Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander People's Ill Health Case Study
Assessment
1. How have the following factors contributed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s ill health? Please make sure you answer the questions with a focus on health issues.
A. History of European Contact
In 1788, nearly 1000 Europeans arrived to Australia. From this year, conflicts between Aboriginals and Europeans continued until 1860. Before colonization, indigenous people were struck down by diseases introduced by Europeans. Indigenous people had no immunity to new diseases, so the common cold, sexually transmitted disease and smallpox resulted in a rapid decline of their population. In 1856, the British government authorized the appointment of a “Protector of Aborigines” to settle problems such as people’s illness, language and occupation. In 1860, the Victorian government established the Aborigines Protection Board. In 1910, Australia government forcibly took more than 100 000 Aboriginal children from their families and placed in church or state based institutions. (Jupp,J 2001, p.9).
B. Loss of Culture, Land, Identity and Indigenous Law
Culture is very important to the Aboriginals and they are connected to the land. They believe their land has spiritual, religious and social significance. Each group of Aborigines has different traditions and beliefs in relation to …show more content…
particular lands, islands and sea.
Since Europeans came to Australia, they found the lifestyle and social structures of Aborigines were so different to theirs. They did not understand the meaning and importance of land to Aboriginal. This conflict is resulted in aboriginal loss of land, death and living conditions that were like slavery. Because of European control, aboriginal communities, their culture and identity and way of life were under “attack” and their law was not recognized by Europeans. People became displaced and in many cases were like “refugees” in their own country. (Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet 2010).
Some Aboriginal groups had no choice; they were forced off because they knew they might die if they continued fighting to keep their own area. This result in a loss of their culture, language, story telling and essential resources such as food and water because they were often forced to accept the new European culture to ensure their survival. Currently many Aborigines still have their culture but it has been modified as they have adapted to the changing multicultural environment (Edward 1996, p.60-2).
With the loss of some Aboriginal languages, their culture and indentify has been affected due to them not being able to communicate their values, beliefs, customs and feelings. Many younger Aborigines in the cities have been outspoken in demanding recognition of the status of their people. The Aboriginal flag is a symbol of identity and highlights improving of their land, people and sun. It is the heart of traditional Aboriginal society and identity (Edward 1996, p.77).
Where the culture of a group has been under pressure, many marginalized and seen in mostly negative terms it can have an impact on the mental health and social well being of members of that group.
C. Loss of Family Links
One of the worst injustices in the past was the policy of Europeans taking Aboriginal children from their parents which is called “stolen generation”.
They placed children under the care of Europeans because they thought this would mean “advancing” the aboriginal children. However, many Aborigines are still searching for their children, mothers and other family members. Through this forced separation many aboriginal people have struggled in life, experienced low-self esteem, feeling of worthlessness, social dysfunction, high rates of unemployment and ongoing health issues. This loss if identity can result in depression and other mental illness (Creative Spirit
2011).
D. Geographical Remoteness
Geographical remoteness is a significant barrier to Aborigines accessing health care services. There are also related issues of transport and overnight stays when travelling to the health care facilities. This may increase the service cost and reduce the patient’s contact with family and friends. The distance to hospital is potentially a major barrier for the Aboriginal communities if there is a medical emergency. There is a need for health care professionals to work within communities and be on stand-by. This might reduce the number of Aborigines illnesses and ensure they are treated the correct way for their well-being (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2003)
E. Lack of Relevant and Culturally Appropriate Education
Only a minority of Aboriginal youth in Australia complete year 11 or year 12 education but this is improving. It is needs to be concern. This may be due to lack of public transport access; inadequate schools or limited number of teachers/educators who are aboriginal or culturally sensitive. Many teachers do not have a lot of experience teaching Aboriginal children. As a consequence teachers can misinterpret a student’s behavior such as the student avoiding eye contact with adult as their culture considers this to be rude. The association between education levels and health is well observed in that educated children have nutrition and exercise, moderate drinking, weight control and non smoking. This might reduce the number of serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity (The City of Newcastle 2006-2010).
F. Lack of Employment Opportunities.
Lack of education normally results in lack of employment. Young Aboriginal people need programs to develop understanding of workplace culture, confidence and literacy, numeracy and technology. Following the research, there are 63% of Aboriginal Australians say that inadequate training and qualifications is a barrier to gaining employment, while 47% say they don 't have a good understanding of the rules of the workplace. 52% agree that not having the right job-specific training contributed to unemployment levels, while 57% named not having someone within the workplace to help them to settle in and feel supported as a key barrier to achieve employment. (Korff 2012) Nowadays, Aboriginals are recognized as a neglected sector of the Australian community. For example, Aboriginals have the highest death rate, highest morbidity rates, the worst health and housing conditions and lowest occupations. The effect of this is increasing the number of unemployed resulting in less income for living (Barker 2006).
G. Food and Nutrition
Many Aborigines do not have the same opportunity as other Australians to obtain healthy food. This may result from limited family income; restricted access to traditional food and lack of knowledge of nutrition, and also an unhealthy living environment may impact on their health. Aboriginals are used to hunting animals and gathering plants in the daily life before European came. They were really healthy because they worked every day hunting and gathering. They had varied and healthily diets. ( indigenous health promotion, 2005) Nowadays many Aborigines are changing because European contact and influence on nutrition including diets of high fiber, rich in protein and low fat. The European is aware of illness/conditions that result from poor diet and change their lifestyle. These conditions are obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and renal disease (Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet 2010).
H. Substance Abuse
Substances used by Aboriginal people include alcohol, illicit drugs, petrol sniffing and smoking. These substances can affect their health directly. Substance misuse can cause serious harm to physical health and even more harm to the social health of individuals and their communities. Acts of substance related violence are present in the criminal justice system and other forms of social breakdown. Nowadays, Aborigines who are heavy drinkers are at a high level of risk of alcohol related harm from chronic disease such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and liver disease. In terms of tobacco for smoking they have a high risk of lung cancer. Smoking will impact on children following their parents and lack of exercise. This burden contributes to unacceptable health outcome caused by alcohol and drugs abuse (Public Health Association Australia 2008)
2. What are the most important issues to consider in establishing a health service program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
When establishing a health service program for Aboriginal and Terrenes State Islander people important issues to consider are alcohol and drugs abuse, smoking, poor nutrition, domestic violence, lack of education and loss of culture and identity. This health program is for support aboriginal in a serious issue, especially in a health issues is the community service. The purpose of the community is serviced and supported to protect individuals and families of differing age. They provided emotional, physical, psychological and economic (AIHM 2011).
For example, Nindilingarri Cultural Health Service (NCHS).it is one of the community service that provided disease prevention and health promotion. This are work together with health promotion team, environment health team and community service including aged hostel, home, community care service, drug and alcohol services. This community is located in the nearest with local Aboriginal to provide convenient and enough health care professional. In addition, they have a local staff to make the client more confident and comfortable also they have an educator to educate people for people well-being (NCHS 2000).
Reference:
AIHM, Indigenous Community Service, 2011, viewed 20 August 2011,
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2003, Australians social trends, viewed 18 August 2011,
Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet 2010, Hospitals, doctors & Aboriginal people, viewed 17 August 2011,
Barker, T. 2006, Employment outcomes for Aboriginal people, viewed 20 August 2011,
Creative Spirit 2011, Creative Spirit: Aboriginal Australia, viewed 18 August 2011,
Edward, W.H. 1996, An Introduction to Aboriginal societies, Social Science Press, Wentworth Falls, NSW
Jupp, J. 2001, The Australian People; An Encyclopedia of the nation, its people and their origins, The Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Korff, J 2012, Aboriginal employment, jobs & careers, viewed 4 September 2012,
NCHS, Aboriginal community: spiritual, physical, culture and Aboriginal health service, 2000, viewed 20 August 2011,
Public Health Association Australia 2008, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ substance use policy, viewed 20 August 2011,
Summary of developments in indigenous health promotion, 2005,viewed 29 august,
The City of Newcastle 2006-2010, Aboriginal Community, viewed 19 August 2011,
1. How have the following factors contributed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s ill health? Please make sure you answer the questions with a focus on health issues.
A. History of European Contact
In 1788, nearly 1000 Europeans arrived to Australia. From this year, conflicts between Aboriginals and Europeans continued until 1860. Before colonization, indigenous people were struck down by diseases introduced by Europeans. Indigenous people had no immunity to new diseases, so the common cold, sexually transmitted disease and smallpox resulted in a rapid decline of their population. In 1856, the British government authorized the appointment of a “Protector of Aborigines” to settle problems such as people’s illness, language and occupation. In 1860, the Victorian government established the Aborigines Protection Board. In 1910, Australia government forcibly took more than 100 000 Aboriginal children from their families and placed in church or state based institutions. (Jupp,J 2001, p.9).
B. Loss of Culture, Land, Identity and Indigenous Law
Culture is very important to the Aboriginals and they are connected to the land. They believe their land has spiritual, religious and social significance. Each group of Aborigines has different traditions and beliefs in relation to …show more content…
particular lands, islands and sea.
Since Europeans came to Australia, they found the lifestyle and social structures of Aborigines were so different to theirs. They did not understand the meaning and importance of land to Aboriginal. This conflict is resulted in aboriginal loss of land, death and living conditions that were like slavery. Because of European control, aboriginal communities, their culture and identity and way of life were under “attack” and their law was not recognized by Europeans. People became displaced and in many cases were like “refugees” in their own country. (Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet 2010).
Some Aboriginal groups had no choice; they were forced off because they knew they might die if they continued fighting to keep their own area. This result in a loss of their culture, language, story telling and essential resources such as food and water because they were often forced to accept the new European culture to ensure their survival. Currently many Aborigines still have their culture but it has been modified as they have adapted to the changing multicultural environment (Edward 1996, p.60-2).
With the loss of some Aboriginal languages, their culture and indentify has been affected due to them not being able to communicate their values, beliefs, customs and feelings. Many younger Aborigines in the cities have been outspoken in demanding recognition of the status of their people. The Aboriginal flag is a symbol of identity and highlights improving of their land, people and sun. It is the heart of traditional Aboriginal society and identity (Edward 1996, p.77).
Where the culture of a group has been under pressure, many marginalized and seen in mostly negative terms it can have an impact on the mental health and social well being of members of that group.
C. Loss of Family Links
One of the worst injustices in the past was the policy of Europeans taking Aboriginal children from their parents which is called “stolen generation”.
They placed children under the care of Europeans because they thought this would mean “advancing” the aboriginal children. However, many Aborigines are still searching for their children, mothers and other family members. Through this forced separation many aboriginal people have struggled in life, experienced low-self esteem, feeling of worthlessness, social dysfunction, high rates of unemployment and ongoing health issues. This loss if identity can result in depression and other mental illness (Creative Spirit
2011).
D. Geographical Remoteness
Geographical remoteness is a significant barrier to Aborigines accessing health care services. There are also related issues of transport and overnight stays when travelling to the health care facilities. This may increase the service cost and reduce the patient’s contact with family and friends. The distance to hospital is potentially a major barrier for the Aboriginal communities if there is a medical emergency. There is a need for health care professionals to work within communities and be on stand-by. This might reduce the number of Aborigines illnesses and ensure they are treated the correct way for their well-being (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2003)
E. Lack of Relevant and Culturally Appropriate Education
Only a minority of Aboriginal youth in Australia complete year 11 or year 12 education but this is improving. It is needs to be concern. This may be due to lack of public transport access; inadequate schools or limited number of teachers/educators who are aboriginal or culturally sensitive. Many teachers do not have a lot of experience teaching Aboriginal children. As a consequence teachers can misinterpret a student’s behavior such as the student avoiding eye contact with adult as their culture considers this to be rude. The association between education levels and health is well observed in that educated children have nutrition and exercise, moderate drinking, weight control and non smoking. This might reduce the number of serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity (The City of Newcastle 2006-2010).
F. Lack of Employment Opportunities.
Lack of education normally results in lack of employment. Young Aboriginal people need programs to develop understanding of workplace culture, confidence and literacy, numeracy and technology. Following the research, there are 63% of Aboriginal Australians say that inadequate training and qualifications is a barrier to gaining employment, while 47% say they don 't have a good understanding of the rules of the workplace. 52% agree that not having the right job-specific training contributed to unemployment levels, while 57% named not having someone within the workplace to help them to settle in and feel supported as a key barrier to achieve employment. (Korff 2012) Nowadays, Aboriginals are recognized as a neglected sector of the Australian community. For example, Aboriginals have the highest death rate, highest morbidity rates, the worst health and housing conditions and lowest occupations. The effect of this is increasing the number of unemployed resulting in less income for living (Barker 2006).
G. Food and Nutrition
Many Aborigines do not have the same opportunity as other Australians to obtain healthy food. This may result from limited family income; restricted access to traditional food and lack of knowledge of nutrition, and also an unhealthy living environment may impact on their health. Aboriginals are used to hunting animals and gathering plants in the daily life before European came. They were really healthy because they worked every day hunting and gathering. They had varied and healthily diets. ( indigenous health promotion, 2005) Nowadays many Aborigines are changing because European contact and influence on nutrition including diets of high fiber, rich in protein and low fat. The European is aware of illness/conditions that result from poor diet and change their lifestyle. These conditions are obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and renal disease (Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet 2010).
H. Substance Abuse
Substances used by Aboriginal people include alcohol, illicit drugs, petrol sniffing and smoking. These substances can affect their health directly. Substance misuse can cause serious harm to physical health and even more harm to the social health of individuals and their communities. Acts of substance related violence are present in the criminal justice system and other forms of social breakdown. Nowadays, Aborigines who are heavy drinkers are at a high level of risk of alcohol related harm from chronic disease such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and liver disease. In terms of tobacco for smoking they have a high risk of lung cancer. Smoking will impact on children following their parents and lack of exercise. This burden contributes to unacceptable health outcome caused by alcohol and drugs abuse (Public Health Association Australia 2008)
2. What are the most important issues to consider in establishing a health service program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
When establishing a health service program for Aboriginal and Terrenes State Islander people important issues to consider are alcohol and drugs abuse, smoking, poor nutrition, domestic violence, lack of education and loss of culture and identity. This health program is for support aboriginal in a serious issue, especially in a health issues is the community service. The purpose of the community is serviced and supported to protect individuals and families of differing age. They provided emotional, physical, psychological and economic (AIHM 2011).
For example, Nindilingarri Cultural Health Service (NCHS).it is one of the community service that provided disease prevention and health promotion. This are work together with health promotion team, environment health team and community service including aged hostel, home, community care service, drug and alcohol services. This community is located in the nearest with local Aboriginal to provide convenient and enough health care professional. In addition, they have a local staff to make the client more confident and comfortable also they have an educator to educate people for people well-being (NCHS 2000).
Reference:
AIHM, Indigenous Community Service, 2011, viewed 20 August 2011,
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2003, Australians social trends, viewed 18 August 2011,
Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet 2010, Hospitals, doctors & Aboriginal people, viewed 17 August 2011,
Barker, T. 2006, Employment outcomes for Aboriginal people, viewed 20 August 2011,
Creative Spirit 2011, Creative Spirit: Aboriginal Australia, viewed 18 August 2011,
Edward, W.H. 1996, An Introduction to Aboriginal societies, Social Science Press, Wentworth Falls, NSW
Jupp, J. 2001, The Australian People; An Encyclopedia of the nation, its people and their origins, The Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Korff, J 2012, Aboriginal employment, jobs & careers, viewed 4 September 2012,
NCHS, Aboriginal community: spiritual, physical, culture and Aboriginal health service, 2000, viewed 20 August 2011,
Public Health Association Australia 2008, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ substance use policy, viewed 20 August 2011,
Summary of developments in indigenous health promotion, 2005,viewed 29 august,
The City of Newcastle 2006-2010, Aboriginal Community, viewed 19 August 2011,