An Aboriginal Community in the Kimberley Region Assignment

An Aboriginal Community in the Kimberley Region Assignment

The health and well-being of Aboriginal communities in Australia, particularly those residing in remote regions like Kimberley, remain a significant concern. According to the fact sheet by the Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Water, Population and Communities (2022), The Kimberley Region, located in the northwestern part of Australia, is home to various Aboriginal communities. The region boasts an extensive Aboriginal heritage spanning over 40,000 years, and it remains a residence for Aboriginal communities practicing traditional law in the world’s most ancient culture. This paper explores the health needs assessments in community nursing and midwifery and the health determinants impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It also seeks to explore prevailing health issues, specifically diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory conditions among the Aboriginal community.

Health Assessment in Community Nursing and Midwifery

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2019) defines health needs assessment as a systematic process that involves identifying the health needs, priorities, and issues within a specific population through systematic data collection and analysis. This assessment is a crucial initial step in designing targeted and effective healthcare interventions for community nurses or midwives. Conducting a comprehensive health needs assessment on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities holds immense significance due to their unique challenges and health disparities. The significance of such assessments is evident in their ability to address prevalent issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory conditions within these communities.

Health needs assessments offer several benefits. First, it facilitates tailoring interventions to address prevalent health concerns, aligning them with the community’s cultural norms, languages, and traditions (CDC, 2019). Health needs assessment acknowledges the unique needs of these communities, tailoring interventions to be more effective and accessible. A scoping review on community health needs assessment by Ravaghi et al. (2023) elaborates that limited healthcare resources in remote areas necessitate efficient allocation. A community health assessment can also guide in identifying key areas requiring immediate attention and distribution of resources for optimal impact. Furthermore, the assessment process enables early identification of risk factors and disease signs, empowering community nurses or midwives to focus on preventive measures and early interventions. This approach enhances health outcomes and contributes to cost savings in the long run.

Considering the specific characteristics of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in the Kimberley Region, it is apparent that a nuanced understanding of their demographics and culture is essential. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2016), Kimberley Region houses diverse communities varying in size and distribution. The age distribution of these communities leans towards a younger population, emphasizing the need for interventions targeting children and adolescents. Additionally, gender roles and health concerns might differ across communities, necessitating a culturally sensitive approach when addressing gender-related health matters. The distinct ethnic and cultural practices within these communities underline the necessity of understanding and respecting their traditions for adequate healthcare provision.

Furthermore, the linguistic diversity among these groups necessitates overcoming language barriers to ensure effective communication and health education. Socioeconomic disparities, including limited employment opportunities and varying educational levels, affect healthcare-seeking behavior and resource access. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach considering the broader social determinants of health.

Determinants of Health

Socioeconomic disadvantage is pivotal in shaping health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations within the Kimberley Region. According to the Australian Human Rights Commission (2019), these communities experience heightened levels of poverty, diminished educational attainment, limited employment prospects, and increased social isolation compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2022) highlights that the employment rate for Indigenous Australians aged 15–64 remained 49% between 2008 and 2018–19, with an estimated 243,800 individuals employed. However, a considerable employment gap persists between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, especially within the 25–54 age group and more remote regions. Sufficient income is fundamental to leading a healthy life as it facilitates access to essential resources such as food, suitable housing, healthcare, and social engagement.

Based on a comprehensive analysis by the AIHW, findings from the 2016 census of population and housing underscore that over 37% (approximately 105,400 individuals) of Indigenous Australian adults were situated within households categorized within the lowest 20% of national income levels, as measured by equivalised gross household incomes (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2022). Furthermore, the income disparities varied based on geographical location, with Indigenous adults residing in significant cities experiencing comparatively higher average weekly equivalised household incomes than those in Very remote areas, as evidenced by AIHW and NIAA data from 2020. These factors can induce heightened stress levels, impede access to nutritious food and physical activity, and complicate efforts to cease smoking and alcohol consumption.

The inadequate availability of healthcare services also poses a significant challenge for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities within the Kimberley Region. Many of these groups reside in remote locations where access to healthcare is restricted (Waterworth et al., 2020). This lack of accessibility obstructs the timely and suitable management of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular ailments. Similarly, environmental factors also significantly influence the health of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in the Kimberley Region. The region’s arid, dusty climate and elevated pollen levels contribute to respiratory illnesses like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (Australian et al., 2019). Environmental hazards such as contaminated water and soil also augment the risk of health complications.

Health Issues

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2020), diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory conditions are prevalent health issues within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in the Kimberley region of Australia. These chronic diseases contribute significantly to the overall health burden of this population, leading to reduced quality of life, increased mortality rates, and healthcare disparities. The high prevalence of these conditions can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including genetic predisposition, socioeconomic determinants, lifestyle factors, and limited access to healthcare resources.

Diabetes, precisely type 2 diabetes, is a significant health concern in the Kimberley region’s Indigenous population. This condition is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and is associated with obesity, physical inactivity, and poor dietary habits. The signs and symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and slow wound healing. Epidemiological data by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2021) indicates that diabetes in the Kimberley region is estimated to be 13% in adults aged 18 years and over in 2018/2019, compared to 6% in non-Indigenous adults. This significant difference indicates that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are much more likely to develop diabetes and its complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness, than non-Indigenous people.

Cardiovascular disease, encompassing conditions like heart disease and stroke, also disproportionately affects the Indigenous community in the Kimberley region, accounting for 25% of all deaths. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity contribute to the development of these conditions (Merone et al., 2019). Symptoms may vary, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and sudden weakness. Epidemiological data reveals that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals in the Kimberley region experience 1.9 times higher cardiovascular disease rates than their non-Indigenous counterparts. This health disparity underscores the importance of culturally appropriate prevention and treatment approaches.

Chronic respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, are prevalent in the Kimberley Indigenous population due to indoor air pollution, tobacco smoking, and overcrowded living conditions. Symptoms of these conditions can range from coughing and wheezing to breathlessness and decreased exercise tolerance. There is a higher prevalence of chronic respiratory conditions among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals in the Kimberley region than the general population (Anderson et al., 2019). In the Kimberley region, asthma is estimated to be 12% in children aged 0-14 years, compared to 8% in non-Indigenous children. The prevalence of COPD is estimated to be 10% in adults aged 45 years and over, compared to 6% in non-Indigenous adults. This highlights the critical need for targeted interventions to address the underlying causes and improve respiratory health outcomes.

In the context of infectious diseases and childhood conditions, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in the Kimberley region faces unique challenges. Young children in this population have been observed to experience higher rates of communicable diseases than adults (Anderson et al., 2019). This is likely due to limited access to healthcare, crowded living conditions, and environmental factors. Infectious diseases like respiratory infections and gastroenteritis can significantly impact childhood health and development, further underscoring the importance of improved healthcare infrastructure and preventive measures.

Conclusion

The health and well-being of Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley Region present intricate challenges that demand a multifaceted approach. The significance of health needs assessments is evident in their capacity to identify and address the specific health determinants affecting these communities. Socioeconomic disadvantage, encompassing factors like poverty, education, and employment, significantly shapes health outcomes. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity play a crucial role in the prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic respiratory issues. These health challenges are exacerbated by limited healthcare accessibility and environmental factors. Addressing these complexities requires culturally sensitive interventions that account for the unique demographics, culture, and linguistic diversity of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the Kimberley Region. Acknowledging and addressing these factors enables nurses and midwives to strive to reduce health disparities and enhance the overall well-being of these communities.

References

Anderson, C., Bineham, N., & Lockwood, T. (2019). Kimberley health profile planning and evaluation unit. https://www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/WACHS/Documents/About-us/Publications/Health-profiles-and-service-plans/Kimberley_Health_Profile_2018.pdf

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2019, April 6). 2016 Kimberley, census aboriginal and torres strait islander people quickstats | Australian Bureau of Statistics. Www.abs.gov.au. https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2016/IQS51001

Australian Government. (2022). THE WEST KIMBERLEY WESTERN AUSTRALIA. https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/west-kimberley-factsheet.pdf

Australian Human Rights Commission. (2019). Social determinants and the health of indigenous peoples in Australia – a human rights-based approach. Australian Human Rights Commission; Australian Human Rights Commission. https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/speeches/social-determinants-and-health-indigenous-peoples-australia-human-rights-based

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet. (2019). Environmental health. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet. https://healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/learn/determinants-of-health/environmental-health/

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2020, November 25). Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease—Australian facts: Aboriginal and Torres strait islander people, summary. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/heart-stroke-vascular-disease/cardiovascular-diabetes-chronic-kidney-indigenous/summary

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2021). Diabetes. AIHW Indigenous HPF. https://www.indigenoushpf.gov.au/measures/1-09-diabetes

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2022). Determinants of health for Indigenous Australians. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare; Australian Government. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/social-determinants-and-indigenous-health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). CDC – assessment and plans – community health assessment – STLT gateway. CDC.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/cha/plan.html

Merone, L., Burns, J., Poynton, M., & Mcdermott, R. (2019, December 23). Australian indigenous health bulletin: Review of cardiovascular health among Aboriginal and Torres strait islander people. Healthbulletin.org.au. https://healthbulletin.org.au/articles/review-of-cardiovascular-health-among-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people/

Ravaghi, H., Guisset, A.-L., Elfeky, S., Nasir, N., Khani, S., Ahmadnezhad, E., & Abdi, Z. (2023). A scoping review of community health needs and assets assessment: Concepts, rationale, tools, and uses. BMC Health Services Research, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08983-3

Waterworth, P., Pescud, M., Braham, R., Dimmock, J., & Rosenberg, M. (2020). Factors influencing the health behavior of indigenous Australians: Perspectives from support people. PLOS ONE, 10(11), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0142323

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Format and Structure
Write a 1400-word academic discussion essay outlining your chosen context and population group, analysing the determinants of health, and examining the health issues/ outcomes faced.
You will determine the prevalent health issues for prioritization by considering secondary data (e.g., review of peer reviewed and ‘grey literature, stakeholder consultation reports, published health reports, demographic, and epidemiological data)

Referencing APA7th, published in the last 7 years

Diabetes and  cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease