Good Heart: Telling Stories of Cardiovascular Protective and Risk Factors for Aboriginal Women

Katharine F. McBride, Christine Franks, Vicki Wade, Veronica King, Janice Rigney, Nyunmiti Burton, Anna Dowling, Natasha J. Howard, Catherine Paquet, Susan Hillier, Stephen J. Nicholls, Alex D.H. Brown

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspectives of health and cultural wellbeing encapsulate the spiritual, social and environmental health of individuals, their communities and country. Strategies designed to reduce the cardiovascular burden of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people often fail to consider their unique knowledge and worldview. 

Methods: This adapted, grounded theory study sought to explore Aboriginal women's views of cardiovascular protective and risk factors. 

Results: Twenty-eight (28) women from five women's groups across Central and South Australia participated. Women distinguished the heart as core to their spiritual and physical wellbeing. Women identified six attributes that keep a woman's heart strong, four that can make the heart sick, and eight socio-ecological factors which affect a woman's capacity to care for their heart. Women described having a healthy heart when able to identify as Aboriginal women, being connected to family and community, having a healthy life and body, and being engaged in their health and health care. 

Conclusions: There are gaps in the provision of cardiovascular risk assessment and management, gaps in the cultural safety of primary health care services, and gaps in the communication of the sex-specific warning signs of a heart attack, all of which must be addressed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)69-77
Number of pages9
JournalHeart Lung and Circulation
Volume30
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2021

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