Community connection critical for well-being of Indigenous Australians
A vital study by the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research has revealed the significance of cultural identity in supporting the overall health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The study, led by Dr Tabinda Basit, showed those who felt connected to their community and culture were less likely to experience mental illness or substance use in their lifetime.
The research used data from the 2022 Queensland Urban Indigenous Mental Health Survey (known as The Staying Deadly Survey), which engaged more than 400 First Nations’ adults residing in urban Southeast Queensland.
The Staying Deadly Survey is the largest in Australia to examine social, demographic and cultural links between mental disorders and harmful substance use in Indigenous Australians.
The data highlights alongside strong ties to culture and being engaged within community, secure housing and stable finances contribute significantly to enhanced health and well-being.
Dr Basit said the findings revealed those who were employed were almost two times less likely to have a major depressive episode in the previous 12 months.
“We can also see that those who were under less financial stress were less likely to experience a mental disorder.”
There is little research into the relationships between various demographic, socioeconomic and cultural factors and the prevalence of mental and substance use disorders among Indigenous Australians.
“The links between sociodemographic factors and mental health can be complex and often influence each other.
“Better mental health can help people engage in activities that may otherwise be challenging, such as securing stable employment and housing, in turn improving overall health, social connection and access to healthcare.
“Underlying social, cultural and systemic factors within community and healthcare services must be addressed when planning services for the community,” Dr Basit said.
The results indicate further research is needed to measure the impact of these factors in preventing and treating mental disorders, especially in regional and remote areas not covered by this survey.
Established in 1987, QCMHR is funded by Queensland Health to work state-wide and contribute to the local, national, and global research efforts to improve mental health.
This article was published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology.
For further information:
Dr Tabinda Basit, Senior Researcher
Media contact:
Laura Corcoran, Research Communications Officer