Exploring factors impacting early childhood health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities: protocol for a population-based cohort study using data linkage (the 'Defying the Odds' study)

Bridgette McNamara; Lina Gubhaju; Louisa Jorm; David Preen; Jocelyn Jones; Grace Joshy; Carrington Shepherd; Daniel McAullay; Sandra Eades; Defying Odds Project Investigators

doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021236

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Exploring factors impacting early childhood health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities: protocol for a population-based cohort study using data linkage (the 'Defying the Odds' study)

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Exploring factors impacting early childhood health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities: protocol for a population-based cohort study using data linkage (the 'Defying the Odds' study)

Bridgette McNamara, Lina Gubhaju, Louisa Jorm, David Preen, Jocelyn Jones, Grace Joshy, Carrington Shepherd, Daniel McAullay, Sandra Eades and Defying Odds Project Investigators

BMJ open, Vol.8(3), e021236

2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021236

PMCID: PMC5875609

PMID: 29599395

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Abstract

General & Internal Medicine

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Medicine, General & Internal

Science & Technology

Introduction Empirical evidence on family and community risk and protective factors influencing the comparatively high rates of potentially preventable hospitalisations and deaths among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants and children is limited. As is evidence on geographical variation in these risks. The ‘Defying the Odds’ study aims to explore the impact of perinatal outcomes, maternal social and health outcomes and level of culturally secure service availability on the health outcomes of Western Australian (WA) Aboriginal infants and children aged 0–5 years. Methods and analysis The study combines a retrospective cohort study that uses state-wide linked health and administrative data from 12 data sources for multiple generations within Aboriginal families in WA, with specifically collected survey data from health and social services supporting Aboriginal families in regions of WA. Data sources include perinatal/birth registration, hospital, emergency department, mental health services, drug and alcohol service use, mortality, infectious disease notifications, and child protection and family services. Multilevel regression models will be used to examine the intensity of admissions and presentations, mortality, intensity of long stays and morbidity-free survival (no admissions) for Aboriginal children born in WA in 2000–2013. Relationships between maternal (and grand-maternal) health and social factors and child health outcomes will be quantified. Community-level variation in outcomes for Aboriginal children and factors contributing to this variation will be examined, including the availability of culturally secure services. Online surveys were sent to staff members at relevant services to explore the scope, reach and cultural security of services available to support Aboriginal families across selected regions of WA. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approvals have been granted for the study. Interpretation and dissemination are guided by the study team’s Aboriginal leadership and reference groups. Dissemination will be through direct feedback and reports to health services in the study and via scientific publications and policy recommendations.

Details

Title: Exploring factors impacting early childhood health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities: protocol for a population-based cohort study using data linkage (the 'Defying the Odds' study)
Authors/Creators: Bridgette McNamara - Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
Lina Gubhaju - Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
Louisa Jorm - UNSW Sydney
David Preen - The University of Western Australia
Jocelyn Jones - Curtin University
Grace Joshy - Australian National University
Carrington Shepherd - The Kids Research Institute Australia
Daniel McAullay - The University of Western Australia
Sandra Eades - Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
Defying Odds Project Investigators
Publication Details: BMJ open, Vol.8(3), e021236
Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
Number of pages: 12
Grant note: 1078214; 586736 / National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia; National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia Victorian Government OIS Programme
Identifiers: 991005571155107891
Copyright: © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018.
Murdoch Affiliation: Ngangk Yira Institute for Change
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Citation topics: 1 Clinical & Life Sciences; 1.156 Healthcare Policy; 1.156.1502 Indigenous Health and Education
Web Of Science research areas: Pediatrics
ESI research areas: Clinical Medicine