Thesis
Yarning with a Remote Aboriginal Community about the Future of Skin Health
Masters by Research, Murdoch University
2023
Abstract
Background
Bacterial skin infections are easily treated with antibiotics; however, they can progress to serious health conditions including Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) if left untreated. Since 2019, remote Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley have been participating in the SToP (See, Treat and Prevent Skin Sores and Scabies) Trial, a project aiming to reduce the burden of skin infections across the region. This Trial completed data collection in December 2022 and there was a need to determine with community members ‘where to next?’ regarding skin health. This study aimed to identify community-determined skin health needs in Beagle Bay.
Methods
Data was collected using a yarning methodology framed by a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach and underpinned by Indigenous research methodologies. Participants were interviewed about their experiences of skin health, the SToP Trial, and recommendations for future skin health actions and research. Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Findings
The community holds significant knowledge of skin health including traditional ways of healing. However, future recommendations included widening the delivery of skin health education (health promotion campaigns, skin checks) to include the whole community (all ages) beyond the school and clinic. The community also requested continued external support for this, with an ambition to build the capacity of community members to lead skin health education in the future.
This project also explored the acceptability of “virtual skin health support” and, while the community preference was for education and skin health checks to be provided in person, participants were open to exploring virtual options.
Conclusion
This project provides direction for the development of community-owned skin health resources and processes that value Aboriginal Voice and knowledge, which could make a significant contribution towards eliminating RHD from Aboriginal populations. Community consultation and employing a community co-researcher were integral to informing the project methodology, reflecting the importance of valuing local knowledge, and respecting cultural protocols while conducting research in partnership with community.
Details
- Title
- Yarning with a Remote Aboriginal Community about the Future of Skin Health
- Authors/Creators
- Rebecca A Famlonga
- Contributors
- Bep Uink (She/Her) (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, College of Law, Arts and Social SciencesRebecca Bennett (she/her) (Supervisor)Hannah J. Thomas (Supervisor) - Murdoch UniversitySlade Sibosado (Supervisor) - The Kids Research Institute Australia
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Masters by Research
- Identifiers
- 991005628870007891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Indigenous Knowledges
- Resource Type
- Thesis
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