Abstract
Aim: Respiratory diseases are the leading cause of hospitalization(1) and the 4th leading cause of mortality of Aboriginal people accounting for 8.7 % of all deaths.(1) Despite this, there is limited understanding of Aboriginal Peoples' perspectives on respiratory health and community attitudes to services aimed at reducing the burden of disease. The aim of this study was to identify from an Aboriginal perspective individual and community knowledge and awareness of, and attitudes to, respiratory health.
Method: We employed a mixed methods approach of cross‐sectional surveys and yarning circles (focus groups) with young people and adults in two rural/remote Aboriginal Queensland communities. All data were collected by an Aboriginal researcher (LM). Cross sectional data were analysed using both descriptive and analytical statistical methods. Qualitative data were analysed thematically.
Results: Over a two week period in two communities, 233 were screened and 187 enrolled. Of those enrolled, 71.6% were female and 83.4% were aged 18 years and over. One hundred and 21 participants completed a survey and 45 people engaged in yarning's. Major issues identified were a lack of knowledge about respiratory symptoms and the respiratory system and that respiratory health was not a priority unless there were current symptoms.
Conclusion: Despite the burden and origins of respiratory disease, lung health is not a priority. To reduce the burden of disease and impact on future lung health, awareness of respiratory health needs to be enhanced.
Method: We employed a mixed methods approach of cross‐sectional surveys and yarning circles (focus groups) with young people and adults in two rural/remote Aboriginal Queensland communities. All data were collected by an Aboriginal researcher (LM). Cross sectional data were analysed using both descriptive and analytical statistical methods. Qualitative data were analysed thematically.
Results: Over a two week period in two communities, 233 were screened and 187 enrolled. Of those enrolled, 71.6% were female and 83.4% were aged 18 years and over. One hundred and 21 participants completed a survey and 45 people engaged in yarning's. Major issues identified were a lack of knowledge about respiratory symptoms and the respiratory system and that respiratory health was not a priority unless there were current symptoms.
Conclusion: Despite the burden and origins of respiratory disease, lung health is not a priority. To reduce the burden of disease and impact on future lung health, awareness of respiratory health needs to be enhanced.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | TP 191 |
| Pages (from-to) | 123-123 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | Respirology |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | S2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 24 Mar 2014 |