Culturally appropriate health promotion: its meaning and application in Aboriginal communities

Issues 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. Method This exploratory research study was designed to assess the meaning of Indigenous Australians' ‘wellbeing’ 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. Conclusion It is evident that the support of Indigenous spirituality, community cohesion and identity will be beneficial, if not essential to the promotion of health and well-being among Australia's Indigenous peoples. The acknowledgement of spirituality as a significant factor in well-being has many implications for diverse fields and practices of health. So what? Increased understanding of the subjective experience of Indigenous peoples, and particularly the relationship between spirituality and well-being, will result in better informed, and therefore more effective health professionals and culturally appropriate health care services.