to deliver a decision support tool for mental health systems planning for Indigenous communities. Evaluations are necessary to understand the effectiveness and value of such methods, uncover protective and healing factors of social and emotional wellbeing, as well as to promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination over allocation of funding and resources. This paper presents modifications to a published evaluation protocol for participatory systems modelling to align with critical Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guidelines and recommendations to support the social and emotional wellbeing of young people. This paper also presents a culturally relevant participatory systems modelling evaluation framework. Recognizing the reciprocity, strengths, and expertise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander methodologies can offer to broader research and evaluation practices, the amended framework presented in this paper facilitates empowering evaluation practices that should be adopted when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as well as when working with other diverse, non-Indigenous communities.

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Gould, Gillian S., Andy McEwen, and Joanne Munn. "Jumping the Hurdles for Smoking Cessation in Pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women in Australia." Journal of Smoking Cessation 6, no. 1 (June 1, 2011): 33–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.1375/jsc.6.1.33.

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AbstractTobacco smoking perpetuates the disadvantages experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. Tobacco smoking is a risk factor for poor maternal and infant outcomes in pregnancy. Over half of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women smoke during pregnancy and few successfully quit. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women face many intrinsic barriers to quitting such as low socioeconomic disadvantage and patterns of use in family networks. There are also several extrinsic hurdles surrounding current practice guidelines and policy that may limit success in reducing smoking rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women during pregnancy: the use of the Stages of Change (SOC) model; delay in the use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT); and the absence of subsidised intermittent NRT. A more proactive approach towards smoking cessation for pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women may be necessary, including moving away from the SOC model approach and subsidised provision of intermittent NRT. Comprehensive programs that take into account the family network and wider social context are also recommended.

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Raphael, Beverley, and Pat Swan. "The Mental Health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People." International Journal of Mental Health 26, no. 3 (September 1997): 9–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00207411.1997.11449406.

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Raphiphatthana, Buaphrao, Michelle Sweet, Stefanie Puszka, Megan Whitty, Kylie Dingwall, and Tricia Nagel. "Evaluation of Electronic Mental Health Implementation in Northern Territory Services Using the Integrated “Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services” Framework: Qualitative Study." JMIR Mental Health 7, no. 5 (May 26, 2020): e14835. http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/14835.

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Background Electronic mental health is a promising strategy to bridge the treatment gap in mental health care. Training workshops have been delivered to service providers working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at a primary health care level to raise awareness and knowledge of electronic mental health approaches. Objective This study aimed to understand service providers’ perspectives and experiences of electronic mental health adoption. More specifically, it aimed to use the integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework to further identify and understand how different factors facilitate or impede electronic mental health uptake within primary health care settings providing services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with 57 service providers working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who had undergone electronic mental health training workshops. Results Several factors related to innovation (electronic mental health approach), recipients (service providers as an individual and as a team), and context (local, organizational, and external contexts) were found to influence electronic mental health uptake. Particularly, organizational readiness, in terms of information technology resources and infrastructure, policies, workforce and culture, and processes to mandate electronic mental health use, were found to be significant impediments to electronic mental health utilization. These findings led to the development of a three-phase implementation strategy that aims to enhance electronic mental health adoption by addressing organizational readiness before and post electronic mental health training. Conclusions The i-PARIHS provides a useful determinant framework that deepens our understanding of how different factors impede or facilitate electronic mental health adoption in this setting. This insight was used to develop a practical and comprehensive implementation strategy to enhance the utilization of electronic mental health approaches within primary health care settings, involving three phases: pretraining consultations, training workshops, and post-training follow-up support.

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Graham, Simon, Ilias Kamitsis, Michelle Kennedy, Christina Heris, Tess Bright, Shannon K. Bennetts, Kimberley A. Jones, et al. "A Culturally Responsive Trauma-Informed Public Health Emergency Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities in Australia, Developed during COVID-19." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 23 (November 24, 2022): 15626. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315626.

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The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted peoples’ livelihoods and mental wellbeing. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia continue to experience intergenerational trauma associated with colonization and may experience trauma-related distress in response to government responses to public health emergencies. We aimed to develop a culturally responsive trauma-informed public health emergency response framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led study involved: (i) a review of trauma-informed public health emergency responses to develop a draft framework (ii) interviews with 110 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents about how COVID-19 impacted their lives, and (iii) a workshop with 36 stakeholders about pandemic experiences using framework analysis to refine a culturally responsive trauma-informed framework. The framework included: an overarching philosophy (cultural humility, safety and responsiveness); key enablers (local leadership and Eldership); supporting strategies (provision of basic needs and resources, well-functioning social systems, human rights, dignity, choice, justice and ethics, mutuality and collective responsibility, and strengthening of existing systems); interdependent core concepts (safety, transparency, and empowerment, holistic support, connectedness and collaboration, and compassion, protection and caring); and central goals (a sense of security, resilience, wellbeing, self- and collective-efficacy, hope, trust, resilience, and healing from grief and loss).

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Bramwell, Leigh, Wendy Foley, and Tanya Shaw. "Putting urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander food insecurity on the agenda." Australian Journal of Primary Health 23, no. 5 (2017): 415. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py17073.

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Food insecurity adversely affects diet quality, physical, mental and social wellbeing and the capacity to act on health advice recommended by primary healthcare providers. In this article, an overview of the neglected issue of food insecurity in urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is provided. Policy and action on food security for urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is reviewed, and it is argued that for primary health care to better address food insecurity, an evidence base is needed to understand the experiences of individuals and households and how to work effectively to support food insecure clients.

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Charlson, Fiona, Bruce Gynther, Karin Obrecht, Ed Heffernan, Michael David, Jesse T. Young, and Ernest Hunter. "Incarceration among adults living with psychosis in Indigenous populations in Cape York and the Torres Strait." Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 55, no. 7 (January 21, 2021): 678–86. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0004867420985247.

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Objective: The relationship between psychosis and contact with the criminal justice system for Indigenous people living in rural and remote areas is not well understood. In this study, the authors examine patterns of incarceration among Indigenous people living with psychosis in Cape York and the Torres Strait over two decades. Methods: Data were collated from a clinical database of complete psychiatric records from 1992 to 2015, extracted for all Indigenous patients with a psychotic disorder from the Remote Area Mental Health Service, and linked to the Queensland Corrections Service database. Descriptive statistics were calculated to compare characteristics between those incarcerated and those not incarcerated during the study period and to quantify patterns of incarceration including types of offences, time spent in custody and frequency of incarceration. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to assess associations between reported variables and ‘first incarceration’. Results: Forty-five percent of Aboriginal patients ( n = 116) were incarcerated compared with 31% of Torres Strait Islanders ( n = 41) ( p = 0.008), and the proportion of males incarcerated (51%, n = 141) was approximately twice that of females (24%, n = 35; p = 0.001). A cluster of first incarcerations were observed in close time proximity to diagnosis of psychosis. Individuals who had a history of both alcohol and cannabis use had approximately two times higher risk of being incarcerated following positive diagnosis compared to those without a history of substance use (hazard ratio = 1.85; 95% confidence interval: [1.08, 3.17]; p = 0.028). Males accounted for approximately 85% ( n = 328) of sentences. The most common most serious offence was causing physical harm to others (assault – n = 122, 31%). Conclusion: Our study found that for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a psychotic disorder in North Queensland, criminal justice responses with resultant incarceration occurs frequently. Access to appropriate mental health services and diversion options for Indigenous Australians with psychosis should be a key public health and justice priority.

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Lessing, Kate, and Ilse Blignault. "Mental health telemedicine programmes in Australia." Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare 7, no. 6 (December 1, 2001): 317–23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1258/1357633011936949.

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A national survey of mental health telemedicine programmes was conducted and data collected on their catchment areas, organizational structure, equipment, clinical and non-clinical activity, and use by populations who traditionally have been poorly served by mental health services in Australia. Of 25 programmes surveyed, information was obtained for 23. Sixteen programmes had dealt with a total of 526 clients during the preceding three months. Of these, 397 (75%) were resident in rural or remote locations at the time of consultation. Thirty-seven (7%) were Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders. Only 19 (4%) were migrants from non-English-speaking backgrounds. The programmes provided both direct clinical and secondary support services. Overall, the number of videoconferencing sessions devoted to clinical activity was low, the average being 123 sessions of direct clinical care per programme per year. Videoconferencing was also used for professional education, peer support, professional supervision, administration and linking families. The results of the study suggest that telehealth can increase access to mental health services for people in rural and remote areas, particularly those who have hitherto been poorly served by mental health services in Australia.

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Liddelow-Hunt, Shakara, Ashleigh Lin, James Hector Laurent Hill, Kate Daglas, Braden Hill, Yael Perry, Mirella Wilson, and Bep Uink. "Conceptualising Wellbeing for Australian Aboriginal LGBTQA+ Young People." Youth 3, no. 1 (January 12, 2023): 70–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/youth3010005.

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It is likely that young people who are both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and LGBTQA+ would be at increased risk for poor mental health outcomes due to the layered impacts of discrimination they experience; however, there is very little empirical evidence focused on the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQA+ young people. The current study represents a qualitative exploration of wellbeing among Aboriginal LGBTQA+ young people. This study consisted of semi-structured interviews and focus groups with Aboriginal LGBTQA+ young people aged 14–25 years old in the Perth metropolitan area of Western Australia. Thematic analysis identified seven major themes that were significant to participants’ wellbeing: identity, family, community, visibility, services, stigma and navigating.

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Tolchard, Barry, and Cynthia Stuhlmiller. "Chronic health and lifestyle problems for people diagnosed with autism in a student-led clinic." Advances in Autism 4, no. 2 (April 3, 2018): 66–72. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/aia-01-2018-0002.

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Purpose People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at greater risk of developing chronic health and risky lifestyle problems. This is exaggerated further for people living in rural settings and from cultural backgrounds traditionally underserved by healthcare services. The purpose of this paper is to describe an evaluation of health and behavioural lifestyle outcomes of people diagnosed with ASD in a student-led clinic in rural/regional Australia. Design/methodology/approach Routine clinical outcomes and lifestyle measures were routinely collected at a primary acre student-led Clinic in rural/regional Australia. Participants were all attending the clinic who provided consent for their routine date to be reported. Participants ranged in age from new born to 100 years and were representative of the local community. Findings The results indicate there is an increased risk for people with ASD developing chronic conditions compared to those without a diagnosis. This also resulted in higher body mass index and blood sugar levels linked to diabetes and hypertension. Mental health problems were common in people diagnosed with ASD especially anxiety disorders. Smoking was problematic for people with ASD but mainly in non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Alcohol use was not an increase risk in ASD. Originality/value Little is reported on the health and lifestyle experiences of people with ASD in rural/regional settings, especially from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This paper gives an initial insight to the presentation of chronic conditions and harmful lifestyle choices. Possible insights into adapting or modifying care for people with ASD in rural/regional Australia are given.

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Meldrum, Kathryn, Ellaina Andersson, Betty Sagigi, Torres Webb, Chenoa Wapau, Rachel Quigley, Edward Strivens, and Sarah Russell. "How Australian First Nations peoples living in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area of Australia describe and discuss social and emotional well-being: a qualitative study protocol." BMJ Open 12, no. 12 (December 2022): e067052. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067052.

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IntroductionColonisation has, and continues to, negatively impact the mental well-being of Australia’s First Nations peoples. However, the true magnitude of the impact is not known, partially because clinicians have low levels of confidence in using many existing screening tools with First Nations clients. In addition, many authors have critiqued the use of tools designed for Western populations with First Nations peoples, because their worldview of health and well-being is different. Therefore, the aim of the overarching study is to develop an appropriate mental well-being screening tool(s) for older adults (aged 45 and over) living in the Torres Strait that can be used across primary health and geriatric settings. This protocol describes the first phase designed to achieve the overarching aim—yarning about social and emotional well-being (inclusive of mental well-being) in First Nations peoples living in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area of Australia.Method and analysisThe study will be guided by decolonising and participatory action research methodologies. Yarning is an Australian First Nations relational method that relies on storytelling as a way of sharing knowledge. Yarning circles will be conducted with community members and health and aged care workers living on six different island communities of the Torres Strait. Participants will be recruited using purposive sampling. Thematic analysis of the data will be led by Torres Strait Islander members of the research team.Ethics and disseminationThe Far North Queensland, Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) (HREC/2021/QCH/73 638-1518) and James Cook University HREC (H8606) have approved this study. Dissemination of study findings will be led by Torres Strait members of the research team through conferences and peer-reviewed publications.

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O'Brien, Kathleen, Jason Agostino, Karen Ciszek, and Kirsty A. Douglas. "Physical activity and risk of behavioural and mental health disorders in kindergarten children: analysis of a series of cross-sectional complete enumeration (census) surveys." BMJ Open 10, no. 3 (March 2020): e034847. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034847.

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ObjectivesThere is mixed evidence on the relationship between physical activity and behavioural and mental health. We aimed to estimate the association between physical activity and risk of behavioural and mental health disorders in early school-aged children.DesignA series of cross-sectional complete enumeration (census) surveys.SettingsAll primary schools in the Australian Capital Territory, 2014–2016.ParticipantsAll children enrolled in their first year of full-time primary education (kindergarten) were invited to participate. Of the 16 662 eligible kindergarten children, 15 040 completed the survey for the first time.Outcome measuresAverage daily physical activity participation and prevalence of risk of behavioural and mental health disorders derived from parent-reported data and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Characteristics associated with SDQTotal difficultiesand subscales were estimated using logistic regression.Results8340 (61.7%) children met physical activity targets (60 min or more daily) and 709 (4.8%) were at clinically significant risk of behavioural and mental health disorders (Total difficulties).Known sociodemographic correlates were also those variables associated with high risk of behavioural and mental health disorders (Total difficulties): Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.78–4.16), relative socioeconomic disadvantage (most disadvantaged vs least disadvantaged, OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.38–2.50) and male sex (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.49–2.17). Average daily physical activity was not significant, despite the highest levels of physical activity (90 min or more daily) being reported in boys, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and those from more disadvantaged areas.ConclusionsOur study provides comprehensive cross-sectional data on the relationship between physical activity participation and the risk of behavioural and mental health disorders in a large cohort of early school-aged Australian children. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, boys and those from the most disadvantaged socioeconomic group were at greatest risk of clinically significant behavioural and mental health disorders.

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Calma, Tom, Pat Dudgeon, and Abigail Bray. "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health." Australian Psychologist 52, no. 4 (July 19, 2017): 255–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ap.12299.

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Hu, Jie, Tabinda Basit, Alison Nelson, Emma Crawford, and Lyle Turner. "Does attending Work It Out – a chronic disease self-management program – affect the use of other health services by urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with or at risk of chronic disease? A comparison between program participants and non-participants." Australian Journal of Primary Health 25, no. 5 (2019): 464. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py18089.

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Work It Out is a holistic chronic disease self-management program for urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland, which is part of an integrated and comprehensive system of care for chronic disease management. This study examines differences in primary healthcare services use between Work It Out participants and non-participants. This retrospective observational study of services use, analysed data extracted from the clinical medical records system and Work It Out program assessments. General practitioner and allied health services use were compared among the participants and non-participants using logistic regression models and zero-truncated Poisson and negative binomial regression models. Compared with non-participants, Work It Out participants were more likely to use GP management plans, GP team care arrangements, GP mental health consultation and subsequent allied health services. Among those who used the services more than once, Work It Out participants had higher service use rates than non-participants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments, GP management plans, team care arrangements and podiatry, physiotherapy and dietetic services. Engagement in Work It Out can facilitate the use of primary healthcare services, which are important for chronic disease management for urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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Puszka, Stefanie, Kylie M. Dingwall, Michelle Sweet, and Tricia Nagel. "E-Mental Health Innovations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: A Qualitative Study of Implementation Needs in Health Services." JMIR Mental Health 3, no. 3 (September 19, 2016): e43. http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/mental.5837.

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Background Electronic mental health (e-mental health) interventions offer effective, easily accessible, and cost effective treatment and support for mental illness and well-being concerns. However, e-mental health approaches have not been well utilized by health services to date and little is known about their implementation in practice, particularly in diverse contexts and communities. Objective This study aims to understand stakeholder perspectives on the requirements for implementing e-mental health approaches in regional and remote health services for Indigenous Australians. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 managers, directors, chief executive officers (CEOs), and senior practitioners of mental health, well-being, alcohol and other drug and chronic disease services. Results The implementation of e-mental health approaches in this context is likely to be influenced by characteristics related to the adopter (practitioner skill and knowledge, client characteristics, communication barriers), the innovation (engaging and supportive approach, culturally appropriate design, evidence base, data capture, professional development opportunities), and organizational systems (innovation-systems fit, implementation planning, investment). Conclusions There is potential for e-mental health approaches to address mental illness and poor social and emotional well-being amongst Indigenous people and to advance their quality of care. Health service stakeholders reported that e-mental health interventions are likely to be most effective when used to support or extend existing health services, including elements of client-driven and practitioner-supported use. Potential solutions to obstacles for integration of e-mental health approaches into practice were proposed including practitioner training, appropriate tool design using a consultative approach, internal organizational directives and support structures, adaptations to existing systems and policies, implementation planning and organizational and government investment.

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Hunter, Ernest, and Helen Milroy. "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide in Context." Archives of Suicide Research 10, no. 2 (July 2006): 141–57. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13811110600556889.

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Armstrong, Gregory, Georgina Sutherland, Eliza Pross, Andrew Mackinnon, Nicola Reavley, and Anthony Jorm. "Effects of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid training programme for non-suicidal self-injury on stigmatising attitudes, confidence in ability to assist, and intended and actual assisting actions: an uncontrolled trial with precourse and postcourse measurement and 6-month follow-up." BMJ Open 13, no. 1 (January 2023): e066043. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066043.

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ObjectivesNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a complex issue affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Australia. We evaluated the effects of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA) training course on assisting an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person engaging in NSSI, including the effects on stigmatising attitudes, confidence in ability to assist, and intended and actual assisting actions.DesignUncontrolled trial with precourse and postcourse measurement (n=49) and 6-month follow-up (n=17).SettingParticipants attended courses that were run in Queensland and Victorian communities and through one national organisation.ParticipantsParticipants were 49 adults who worked directly with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples.InterventionThe 5-hour ‘Talking About Non-Suicidal Self-Injury’ course was delivered by accredited AMHFA instructors and teaches people how to support an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who is engaging in NSSI.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe outcome measures were stigmatising attitudes, confidence in ability to assist, and intended and actual actions to assist a person engaging in NSSI.ResultsImprovements were observed in stigmatising attitudes, with significant changes from precourse in both the ‘weak-not-sick’ (postcourse p<0.0623; follow-up p=0.0058) and ‘dangerous/unpredictable’ (postcourse p<0.0001; follow-up p=0.0036) subscales. Participants’ confidence in ability to assist increased significantly both postcourse (p<0.0001) and at follow-up (p<0.0001). Despite a high level of endorsement for the nine recommended assisting actions at precourse, significant improvements (p<0.05) were observed in endorsement for six and four of the assisting actions postcourse and at follow-up, respectively. Course content was rated as being somewhat (3.4%), mostly (13.8%) or very (82.7%) culturally appropriate by participants who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.ConclusionsThe results of this uncontrolled trial were encouraging, suggesting that the Talking About Non-Suicidal Self-Injury course was able to improve participants’ attitudes, confidence and intended assisting actions.

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Gould, Gillian S., Renee Bittoun, and Marilyn J. Clarke. "A Pragmatic Guide for Smoking Cessation Counselling and the Initiation of Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Smokers." Journal of Smoking Cessation 10, no. 2 (March 31, 2014): 96–105. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/jsc.2014.3.

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Smoking prevalence of pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is quadruple that of pregnant women in the Australian population, and is associated with significant adverse outcomes in pregnancy. While cessation is a priority, there is as yet little evidence for effective interventions. This paper provides a pragmatic approach to addressing the complexities of smoking in pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and informs clinicians about the initiation of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in pregnancy. Experts agree that nicotine replacement is safer than continuing to smoke in pregnancy. Although a pharmacotherapy-free attempt is initially recommended, if abstinence is not able to be achieved in the first few days, the women should be offered an accelerated option of NRT starting with oral forms and then, if required, progressing to nicotine patch or combined oral and transdermal therapy. Support should be offered for at least 12 weeks and post-partum. Offering counselling and cessation support to partners and family is also important, as is linking the woman in with appropriate social and community support and Aboriginal specific services. As long as oral forms of NRT are not included in the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women a significant and inequitable barrier will remain.

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Dudgeon, Pat, Maddie Boe, and Roz Walker. "Addressing Inequities in Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing through Transformative and Decolonising Research and Practice." Research in Health Science 5, no. 3 (August 10, 2020): p48. http://dx.doi.org/10.22158/rhs.v5n3p48.

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Aim: This paper discusses the current mental health and social and emotional wellbeing in Indigenous Australian mental health and wellbeing, the gaps in research, the need for transformative and decolonising research and practice, and the opportunities and recommendations to address existing mental health inequities. Method: This paper reviews key mental health and social and wellbeing policy documents and frameworks, and examines relevant literature documenting current decolonising strategies to improve programs, services and practice. It also draws on the key findings of the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP) and Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing research projects. In addition this work builds on the substantial work of the national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Evaluation Project (ATSISPEP) which outlines a range of solutions to reduce the causes, prevalence, and impact of Indigenous suicide by identifying, translating, and promoting the adoption of evidenced based best practice in Indigenous specific suicide prevention activities. Discussion and Conclusion: This paper details the challenges as well as the promise and potential of engaging in transformative and decolonising research and practice to address the existing health service inequities. Acknowledging and addressing these health inequities is an urgent and critical task given the current COVID-19 pandemic and potential for further increasing the adverse mental health and wellbeing gap for Indigenous Australians.

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Nelson, Jeffrey R., James Bennett-Levy, Shawn Wilson, Kelleigh Ryan, Darlene Rotumah, Wayne Budden, Dean Beale, and Janelle Stirling. "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Practitioners Propose Alternative Clinical Supervision Models." International Journal of Mental Health 44, no. 1-2 (January 2, 2015): 33–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00207411.2015.1009748.

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Day, Andrew, Sharon Casey, Mercy Baird, Lynore Geia, and Rosemary Wanganeen. "Evaluation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid Program." Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 45, no. 1 (January 18, 2021): 46–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1753-6405.13064.

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Leckning, Bernard, Tanja Hirvonen, Gregory Armstrong, Timothy A. Carey, Mark Westby, Alix Ringbauer, and Gary Robinson. "Developing best practice guidelines for the psychosocial assessment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people presenting to hospital with self-harm and suicidal thoughts." Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 54, no. 9 (May 26, 2020): 874–82. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0004867420924082.

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Objective: To develop guidelines for the culturally responsive psychosocial assessment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people presenting to hospital with self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Method: The Delphi method was used to establish expert consensus. A systematic search and review of relevant research literature, existing guidelines and grey literature was undertaken to develop a 286-item questionnaire. The questionnaire contained best practice statements to guide clinicians undertaking psychosocial assessment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people presenting to hospital with self-harm and suicidal thoughts. An expert panel comprising 28 individuals with clinical, community-based and lived experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and/or suicide prevention were recruited and independently rated the items over three rounds. Statements endorsed as essential or important by 90% or more of the expert panel were then synthesised into recommendations for the best practice guideline document. Results: A total of 226 statements across all relevant areas of clinical practice were endorsed. No statements covering the use of structured assessment tools were endorsed. The endorsed statements informed the development of a set of underlying principles of culturally competent practice and recommendations for processes of effective and appropriate engagement; risks, needs and strengths to be assessed; formulation of psychosocial assessment; and recommendations specific to children and young people. Conclusion: The guidelines are based on recommendations endorsed across a range of expertise to address an important gap in the evidence-base for clinically effective and culturally responsive assessment of self-harm and suicidal thoughts by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in hospital settings. Further work is needed to develop an implementation strategy and evaluate the recommendations in practice.

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Mander, David, and Penelope Hasking. "The complex nature of mental ill-health, developmental milestones and the transition to secondary boarding school." Australian and International Journal of Rural Education 30, no. 2 (July 17, 2020): 127–33. http://dx.doi.org/10.47381/aijre.v30i2.263.

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This Rural Connections article discusses the challenges faced by students in transition to boarding school. Highlights from the article: Further research is required to understand mental ill-health among boarding students. Culturally informed and responsive practices are needed to guide developmental and mental health understandings when working with young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A re-orientation towards the enormous potential of adolescence as a window of opportunity to offer positive intervention and prevention for young people experiencing, and at risk of, mental ill-health, seems particularly crucial.

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Molloy, Luke, Monica D. Guha, Matthew P. Scott, Paul Beckett, Tammy Tran Merrick, and Declan Patton. "Mental health nursing practice and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: an integrative review." Contemporary Nurse 57, no. 1-2 (March 4, 2021): 140–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10376178.2021.1927773.

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Dudgeon, Pat, and Christopher Holland. "Recent developments in suicide prevention among the Indigenous peoples of Australia." Australasian Psychiatry 26, no. 2 (March 7, 2018): 166–69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1039856218757637.

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Objectives: Suicide is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (hereafter ‘Indigenous’) population health issue. Over 2015–2016, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Project (ATSISPEP) aimed to identify success factors in Indigenous suicide prevention. Conclusions: For non-Indigenous practitioners working with indigenous clients at risk of suicide, ATSISPEP identified important considerations to make treatment more effective. The start is acknowledging the differences in the historical, cultural, political, social and economic experiences of Indigenous peoples, and their greater exposure to trauma, psychological distress and risks to mental health. These mental health difficulties are specific and more prevalent amongst Indigenous peoples and communities due to the ongoing impacts of colonisation in Australia including a range of social determinants impacting on the well-being of Indigenous peoples today. Working effectively with Indigenous clients also includes being able to establish culturally safe work environments, and the ability of non-Indigenous practitioners to work in a culturally competent and trauma-informed manner. There are also considerations regarding time protocols and client follow-up. Further, postvention responses might be required. Supporting selective suicide prevention activity among younger people (and other groups at increased risk) and community-level work is an important complement to working with Indigenous individuals at risk of suicide.

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Rege, Sanil. "State of indigenous mental health in Australia - a colonial legacy?" International Psychiatry 6, no. 4 (October 2009): 98–100. http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/s1749367600000801.

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The Aboriginal culture of Australia is one of the oldest cultures on earth, dating back 50 000 years. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people are the indigenous inhabitants of Australia, constituting 2.4% of the population. The health status of these ‘First Australians’ has been described as a source of national shame, with the life expectancy approximately 17 years lower than that of other Australians (Eades, 2000). This gap in life expectancy is also significantly larger than that of other countries with indigenous populations and a history of colonisation, such as the USA, Canada and New Zealand (Ring & Firman, 1998). This paper offers an overview of the impact of colonisation and its subsequent influence on the social and emotional well-being of ATSI people.

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Povey, Josie, Patj Patj Janama Robert Mills, Kylie Maree Dingwall, Anne Lowell, Judy Singer, Darlene Rotumah, James Bennett-Levy, and Tricia Nagel. "Acceptability of Mental Health Apps for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: A Qualitative Study." Journal of Medical Internet Research 18, no. 3 (March 11, 2016): e65. http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/jmir.5314.

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Hefler, Marita, Vicki Kerrigan, Joanna Henryks, Becky Freeman, and David P. Thomas. "Social media and health information sharing among Australian Indigenous people." Health Promotion International 34, no. 4 (April 17, 2018): 706–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/heapro/day018.

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AbstractDespite the enormous potential of social media for health promotion, there is an inadequate evidence base for how they can be used effectively to influence behaviour. In Australia, research suggests social media use is higher among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than the general Australian population; however, health promoters need a better understanding of who uses technologies, how and why. This qualitative study investigates what types of health content are being shared among Aboriginal and Torres Strait people through social media networks, as well as how people engage with, and are influenced by, health-related information in their offline life. We present six social media user typologies together with an overview of health content that generated significant interaction. Content ranged from typical health-related issues such as mental health, diet, alcohol, smoking and exercise, through to a range of broader social determinants of health. Social media-based health promotion approaches that build on the social capital generated by supportive online environments may be more likely to generate greater traction than confronting and emotion-inducing approaches used in mass media campaigns for some health topics.

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Lee, Jason B. L. "Committing to reconciling our differences: development of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' Reconciliation Action Plan." BJPsych. International 12, no. 3 (August 2015): 59–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/s205647400000043x.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians continue to experience disproportionately poor physical and mental health, and inequity of opportunity. Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan programme provides a framework and support for organisations to demonstrate leadership through public commitment to actions. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists developed its own Reconciliation Action Plan through a consultative process, and hopes to lead and promote reconciliation as a peak medical body.

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Temple, Jeromey B., Margaret Kelaher, and Yin Paradies. "Experiences of Racism among Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People: Prevalence, Sources, and Association with Mental Health." Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement 39, no. 2 (June 24, 2019): 178–89. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s071498081900031x.

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RÉSUMÉCet article présente une analyse inédite de l’association entre la discrimination raciale et la détresse psychologique chez les personnes âgées indigènes et insulaires du détroit de Torres. Les résultats indiquent : (1) qu’une minorité importante d’aînés appartenant aux populations indigènes et insulaires du détroit de Torres ont été victimes de racisme (tel qu’expérimenté et mesuré en fonction d’inégalités de traitement) et d’évitement ; (2) qu’une association entre les expériences de racisme ou d’évitement et la détresse psychologique peut être mise en évidence, et que cette relation demeure robuste malgré la considération d’une variété de facteurs confondants et de caractéristiques complexes associées à la conception des enquêtes ; et (3) les associations entre le racisme et la détresse sont amplifiées en fonction de l’intensité du racisme et des comportements d’évitement. L’association reste robuste ou se trouve renforcée lorsque le racisme et l’évitement se produisent dans le cadre de contextes cruciaux au développement du capital humain des personnes âgées (p. ex. soins de santé, éducation, milieu de travail). Nos résultats soulignent l’importance des programmes et des services sociaux et de santé culturellement sécuritaires, ainsi que la nécessité de contrer la discrimination sous toutes ses formes.

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Balaratnasingam, Sivasankaran, Murray Chapman, Derek Chong, Ernest Hunter, Jason Lee, Carolyn Little, Kim Mulholland, Robert Parker, Marshall Watson, and Aleksandar Janca. "Advancing social and emotional well-being in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: Clinicians’ reflections." Australasian Psychiatry 27, no. 4 (September 20, 2018): 348–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1039856218789765.

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Objective: An expert reference group met on four occasions to consider ways forward in terms of Indigenous mental health. This paper summarises the discussion and recommendations. Conclusion: While the negative effects of colonisation and trans-generational trauma continue, we propose renewed emphasis on improving access, cultural orientation and trauma-informed care, and a focus on the needs of young Indigenous Australians.

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Wand, Anne Pf, Sandra J. Eades, and Melissa J. Corr. "Considering culture in the psychiatric assessment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples." Advances in Mental Health 9, no. 1 (August 2010): 36–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.5172/jamh.9.1.36.

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Molloy, Luke, Richard Lakeman, Kim Walker, and David Lees. "Lip service: Public mental health services and the care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples." International Journal of Mental Health Nursing 27, no. 3 (December 26, 2017): 1118–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/inm.12424.

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Cox, Adele, Pat Dudgeon, Christopher Holland, Kerrie Kelly, Clair Scrine, and Roz Walker. "Using participatory action research to prevent suicide in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities." Australian Journal of Primary Health 20, no. 4 (2014): 345. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py14043.

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The National Empowerment Project is an innovative Aboriginal-led community empowerment project that has worked with eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia over the period 2012–13. The aim of the Project was to develop, deliver and evaluate a program to: (1) promote positive social and emotional well-being to increase resilience and reduce the high reported rates of psychological distress and suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; and (2) empower communities to take action to address the social determinants that contribute to psychological distress, suicide and self-harm. Using a participatory action research approach, the communities were supported to identify the risk factors challenging individuals, families and communities, as well as strategies to strengthen protective factors against these challenges. Data gathered during Stage 1 were used to develop a 12-month program to promote social and emotional well-being and build resilience within each community. A common framework, based on the social and emotional well-being concept, was used to support each community to target community-identified protective factors and strategies to strengthen individual, family and community social and emotional well-being. Strengthening the role of culture is critical to this approach and marks an important difference between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous mental health promotion and prevention activities, including suicide prevention. It has significant implications for policy makers and service providers and is showing positive impact through the translation of research into practice, for example through the development of a locally run empowerment program that aims to address the social determinants of health and their ongoing negative impact on individuals, families and communities. It also provides a framework in which to develop and strengthen culture, connectedness and foster self-determination, through better-informed policy based on community-level holistic responses and solutions as opposed to an exclusive focus on single-issue deficit approaches.

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Heffernan, Edward, Kimina Andersen, and Stuart Kinner. "The Insidious Problem Inside: Mental Health Problems of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in Custody." Australasian Psychiatry 17, no. 1_suppl (January 2009): S41—S46. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10398560902948696.

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Askew, Deborah A., Warren J. Jennings, Noel E. Hayman, Philip J. Schluter, and Geoffrey K. Spurling. "Knowing our patients: a cross-sectional study of adult patients attending an urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary healthcare service." Australian Journal of Primary Health 25, no. 5 (2019): 449. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py18090.

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Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live in urban areas, but epidemiological data about their health status and health needs are lacking. This knowledge is critical to informing and evaluating initiatives to improve service delivery and health outcomes. One potential data source is de-identified routinely collected clinical data. This cross-sectional study, conducted in an urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary healthcare service, involved randomly selecting a sample of 400 patients aged ≥15 years, and manually extracting electronic health record data. In the sample, 49% of patients were aged <35 years, 56% were female and 38% were employed. Overall, 56% of females and 47% of males aged 35–54 years had depression, 26% had experienced a bereavement within the last 12 months, and while 44% were alcohol abstainers, 35% were drinking at high-risk levels. The present study cannot demonstrate causal relationships between the observed high rates of chronic disease in older people and frequent experiences of bereavement and high levels of mental ill health in young- and middle-aged adults. However, a life course approach provides a framework to understand the interconnectedness of these results, and suggests that strategies to blunt the intergenerational burden of chronic disease need to address the social and emotional wellbeing of youth.

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Charlson, Fiona, Bruce Gynther, Karin Obrecht, Michael Waller, and Ernest Hunter. "Multimorbidity and vulnerability among those living with psychosis in Indigenous populations in Cape York and the Torres Strait." Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 55, no. 9 (January 28, 2021): 892–902. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0004867420984832.

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Objective: Previous research has found an alarmingly high rate of psychosis in Indigenous1 patients from remote communities of Cape York and the Torres Strait with the treated prevalence of psychosis four times higher than that found for the Australian population. This study assesses comorbid illness and risk factors among this same cohort of psychosis patients. Methods: Data were collated from a clinical database that contains complete psychiatric records from 1992 to 2015, extracted for all Indigenous patients who received treatment for a psychotic disorder from the Remote Area Mental Health Service. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression models explored differences across subgroups of ethnicity and sex, and relationships between co-morbid disorders and risk factors. All multivariate models included variables of age, year of birth, sex and ethnicity. Results: Sixty per cent of participants ( n = 256) experienced a comorbid mental or substance use disorder. Forty-five per cent ( n = 192) of participants experienced a physical comorbidity. The most frequent physical health outcomes were injury (29%, n = 93), diabetes (18%, n = 58) and cardiovascular disease (21%, n = 68). Risk factors considered to play a potential biological or neurodevelopmental role in the development of psychosis were approximately three times more likely in Aboriginal (odds ratio = 3.2; 95% confidence interval = [2.0, 4.9]) versus Torres Strait Islander patients, and those born after 1980 (odds ratio = 2.5; 95% confidence interval = [1.6, 3.9]) versus those born prior to 1980. Environmental or contextual factors were associated with significantly greater risk among Aboriginal (odds ratio = 3.8; 95% confidence interval = [2.4, 6.0]) compared with Torres Strait Islander patients. Conclusion: Our data expose the perinatal and early environment of Indigenous children who later developed a psychotic disorder. As risk factors for schizophrenia may be cumulative and interactive, both with each other and with critical periods of neurodevelopmental vulnerability, our results suggest possible causes for the increasing prevalence of psychotic disorders between 1992 and 2015.

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Ames, David. "Australia (Melbourne)." Psychiatric Bulletin 16, no. 9 (September 1992): 552–54. http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/pb.16.9.552.

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Australia is a unique, geologically ancient island continent. Its flora and fauna are unlike those found anywhere else and the same may be said of its people, politics and health services. The population of 17.3 millions represents a multicultural mix, with an anglo-celtic core conflated by sustained post-war immigration from southern Europe, Turkey, southeast Asia and south America. One in five current Australians was born elsewhere, one in ten comes from a non-English speaking background, and a quarter of those born here have a parent who was born overseas. Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders form 1.4% of the total population. They have third world mortality figures but die of first world diseases, their life expectancy being 20 years less than that of other Australians. Two hundred and four years after what they see as the British invasion, their standard of living lags far behind all other socio-cultural groups in the country. Most members of the Aboriginal community do not live long enough to develop Alzheimer's disease, but it and other age-related diseases are emerging as the major determinants of health costs as Australia moves towards the 21st century.

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Laugharne, Jonathan. "Poverty and mental health in Aboriginal Australia." Psychiatric Bulletin 23, no. 6 (June 1999): 364–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/pb.23.6.364.

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When the Australian Governor General, Sir William Deane, referred in a speech in 1996 to the “appalling problems relating to Aboriginal health” he was not exaggerating. The Australia Bureau of Statistics report on The Health and Welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (McLennan & Madden, 1997) outlines the following statistics. The life expectancy for Aboriginal Australians is 15 to 20 years lower than for non-Aboriginal Australians, and is lower than for most countries of the world with the exception of central Africa and India. Aboriginal babies are two to three times more likely to be of lower birth weight and two to four times more likely to die at birth than non-Aboriginal babies. Hospitalisation rates are two to three times higher for Aboriginal than non-Aboriginal Australians. Death rates from infectious diseases are 15 times higher among Aboriginal Australians than non-Aboriginal Australians. Rates for heart disease, diabetes, injury and respiratory diseases are also all higher among Aboriginals – and so the list goes on. It is fair to say that Aboriginal people have higher rates for almost every type of illness for which statistics are currently recorded.

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Journal articles on the topic 'Torres Strait Islanders Mental health'

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