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Research
The development of aboriginal brain injury coordinator positions: A culturally secure rehabilitation service initiative as part of a clinical trialBrain injury, resulting from stroke and traumatic brain injury, is a common occurrence in Australia, with Aboriginal people affected at a significant rate and impact felt by individuals, families and communities. Access to brain injury rehabilitation services for Aboriginal people is reported to be often limited, with very little support outside the hospital environment.
Research
Climate change, activism, and supporting the mental health of children and young people: Perspectives from Western AustraliaThe climate crisis has detrimental impacts on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. Psychological effects include feelings of fear, overwhelm, worry, distress, hopelessness and anger; PTSD; depression; anxiety; phobias; panic disorder; sleep disturbances; attachment disorders; learning difficulties; substance abuse; shock and trauma symptoms; adjustment problems; behavioural problems; and, suicidal thinking.

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Study shows the value of positive friends for Aboriginal kidsA new study has found that having a friend with good social skills and a supportive family may make a critical difference to the resilience of Aboriginal youth

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Prestigious invite for WA infectious disease expertsTwo Perth clinician-scientists have been recognised as national leaders in infectious disease research after being elected as Fellows of the esteemed Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.
Research
Meningococcal serotype W septic arthritis: Case series in childrenThe epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease has changed over the last decade and there has been an increase in cases caused by serogroup W135, particularly in Indigenous children. Extra‐meningeal and atypical presentations are associated with serogroup W and may delay diagnosis and therefore appropriate treatment. Public and clinician awareness are essential in facilitating effective new vaccine schedule implementation.
Research
The perinatal and childhood outcomes of children born to Indigenous women with mental health problems: A scoping reviewMaternal mental health problems are common during the perinatal period and have been associated with several negative outcomes in children. However, few studies have examined the associations between maternal mental health problems and offspring outcomes among Indigenous people, and the findings across these studies have been inconsistent. This scoping review examined the birth and childhood (≤12 years) health and development outcomes of the children of Indigenous women with mental health problems.
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Perinatal outcomes of Aboriginal women with mental health disordersMaternal mental disorders have been associated with adverse perinatal outcomes such as low birthweight and preterm birth, although these links have been examined rarely among Australian Aboriginal populations. We aimed to evaluate the association between maternal mental disorders and adverse perinatal outcomes among Aboriginal births.
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Effective primary care management of type 2 diabetes for indigenous populations: A systematic reviewIndigenous peoples in high income countries are disproportionately affected by Type 2 Diabetes. Socioeconomic disadvantages and inadequate access to appropriate healthcare are important contributors.
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Perspectives of health service providers in delivering best-practice care for Aboriginal mothers and their babies during the postnatal periodEvidence suggests that Aboriginal babies in Western Australia are not receiving adequate primary health care in their first 3 months of life, leading to questions about enablers and constraints to delivering such care. This paper presents findings from a qualitative research project investigating health providers' perceptions and experiences of best and current practice in discharge planning, postnatal care and health education for Aboriginal mothers and their newborn babies.
Research
Overweight/obesity and other predictors of gestational diabetes among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women in Western AustraliaThis population-based study investigated the association of BMI and other predictors with gestational diabetes mellitus among Australian Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal mothers. We conducted a state-wide retrospective cohort study that included all singleton births in Western Australia between 2012 and 2015 using population health datasets linked by the Western Australian Data Linkage Branch.
Research
The Health Outcomes and Health Service Needs of the Martu and Nyiyaparli People of Northwest Western Australia: A Grey Literature ReviewHealth outcomes for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples are very poor. This is considerably worse in remote regions. The East Pilbara, where the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of the Martu and Nyiyaparli people reside, is one such remote region.
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Prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases in Aboriginal children: A whole population studyThe burden of bronchiectasis is disproportionately high in Aboriginal adults, with early mortality. Bronchiectasis precursors, that is, protracted bacterial bronchitis and chronic suppurative lung disease, often commence in early childhood.

News & Events
Prestigious national award for researcher seeking to improve Indigenous cancer outcomesCongratulations to Indigenous genomics researcher Dr Justine Clark, who is one of two scientists nationally to receive the Australian Academy of Science’s 2024 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Science Award.

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Research suggests strong connection to culture can help protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from institutional sexual abuseA new report that suggests strong connection to culture can help protect Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander children from sexual abuse in institutions.