impetigo participatory action research skin health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
Objective
Skin health is widely recognised as being important for overall good health and well-being, yet the burden of skin infections in remote Aboriginal communities remains high. This project aimed to explore if virtual support for skin health could be a strategy to reduce community barriers to skin health engagement.
Methods
This study collected qualitative data using a yarning methodology within a participatory action research design. A community co-researcher who was intimately familiar with the Country, language, and community in which this study was based was employed to guide the research process.
Results
The final dataset comprised of interviews with 21 participants. Three primary themes were identified including: Reach Further into the Community with Education and Skin Checks, Virtual Skin Health Support is not Preferred but Acceptable, and Environmental Health Cannot be Ignored.
Conclusions
Participants provided several suggestions on improving health promotion messaging within community whilst emphasising the need for a stronger focus on environmental health. The employment of a community co-researcher was integral to informing the methodology.
Implications for Public Health
This project provides further evidence of the significance of community engagement, inclusion and capacity building when conducting research in remote Aboriginal communities and the benefits of two-way learning as foundational to good research practices.
Details
Title
Yarning with a remote Aboriginal community about the next steps for achieving healthy skin
Authors/Creators
Rebecca Dalton - The Kids Research Institute Australia
Erin Victor - The Kids Research Institute Australia
Hannah M M Thomas - The Kids Research Institute Australia
Stephanie L Enkel - The University of Western Australia
Bep Uink - Murdoch University
Rebecca Bennett - Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
Slade Sibosado - The Kids Research Institute Australia
Asha C Bowen - The University of Western Australia
Publication Details
Australian and New Zealand journal of public health, Vol.49(3), 100242
Publisher
Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Public Health Association of Australia.