Culturally appropriate health promotion: its meaning and application in Aboriginal communities
Vanette McLennan, Welfare and Disability Services, University of Sydney, New South Wales
Freidoon Khavarpour, Yooroang Garang School of Indigenous Health: University of Sydney, New South Wales

Abstract

Issue addressed:
The socio-economic disadvantage and ill-health experienced by Indigenous Australians has continued at alarming rates despite increased research into Indigenous health and the burdens faced by Indigenous peoples. Given the state of ill-health in Indigenous communities, there is increasing recognition of the need for greater understanding of Indigenous health needs and means by which to deal with them.

Methods:
This exploratory research study was designed to assess the meaning of Indigenous Australians' 'well-being' and 'spirituality', and the possible connection between these concepts. The study explored these concepts through a series of semi-structured interviews in an Indigenous community of north-eastern New South Wales.

Results:
The research participants consistently described well-being as an all-encompassing and holistic concept. Findings showed that spirituality still occupied a crucial role in Indigenous culture and well-being, despite the challenges to its existence since European invasion.

Keywords:
Aboriginal culture, spirituality, well-being, health promotion, holistic, family and community, identity



Health Promotion Journal of Australia 2004;15:237-9