Social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Aboriginal controlled social housing
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Published:2023-10-06
Issue:1
Volume:23
Page:
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ISSN:1471-2458
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Container-title:BMC Public Health
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language:en
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Short-container-title:BMC Public Health
Author:
Brown Alison,Haregu Tilahun,Gee Graham,Mensah Fiona,Waters Lea,Brown Stephanie J,Nicholson Jan M,Hegarty Kelsey,Smith Darren,D’Amico Sue,Ritte Rebecca,Paradies Yin,Armstrong Gregory
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Little is known about the wellbeing and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in social housing. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in social housing face common social housing challenges of low income, higher incidence of mental health issues and poorer health along with specific challenges due to the impacts of colonisation and its ongoing manifestations in racism and inequity. A greater understanding of social and emotional wellbeing needs and aspirations is essential in informing the provision of appropriate support.
Methods
Surveys of social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) were completed by 95 Aboriginal people aged 16 years and older living in Aboriginal Housing Victoria social housing in 2021. The survey addressed a range of domains reflecting social and emotional wellbeing, as defined by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Results
Most respondents demonstrated a strong sense of identity and connection to family however 26% reported having 6 or more health conditions. Ill health and disability were reported to be employment barriers for almost a third of people (32%). Improving health and wellbeing (78%) was the most cited aspiration. Experiences of racism and ill health influenced engagement with organisations and correspondingly education and employment.
Conclusion
Strong connections to identity, family and culture in Aboriginal peoples living in social housing coexist along with disrupted connections to mind, body and community. Culturally safe and appropriate pathways to community services and facilities can enhance these connections. Research aimed at evaluating the impact of strengths-based interventions that focus on existing strong connections will be important in understanding whether this approach is effective in improving SEWB in this population.
Trial Registration
: This trial was retrospectively registered with the ISRCTN Register on the 12/7/21 with the study ID:ISRCTN33665735.
Funder
NHMRC Early Career Fellowship
Victorian Government Operational Infrastructure Support Programme.
NHMRC Investigator Grant
NHMRC TCR Grant
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
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