ORCID Profile
0000-0001-6260-0472
Current Organisation
Curtin University
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Epidemiology | Population Trends and Policies | Public Health and Health Services | Health and Community Services
Social Structure and Health | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Development and Welfare | Families and Family Services |
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2019
Abstract: To describe the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of Aboriginal mothers in prison. Cross-sectional survey, including a Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (5-item version) administered to Aboriginal women who self-identified as mothers. Seventy-seven Aboriginal mothers in New South Wales (NSW) and 84 in Western Australia (WA) participated in the study. Eighty-three per cent (n=59) of mothers in NSW were in prison for drug-related offences, 64.8% (n=46) of mothers in WA were in prison for offences committed under the influence of alcohol. Sixty-eight per cent (n=52) of mothers in NSW and 35% (n=28) of mothers in WA reported mental health problems. Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) component scores of SF-12 varied for mothers in NSW and WA. Mothers in NSW experienced poorer health and functioning than mothers in WA (NSW: PCS 49.5, MCS 40.6 WA: PCS 54.4, MCS 48.3) and high levels of psychological distress (NSW: 13.1 WA 10.1). Aboriginal mothers in prison have significant health needs associated with physical and mental health, and psychological distress. Implications for public health: Adoption of social and emotional wellbeing as an explanatory framework for culturally secure healthcare in prison is essential to improving health outcomes of Aboriginal mothers in prison in Australia.
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 17-12-2018
DOI: 10.1108/IJPH-12-2017-0059
Abstract: The rise in the incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers is a major public health issue with multiple sequelae for Aboriginal children and the cohesiveness of Aboriginal communities. The purpose of this paper is to review the available literature relating to Australian Aboriginal women prisoners’ experiences of being a mother. The literature search covered bibliographic databases from criminology, sociology and anthropology, and Australian history. The authors review the literature on: traditional and contemporary Aboriginal mothering roles, values and practices historical accounts of the impacts of white settlement of Australia and subsequent Aboriginal affairs policies and practices and women’s and mothers’ experiences of imprisonment. The review found that the cultural experiences of mothering are unique to Aboriginal mothers and contrasted to non-Aboriginal concepts. The ways that incarceration of Aboriginal mothers disrupts child rearing practices within the cultural kinship system are identified. Aboriginal women have unique circumstances relevant to the concept of motherhood that need to be understood to develop culturally relevant policy and programs. The burden of disease and cycle of incarceration within Aboriginal families can be addressed by improving health outcomes for incarcerated Aboriginal mothers and female carers. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first literature review on Australian Aboriginal women prisoners’ experiences of being a mother.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-2018
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2017-021236
Abstract: Empirical evidence on family and community risk and protective factors influencing the comparatively high rates of potentially preventable hospitalisations and deaths among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants and children is limited. As is evidence on geographical variation in these risks. The ‘Defying the Odds’ study aims to explore the impact of perinatal outcomes, maternal social and health outcomes and level of culturally secure service availability on the health outcomes of Western Australian (WA) Aboriginal infants and children aged 0–5 years. The study combines a retrospective cohort study that uses state-wide linked health and administrative data from 12 data sources for multiple generations within Aboriginal families in WA, with specifically collected survey data from health and social services supporting Aboriginal families in regions of WA. Data sources include perinatal/birth registration, hospital, emergency department, mental health services, drug and alcohol service use, mortality, infectious disease notifications, and child protection and family services. Multilevel regression models will be used to examine the intensity of admissions and presentations, mortality, intensity of long stays and morbidity-free survival (no admissions) for Aboriginal children born in WA in 2000–2013. Relationships between maternal (and grand-maternal) health and social factors and child health outcomes will be quantified. Community-level variation in outcomes for Aboriginal children and factors contributing to this variation will be examined, including the availability of culturally secure services. Online surveys were sent to staff members at relevant services to explore the scope, reach and cultural security of services available to support Aboriginal families across selected regions of WA. Ethics approvals have been granted for the study. Interpretation and dissemination are guided by the study team’s Aboriginal leadership and reference groups. Dissemination will be through direct feedback and reports to health services in the study and via scientific publications and policy recommendations.
Publisher: Swansea University
Date: 05-09-2018
Abstract: IntroductionOn average, Aboriginal neonates in Western Australia (WA) weigh 200g less than non-Aboriginal infants and are 2-3 times more likely to be preterm, stillborn, or die neonatally. They are also more likely to be exposed in utero to maternal behaviour risks like smoking, due to factors such as intergenerational trauma. Objectives and ApproachWe aimed to estimate the proportion of small for gestational age (SGA) births, preterm births, and perinatal deaths of Western Australian Aboriginal infants from 1998-2010 attributable to maternal smoking, alcohol misuse, drug misuse, and assault against the mother. We used linked birth, hospital, mental health, and death records of all Aboriginal singletons and their parents. Using logistic regression with a generalized estimating equation approach, associations between birth outcomes and the four risk factors of interest were estimated after adjusting for maternal age, height and health. Using coefficients from these models, we estimated adjusted population attributable fractions (PAFs). ResultsOf 28,119 births, 16% of infants were SGA, 13% were preterm and 2% died perinatally. 51% of infants were exposed to maternal smoking, alcohol misuse, drug misuse, and/or assault, and 37% [95% CI: 35%, 40%] of SGA births, 16% [95% CI: 14%, 19%] of preterm births and 20% [95% CI: 12%, 28%] of perinatal deaths were attributable to these factors, predominantly smoking. The PAFs for alcohol misuse (for ex le, for SGA, 3% [95% CI: 2%, 3%]) are likely to be underestimates as it is difficult to identify alcohol misuse using administrative data. Conclusion/ImplicationsWhile smoking rates have dropped considerably, reduction measures have been less successful among Aboriginal women than non-Aboriginal women. Significant improvements in perinatal health are possible with identification and support of effective risk reduction approaches for Aboriginal women, as well as their communities and families.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-09-2020
Abstract: Cultural security is a key element of accessible services for Indigenous peoples globally, although few studies have examined this empirically. We explored the scope, reach, quality, and cultural security of health and social services available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families in Western Australia (WA), from the point of view of staff from the services. We recruited staff from health and social services for Aboriginal people in the Perth, Kalgoorlie, Great Southern, and South West regions of WA between December 2015 and September 2017 to complete online surveys. We examined the proportions of participants that responded saying the service was culturally secure, the reasons for the response, and perceived factors related to a high-quality service. Sixty participants from 21 services responded to the survey. Seventy-three percent stated the service was culturally secure however, only 36% stated that the staff employed at the service had sufficient knowledge on cultural security. Participants suggested having Aboriginal staff and better cultural awareness training as methods to improve cultural security within the service. Participants highlighted that staffing, funding for resources, and patient financial difficulties in accessing care as key areas for quality improvement. Much greater effort is required in improving knowledge through on-going training of staff in the practice of culturally safe care. Organisations must also be required to meet specific standards in cultural safety.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-07-2022
DOI: 10.1111/ADJ.12927
Abstract: This population‐based cohort study investigated dental procedures in the hospital setting in Western Australian children with or without intellectual disability (ID) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged up to 18 years. Considering previously reported disparities in dental disease between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australian children, this study also investigated the effect of Indigenous status on dental procedures. Data on Western Australian live births from 1983 to 2010 from the Midwives Notification System were linked to the Intellectual Disability Exploring Answers database and the Hospital Morbidity Data collection. Primary admissions for relevant dental diagnoses were identified, and treatment procedures for dental hospitalization were investigated. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi‐squared test of independence were used for analysis. Overall, 76 065 episodes of dental hospitalization were recorded. Amongst children with ID and/or ASD, Indigenous children experienced more extractions and fewer restorations (68.7% and 16.2%) compared to non‐Indigenous children (51.5% and 25.9%). After 6 years, extraction occurred less often in children with ID and/or ASD than in those without, where most surgical dental extractions were in the age group of 13–18 years. This study indicates a need for further improvements in access to dental services and the quality of care provided in hospitals for children with ID/ASD. There is also concern that more vulnerable Indigenous and all disadvantaged children are receiving an inadequate level of dental services resulting in more emergency dental hospitalization and invasive treatment.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 28-12-2020
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0243633
Abstract: To overcome key knowledge gaps in relation to justice involved and vulnerable young people and their sexual health and to compare this group with their peers from other youth health surveys in Australia to determine the extent of the issues. Young people, aged between 14 and 17 years, who had ever been or were currently involved with the criminal justice system were purposively s led. The survey was anonymous and delivered using Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI). A total of 465 justice involved MeH-JOSH young people, aged between 14 and 17 years, participated in the study: 44% Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) and 37% not attending school. Of the total valid responses, 76% (n = 348) reported having ever had sex, with sexual initiation at a median age of 14 years. We compared these data with their peers in other Australian surveys and found that young people in our study had a higher engagement in sex and start having sex at a younger age, reporting more sexual partners at all ages. The sexual behaviours of young people involved in the justice system in this study suggest they may be at a greater risk for sexually transmissible infections than their age-matched peers in the general population. Policymakers should elevate them to a priority population for targeting sexual health services and health promotion.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2017
Abstract: Drawing on in-depth interviews with incarcerated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers in Western Australia, we report on the women’s use of violence in their relationships with others. Results reinforce that Aboriginal women are overwhelmingly victims of violence however, many women report also using violence, primarily as a strategy to deal with their own high levels of victimization. The “normalization” of violence in their lives and communities places them at high risk of arrest and incarceration. This is compounded by a widespread distrust of the criminal justice system and associated agencies, and a lack of options for community support.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 09-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-044656
Abstract: Considerable evidence supports an association between poor impulse control (impulsivity) and violent crime. Furthermore, impulsivity and aggression has been associated with reduced levels of serotonergic activity in the brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants that aim to regulate brain serotonin concentrations. Several small studies in psychiatric populations have administered SSRIs to impulsive–aggressive in iduals, resulting in reduced impulsivity, anger, aggression and depression. However, no clinical trial has been undertaken in a criminal justice population. This protocol describes the design and implementation of the first systematic study of the potential benefits of SSRIs in impulsive–violent offenders who are at high risk of reoffending. A randomised, double-blinded, multicentre trial to test the clinical efficacy of an SSRI, sertraline hydrochloride, compared with placebo on reci ism and behavioural measures (including impulsivity, anger, aggression, depression and self-reported offending) over 12 months. 460 participants with histories of violence and screening positive for impulsivity are recruited at several local courts and correctional service offices in New South Wales, Australia. Results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Possible implications of the effectiveness of this pharmacological intervention include economic benefits of reducing prison costs and societal benefits of improving safety. This study has received ethical approval from the University of New South Wales, Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council, Corrective Services NSW and the NSW Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network. ACTRN12613000442707.
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
Abstract: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) have been identified as having an important role in improving the health and wellbeing of in iduals in prison however, a lack of information exists on how to strengthen this role. This paper explores the experiences of ACCHO staff in primary health care to in iduals inside or leaving prison. Nineteen staff from four ACCHOs were interviewed. ACCHO selection was informed by proximity to prisons, town size and/or Local Government Area offending rates. Thematic analysis of the interviews was undertaken. While most ACCHOs had delivered post-release programs, primary health care delivery to prisoners was limited. Three themes emerged: i) a lack of access to prisoners ii) limited funding to provide services to prisoners and iii) the need for a team approach to primary health care delivery. A holistic model of care underpinned by a reliable funding model (including access to certain Medicare items) and consistent access to prisoners could strengthen ACCHOs' role in primary health care delivery to people inside or leaving prison. Implications for public health: ACCHOs have an important role to play in the delivery of primary health care to prisoners. Existing models of care for prisoners should be examined to explore how this can occur.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1753-6405.2012.00844.X
Abstract: To estimate the overall and cause specific mortality of Aboriginal offenders in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The study cohort consisted of all Aboriginal men and women aged 18 years and older who had experienced full-time imprisonment in NSW between 1 January 1988 and 31 December 2002. Their data were linked probabilistically to the Australian National Death Index to obtain information on death. Standardised mortality ratios were calculated for all causes of death and adjusted for age, sex, and calendar year. The cohort comprised 7,980 men and 1,373 women with 75,801 person years of observation. During a median follow-up period of 8.3 years, 485 men and 73 women died, giving an overall mortality rate of 733 and 755 deaths per 100,000 person-years. The risk of death in men was 4.8 (95% CI: 4.4-5.3) times and among women 12.6 (95% CI: 10.0-15.8) times that of the NSW residents, with a markedly elevated risk for almost all conditions. The leading cause of death was cardiovascular disease in men (112 deaths, 23%) and mental and behavioural disorders (17 deaths, 23%) in women. The risk of death was greatest following release from prison. High mortality rates for cardiovascular disease, a preventable and treatable condition, were seen among Aboriginal offenders. Prison has an important role to play in screening marginalised populations for a range of health conditions. This is particularly true for Indigenous offenders.
Publisher: Swansea University
Date: 16-03-2020
Abstract: Background In the ongoing debate on optimum methods for identification of Indigenous people within linked administrative data, few studies have examined the impacts of method on population counts and outcomes in family-based linkage studies of Aboriginal children. Objective To quantify differences between three validated algorithms in ascertaining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in linked administrative data. Methods Linked administrative health data for children born in WA from 2000-2013, were used to examine the cohorts identified by three methods: A) the Indigenous Status Flag (ISF, derived by the WA Data Linkage Branch using a multistage-median approach) for the children alone B) the ISF of the children, their parents and grandparents and C) Indigenous status of the child, mother or father on either of the child’s perinatal records (Midwives or birth registration), to determine differing characteristics of each cohort. Results Method B established a larger cohort (33,697) than Method C (33,510) and Method A (27,482), with all methods identifying a core group of 26,993 children (80-98%). Compared with children identified by Method A, additional children identified by Methods B or C, were from less-disadvantaged and more urban areas, and had better perinatal outcomes (e.g. lower proportions of small-for-gestational age, 10% vs 16%). Differences in demographics and health outcomes between Methods C and B were minimal. Conclusions Demographic and perinatal health characteristics differ by Indigenous identification method. Using perinatal records or the ISF of parents and grandparents (in addition to the ISF of the child) appear to be more inclusive methods for identifying young Indigenous children in administrative datasets.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2021
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 27-02-2014
Start Date: 2016
End Date: 2020
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2010
End Date: 2013
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2015
End Date: 2018
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2010
End Date: 2016
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2019
End Date: 2013
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2019
End Date: 2013
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2017
End Date: 2020
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 12-2020
End Date: 12-2025
Amount: $1,357,136.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity