Indigenous Health

Question 1

Useful statistics about Indigenous people

Answer 1

• Lower life expectancy –> 11.5 years lower in men and 9.6 years lower in women
• 1.7x likelihood of having disability
• 2.7x likelihood of experiencing high levels of psychological distress
• Higher likelihood of being incarcerated

Question 2

What are reasons for the Indigenous Health Outcome Disparity?

Answer 2

• Many Indigenous ppl live in remote areas –> Rural Disparity
• Language barriers -> cannot comm. w healthcare pros
• Lower SES on average -> cannot afford healthcare
• Lower education on average
• Higher unemployment rates
• Higher likelihood of incarceration

Question 3

What are the root causes for Indigenous Health Outcome Disparity?

Answer 3

• Stolen Generation –> cross-generational effects
• Loss of trust within healthcare system due to less representation in Healthcare
• Lack of cultural awareness
• Past and current discrimination
• Many healthcare services fail to address correct issues (Don’t work with Indigenous leaders)

Question 4

What are some existing solutions to the Indigenous Health Outcome disparity?

Answer 4

• Aboriginal Liasion Officers (ALOs) –> help ppl talk to health professionals & understand medical procedures
• Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations (ACCHOs) –> Increase trust in healthcare among Indigenous ppl
• Education on Indigenous Health in medical schools –> cultural awareness/safety
• Indigenous admission pathways to medical school –> more indigenous workers –> more representation in healthcare.

Question 5

What are potential solutions to the Indigenous Health Disparity?

Answer 5

• Work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders
• Funding education for Indigenous people
• Targeted and culturally appropriate health campaigns
• Improve employment of Indigenous people
• Inform about Indigenous Health in hospitals and clinics