Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander
The indigenous people of the Torres Strait Islands distinctly come from the part of Queensland, Australia. One of the biggest health problems being faced by these people is that about 1 in 3 has Type 2 Diabetes (The National Diabetes Services Scheme, n.d.). The origin of this is said to come from maintaining a hunter-gatherer lifestyle which continued until the late 18th century. However by the end of 1788, the people tried to lead major changes in their lifestyle (Saggers & Gray, 1991, p. 20). But by the end of the second half of the 20th century, there have been adverse changes in physical activity and the nutrition in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This shows that the factor that contributes for the people to have diabetes comes from the combination of their broad history and other social and cultural factors as well.
Given the case of Loitja, it can be said that having diabetes is the result of a wide range of factors that affect the indigenous people like their social conditions and the health of the people living in her community. Since she is also the sole provider of her family, it may seem that she does not have the time to take care of herself, making her obese and not taking care of her blood pressure. Moreover, because of their limited resources, she and her family could not afford to buy fruits and vegetables which should be part of her diet. It was revealed in surveys that on measures of education, health care and social status, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people tend to suffer considerable disadvantage compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts (Carson, 2007).
In 2012-2013, it was reported that diabetes is present in about 9% of the indigenous people in Australia (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2014). It was also revealed that more indigenous women have higher sugar levels compared to indigenous men. Diabetes is also more common for indigenous people who are residing in remote areas compared to those who are living in non-remote areas. In the case of Loitja, she belongs to the 39% of indigenous people aged over 55 that are affected by the disease. With the growing health problems of the indigenous people, the government created several health programs to aid them in their needs.
One of the government programs to help the indigenous people is by providing outreach workers to go to indigenous communities across the country. The workers will help increase the community engagement and also provide education about the different health services the government can provide them. The workers are also there to provide other health services like specialist care, follow-ups and also bring medicines for the community (Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, 2011). When these workers go to their community, Loitja and her family can be well educated on their health situation and they can also be checked for other health issues.
One of the campaigns in helping close the gap between the indigenous people and the non-indigenous people is giving proper health education by communicating well with people like Lojita. By creating meaningful partnership between them, health services and other services can be properly provided and the indigenous people can also learn how to take care of themselves. With proper communication, the government can also address other critical issues which can affect their health like poor housing, nutrition, education and employment (Oxfam Australia, 2016). With that, all health care workers are encouraged to practice Culturally-sensitive communication techniques when it comes to Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander patients.
Learning about the culture of ATSI patients, health workers will realize that these people do not speak English as their first language, so general tips to overcome this barrier can be used. When explaining to them their diagnosis and prescriptions, using complex words and jargon can be avoided. It is also helpful to use diagrams and models to explain different medical concepts so that they can also interact with the discussion. This will also provide the health worker with the idea if the patient understood the explanation or not (Queensland Health, 2015, p. 1). Knowing their culture will let the health workers understand their situation and avoid racial prejudice in providing health care services.
Working with the indigenous people in the health care industry provides health care workers insights on the many cultures of the patients that they are handling. Although it can be very challenging on many occasions, it can also be very interesting as health workers tend to work with people who have different beliefs and attitudes from their own. Learning the culture and history of these indigenous people makes health workers aware of these differences and making them sympathize with their patients. Being part of the health care team that talks to patients every day, being culturally aware and sensitive is very important to provide the best services to any patient.
This acquired knowledge can help health care workers to know how to explain things to their patients and how to act in certain situations with their patients. It is important that at all times, health care workers are respectful of cultural practices, attitudes and beliefs of their patients most especially if they are going to their communities for outreach programs. As health care workers it is important to show consideration and thing of the patient’s needs from their point of view. It is also important to be polite and courteous when engaging with patients at all times. Working and learning with the indigenous people will help health workers learn how to show genuine interest with their patients and how they should interact with them without making them feel discriminated. By following the guidelines in proper communication, the relationship between the health care provider and patient will be positive.
References
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2014). Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health survey: updated results, 2012–13. Canberra: Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet. (2011, March). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Outreach Workers. Retrieved from http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/programs-projects?pid=672
Carson, B. (2007). Social determinants of indigenous health. Crows Nest, N.S.W: Allen & Unwin.
The National Diabetes Services Scheme. (n.d.). Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. Retrieved from https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islanders
Oxfam Australia. (2016). Close the Gap. Retrieved from https://www.oxfam.org.au/what-we-do/indigenous-australia/close-the-gap/
Queensland Health. (2015). Communicating effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Retrieved from https://www.health.qld.gov.au/atsihealth/documents/communicating.pdf
Saggers, S., & Gray, D. (1991). Aboriginal health and society: the traditional and contemporary Aboriginal struggle for better health. North Sydney: Allen and Unwin.
