Electronic Resources:	https://www.rrh.org.au/publishedarticles/article_print_1137.pdf
Web resource:	https://www.rrh.org.au/articles/subviewnew.asp?ArticleID=1137
Type:	Journal Article
Title:	There should be more help out here! A qualitative study of the needs of Aboriginal adolescents in rural Australia
Other Titles:	Rural and remote health
Authors:	Bessarab, Dawn Earnest, J Mohajer, N
Keywords:	Drug and alcohol misuse;Impact on children and young people;Health;Indigenous issues;Regional rural and remote areas
Year:	2009
Publisher:	Deakin University
Citation:	9 (1), 2009
Notes:	Objective: This Australian study sought to examine the social and cultural needs of Aboriginal adolescents living in or near rural towns by identifying their views concerning health promotion, support networks, the problems they face and their views about who should assist them in meeting their health needs. Methods: A total of 99 Aboriginal adolescents, aged between 12 to 18 years of age, took part in in-depth interviews and/or focus group discussions through a tested and trialled questionnaire. The study was conducted from 2006 to 2008 at three sites in rural Australia, de-identified at the request of participants to protect confidentiality and anonymity and to protect against possible stereotyping. Forty male and 59 female teenagers were recruited from six different language groups. The mean age of respondents was 13 years. Data was subjected to thematic content analysis through matrices and cross-checked with participants. Results: The participants identified drugs, alcohol, violence, boredom and bullying/racism as major health problems; they were also interested in learning about these topics. Most young people who participated in the study were identified as being ‘at risk’; the main criteria for vulnerability being non-attendance at school, substance abuse or an unstable family situation. Aboriginal adolescents claimed to seek most help from their family or guardian carer. They conveyed a strong interest in sports and mentioned the need for a safe and fun place to meet or to get information. Discussion: Although alcohol, drugs and violence were labelled as the most important topics in the study, most participants had poor literacy skills and were dependent on their families concerning information regarding health issues, making it unlikely that drug and alcohol awareness programs would be effective. The participants mentioned that existing racism played a role in discouraging their engagement in school or health services and there were no Aboriginal health workers involved in drug and alcohol programs. Conclusion: The study highlights the need to be sensitive to the social and cultural contexts of Indigenous Australians to effectively engage and conduct research. The authors propose that mentorship and peer support may assist communication between parents/services and children along with a role for agencies as coordinators of community support and health promotion. Youth centres can secure wellbeing and safety for young adolescents enabling them to broaden their knowledge and develop a vision for their futures.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/12879
ISSN:	14456354
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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