This essay gives a brief overview of the indigenous people of Australia (Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders) and analyzes the occurrence of cardiovascular disease among them with possible solutions using the social determinants of health framework and identify the relevant stakeholders required to address this health issue.
The health status of indigenous Australians played a crucial part in the decline of the population following the European colonization. Diseases such as smallpox, influenza, tuberculosis, pneumonia, measles, typhoid, whooping cough, varicella, and diphtheria were the main culprits in the decimation of the indigenous population of Australia. Today, the average life expectancy of indigenous Australians remains significantly lower than that of non-indigenous Australians and they also have an increased risk for several diseases (both acute and chronic) compared to the non-indigenous population. The commonest cause of death among these people are cardiovascular disease and as such, underlines the reason why it is the focus of this essay.
Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders are collectively known as the indigenous people of Australia. Aboriginals were the primary inhabitants of Australia while Torres Strait Islanders inhabited the islands located between Australia and Papua New Guinea. The European colonization of Australia, however, changed this dynamic and brought about dramatic changes that affected these people and their way of life. This led to a massive decline in the population of indigenous Australians.
Table of Contents
1. The social gradient
2. Stress
3. Early life
4. Social exclusion
5. Unemployment
6. Social support
7. Addiction
8. Work
9. Food
Objectives and Topics
This essay aims to analyze the prevalence of cardiovascular disease among Australia's indigenous population, specifically Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, by applying the World Health Organization's social determinants of health framework to identify key contributing factors and necessary stakeholder interventions.
- Analysis of cardiovascular disease as the primary cause of death among indigenous Australians.
- Application of the WHO "Solid Facts" social determinants of health framework.
- Evaluation of socioeconomic factors including poverty, education, and employment.
- Identification of systemic barriers like social exclusion and workplace stress.
- Proposals for policy interventions involving government bodies and indigenous communities.
Excerpt from the Book
The social gradient
A social gradient exists in health and it runs through all levels of the socioeconomic spectrum (WHO, 2018). There are several current studies that suggest a positive link between low socioeconomic status and poor health outcomes (Rief & Isaac, 2014). In general, most diseases tend to be more common, further down the social ladder (WHO, 2003, p. 10). Life expectancy also tends to be shorter among poorer groups in any society (WHO, 2003). There are many forms of social disadvantage (WHO, 2003, p. 10). Examples include; insecure employment, living in poor housing and lack of financial assets (WHO, 2003, p. 10).
Socioeconomic status can, therefore, be considered as a significant factor in social advantage or disadvantage. According to Tang, Rashid, Godley, and Ghali, (2016), low socioeconomic status significantly increases the odds of cardiovascular disease. Singh, Siahpush, Azuine, and Williams, (2015) reported similar findings, concluding that cardiovascular disease mortality was inversely associated with socioeconomic status determinants such as education, income, and occupation. The 2011 census in Australia by the ABS revealed that only 13% of indigenous Australians had a weekly household income of $1000 or more compared to 33% of non-indigenous Australians. Also, 25% of indigenous Australians reported year 12 or equivalent as their highest level of education as compared to 52% of the non-indigenous people. More recent data could not be found on the percentages given above at the time of this essay but even with the two examples given, the social disadvantage of indigenous Australians is quite apparent. Considering the wealth of evidence linking cardiovascular disease to low socioeconomic status, addressing these socioeconomic gaps would most likely decrease the occurrence of cardiovascular disease among indigenous Australians.
Summary of Chapters
The social gradient: Examines how socioeconomic status and income inequality directly correlate with health outcomes and the increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Stress: Explores how chronic psychological pressure and historical trauma significantly contribute to cardiovascular risk factors.
Early life: Discusses how foundations for adult health are established before birth and during childhood, highlighting how lack of resources impacts long-term health.
Social exclusion: Details how systemic racism, discrimination, and marginalization prevent access to essential healthcare services.
Unemployment: Links higher joblessness rates to poor health outcomes and identifies employment as a key modifiable determinant.
Social support: Analyzes the protective role of community cohesion and social relationships in managing cardiovascular health.
Addiction: Reviews the prevalence of smoking, alcohol, and illicit drug use as coping mechanisms for social and economic hardship.
Work: Evaluates how job strain, insecurity, and lack of control over work demands exacerbate the risk of cardiovascular events.
Food: Investigates the link between food insecurity, poor diet quality, and obesity, which contribute to higher cardiovascular disease rates.
Keywords
Cardiovascular disease, Aboriginals, Torres Strait Islanders, social determinants of health, indigenous Australians, health inequality, socioeconomic status, social exclusion, public health, preventive medicine, mortality, chronic illness, health policy, social gradient, risk factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this publication?
The publication examines the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease among Australia's indigenous population through the lens of social determinants of health.
Which specific themes are addressed in this work?
Key themes include the social gradient, stress, early life experiences, social exclusion, employment, social support, addiction, work environment, and nutrition.
What is the primary objective of the study?
The objective is to identify how social factors contribute to cardiovascular disease incidence and to propose effective, culturally acceptable policy solutions for the indigenous community.
Which scientific framework is utilized?
The study utilizes the social determinants of health framework as outlined in the 2003 World Health Organization publication titled "The Solid Facts".
What does the main body of the work focus on?
The main body focuses on analyzing specific modifiable risk factors like unemployment, addiction, and lack of education, and their direct association with cardiovascular health outcomes.
How would you characterize this work based on its keywords?
It is a public health analysis focused on indigenous health equity, preventive strategies, and the structural socio-economic challenges affecting minority groups.
What role does historical colonization play in the current health status of indigenous Australians?
The work highlights how historical oppression and colonization caused population decline and established systemic disadvantages that continue to impact health today.
Why is the participation of the COAG considered critical?
The Commonwealth of Australian Governments is identified as a primary stakeholder necessary for funding, policy formulation, and implementation of effective health strategies.
- Quote paper
- Emenike Muonanu (Author), 2018, Cardiovascular Disease among Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/537446
