Preventing non-communicable diseases among Indigenous children and youth in major cities of Australia

Improving health equity for urban Indigenous children and youth through culturally safe, evidence-based interventions developed in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth living in cities are one of the fastest growing populations in Australia. However, they are still relatively socially disadvantaged and are notified with a significantly higher risk of non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as diabetes and mental health problem than their non-Indigenous counterparts. Even compared to Indigenous children and youth who live in remote areas, Indigenous children and youth living in cities in Australia have greater prevalence of obesity and are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes. The disproportionately high incidence of risk factors specifically among Indigenous urban youth is principally associated with the dislocation of socially disadvantaged people to the marginal suburbs of cities: those suburbs are characterised by poor public transport, high densities of fast food, tobacco and alcohol outlets, and few opportunities for low-cost exercise, such as parks and outdoor fitness equipment. Development and provision of culturally safe, responsive and effective interventions by Indigenous Australians is required to prevent the emergence of NCD risks among urban Indigenous children and youth in Australia. 

The overarching aim of this implementation research project is to build a partnership between our multidisciplinary research team and urban Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) in two state capital cities of Australia (Brisbane and Darwin) to co-develop and deliver a best-evidence behavioural intervention program that is embedded into the ACCHS’s existing service delivery model of care. This program will be tailored to children and youth who are in the critical developmental stages of their life course. We will evaluate both the implementation and effectiveness of the program. This implementation research will provide a solution to reduce health inequities and improve quality of life.