Cardiovascular Disease among Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders

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.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Analyzing Cardiovascular Disease Among Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders Using a Social Determinant of Health Framework
• The Social Gradient
• Stress
• Early Life
• Social Exclusion
• Unemployment

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay aims to analyze the occurrence of cardiovascular disease among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Australia, using the social determinants of health framework. It explores possible solutions to address this health issue and identifies the relevant stakeholders involved.

• The impact of social determinants of health on cardiovascular disease among indigenous Australians
• The relationship between socioeconomic status and cardiovascular disease
• The influence of stress, early life experiences, social exclusion, and unemployment on cardiovascular health
• Potential solutions and interventions to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease among indigenous Australians
• The importance of stakeholder engagement in addressing this health issue

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• This chapter provides an overview of indigenous Australians, their historical context, and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease within this population. It introduces the social determinants of health framework and highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address health disparities.
• This chapter examines the social gradient in health and its impact on cardiovascular disease. It discusses the link between low socioeconomic status and poor health outcomes, citing evidence that suggests a strong correlation between socioeconomic disadvantage and increased cardiovascular disease risk among indigenous Australians.
• This chapter explores the role of stress as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It discusses the various causes of stress, particularly those relevant to indigenous Australians, such as discrimination and emotional trauma. The chapter also highlights the need for policies addressing the major causes of stress within this population.
• This chapter emphasizes the importance of early life experiences in shaping adult health. It discusses how poor health-related habits during childhood, often associated with socioeconomic disadvantage, can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. The chapter emphasizes the need for interventions that promote healthy early life experiences among indigenous Australians.
• This chapter examines the impact of social exclusion on health, particularly for ethnic minorities such as indigenous Australians. It discusses how stigmatization, racism, and discrimination can prevent individuals from accessing services that could improve their health and well-being. The chapter highlights the need for social integration and empowerment to address social exclusion and its effects.
• This chapter explores the relationship between unemployment and cardiovascular health. It discusses the significantly higher unemployment rates among indigenous Australians compared to their non-indigenous counterparts and highlights the link between unemployment and increased rates of heart disease and stroke mortality. The chapter emphasizes the need for strategies to reduce unemployment and improve educational qualifications among indigenous Australians.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This essay focuses on cardiovascular disease, social determinants of health, indigenous Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, socioeconomic status, stress, early life experiences, social exclusion, unemployment, health disparities, and stakeholder engagement. The essay aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to cardiovascular disease within the indigenous Australian population and identify potential solutions to address this pressing health issue.

Details

• Author: Emenike Muonanu (Author)
• Publication Year: 2018
• Pages: 14
• Catalog Number: V537446
• ISBN (eBook): 9783346176257
• ISBN (Book): 9783346176264
• Language: English
• Tags: aboriginals cardiovascular disease islanders strait torres