Indigenous Culture and Health of Indigenous People†Free Samples

Question: Discuss about the Indigenous Culture and Health of Indigenous People. Answer: Introduction The health disparities and health inequalities among the Indigenous and non-indigenous population of Australia are highly prevalent. Indigenous people are considered to belong to one of the oldest community of the world. The health of Australian indigenous population is considered to be worse than that of non-indigenous population (Shepherd, Li, Zubrick, 2012). This group is also considered as the most disadvantaged people, who have to face many social determinants that impact their health and well-being. The life expectancy of indigenous people is also lower than remaining population of the country. There is a very large health gap among the indigenous and non-indigenous population in terms of non-communicable diseases. European colonization had significant impact on the culture and identity of the Aboriginal population. The factors influencing the health of aboriginal population are poorly understood. One of the most important factors affecting their health is culture. Culture has great significance in influencing the behavior, attitude and lifestyle of people (Napier et al, 2014). Health behavior and choices are also often derived from cultural values. Indigenous population also has great influence of their culture, which impacts their health and well-being. This paper will focus on discussing and identifying the various cultural influences that affect the health of indigenous population in Australia. Paper will also discuss the various social issues influencing health of this population and various national and state level policies that are being used to address health issues in indigenous population. History of Indigenous Population in Australia During the period of colonization, Indigenous population of Australia suffered a lot. Racism was pervasive and this population was forced to leave their fertile lands and displaced to lands with scarcity of food and water resources (Holland, 2014). They had a hunter gather lifestyle, which was completely stopped and indigenous people were restricted to socialize and practicing traditional ceremonies. Children were forcefully removed from their families and people were not allowed to speak their traditional languages. The discrimination with indigenous population continued till long period of time and this affected their mental and physical well-being (Waterworth et al, 2015). The long term impact of discrimination and racism resulted in psychological and physical health problems, which is also trans-generational. Since, the lifestyle of these people was changed, their life became sedentary and consequences of colonization resulted in poverty and diseases. This population also has to suffer from greater burden of emotional distress and lower levels of access to health care (Askew, Schluter Spurling, 2013). Colonization also brought many unknown disease to Australia and health of this population significantly deteriorated over time. These people also had to face the physical and sexual abuse and spent the life of domestic workers. Social conditions had significant impact on health of people (Shepherd, Li Zubrick, 2012). Some of the major health issues found in indigenous population are obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and pulmonary diseases. These diseases are strongly associated with social factors and lifestyle of indigenous population (Markwick et al, 2014). Culture and Health of Indigenous Population Culture can be considered as the set of subjective values, can have significant influence over health and health behavior of people (Napier et al, 2014). Lifestyle, beliefs and values of human beings are shaped through their cultural values. Health can be significantly influenced by cultural beliefs and attitudes of people. Strong cultural identity of people can be considered as the fundamental factors of Indigenous social and physical well-being. Assimilating indigenous culture in providing health care can be a vital tool in closing the gap among indigenous and non-indigenous population (MacRae, 2013). Cultural values are the source of strength, resilience and prides for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For improving the lives and health of Aboriginal or Indigenous people, it is important to focus on various cultural aspects of the group. The high prevalence of physical and mental illness in the indigenous population has been reported (Australian Indigenous Health InfoNet, 2016). Women are more likely to face psychological stress in comparison to men. According to indigenous culture, their idea of sickness or illness refers to absence of physical and mental well-being that could be the positive gradient for this population (Shepherd, Li Zubrick, 2012). The most essential components of health and well-being for the indigenous people are connections, family and relations. The indigenous notion of healing is collectively formed through these elements. This notion of health and well-being in indigenous population is different from the remaining non-indigenous population of Australia and significant gap is found in their mental and physical health (Askew, Schluter Spurling, 2013). The cultural practices also play a significant role in well-being and health of these people, as the process of healing includes gatherings and offerings, as well as shared undertaking (Parker, 2013). The healing processes are carried out through cultural traditions and healers and affected person both are engaged together. Environment and natural elements also play important role in culture of Indigenous population. They believe that toxicity should be collectively cleansed from environment as well as body. Indigenous population had always been connected to their land, natural resources, their families and their community. The idea of health is mainly community centered for these people. Own well-being is more specifically the well-being of own community (Waterworth et al, 2015). Therefore, cultural knowledge embedded in the healthcare system can improve quality of community centered care (Durey et al, 2013). The devastating impact of the European colonization was that these people were separated from their lands and natural environment, which was the key element of indigeneity. Promoting cultural competency aims to increase the health care access for the people with diverse cultural background (Thackrah Ill health of the Australian Indigenous population is also due to the interrupted culture (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023, 2013). The impact of interrupted culture is very high and evident on the lives and health of Aboriginal people. Interruption of the culture has not been significantly acknowledged while providing care to indigenous population, as it significantly gave rise to racism and discrimination (Durey Thompson, 2012). The destruction and interruption of their culture resulted in continuous stress, grief, loss despair, and also disruption in the traditional gender roles. Tradition Indigenous culture was based on Kinship, values, pride, but due to historical impact of colonialism, all these factors. Due to the changes in the lifestyle, the gender roles also changed and resulted in the cultural complexities and structural determinants of inequality (Thackrah Thompson, 2013). Men had to leave their hunter gathered lifestyle and women wer e forced to work to take care of their families. Social and Cultural Determinants of Health Health of Indigenous Australian is significantly influenced by the social determinants. The common social determinants include stress, cultural destruction, poverty, unemployment, social support and networks, education, living conditions and attitudes (Australian Indigenous Health InfoNet, 2016). The common risk factors associated with the health of indigenous population is poverty. Poverty resulted in unhealthy living condition, lack of education, unemployment and lack of healthy food (Markwick et al, 2014). The cultural determinants include cultural values, traditions, beliefs, customs and attitudes. Cultural differences have separated this community from the remaining population. Lack of nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical exercise, increasing body weight, high intake of high energy food, and use of alcohol and tobacco are some of the significant issues that resulted in CVD, type2 diabetes, musculoskeletal problems, some specific cancers and obesity (Australian Indige nous Health InfoNet, 2013). Environmental contamination, prevalence of infections, inadequate health care, inability to access health care over crowded households, poor hygiene, malnutrition and poor facility for disease prevention services are some of the other significant determinants of health in indigenous population (Gracey King, 2009). Indigenous Culture and Health Care Providing culturally competent care to the indigenous population is significant to bring positive results in the health outcomes of these people (Bainbridge et al, 2014). For providing and development of different health policies and programs for indigenous population, culture should be accepted as an important factor to be included. This is because their cultural values are very significant for their better health. Some of the indigenous groups are moving from traditional lifestyle to modern lifestyle, which is increasing the problem of obesity and increasing prevalence of social, physical and mental disorders. Mental disorders and disparities are high in children and youth (Askew, Schluter Spurling, 2013). Health of indigenous Australians is also affected by many social issues. Poverty, employment and inability to access better services increasing the burden of psychological disorders. Low income and adverse life events are also increasing the use of alcohol and tobacco. Social disadvantages are also increasing behavior problem on children and youth from indigenous communities (Fragar et al, 2010). Cultural continuity is considered as the correct approach for the social and cultural cohesion with indigenous community. Cultural healing programs can be well accepted by the indigenous people, due to their strong belief in their traditions and cultural practice. Such programs are also found to be effective in helping people to have control over their social and emotional well-being (Osborne, Baum, Brown, 2013). Cultural programs are also effective in bringing together the groups, families and communities for receiving health care, which was unlikely to occur with other forms of care. Culturally appropriate models have also been successful in addressing the issues of mental illness in indigenous youth. Programs that include indigenous culture, such as Hip Hop programs are helpful in increasing confidence and self esteem in youth (Osborne, Baum, Brown, 2013). Close the gap campaign had been very important for addressing the health issues in indigenous communities of Australia. Racism and discrimination has the long history towards indigenous population (Osborne, Baum, Brown, 2013). Therefore, culturally respectful and non discriminatory approach is important to build respectful relationships with the community (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023, 2013). Cultural and language competency among the health care services and health care professionals is important to improve the health of this community. Systematic racism is targeted through National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023 (2013), so as to decrease profound impact of colonization, forced removal and past discriminatory policies. Discrimination and racism are closely linked to health risk behavior, such as alcohol, smoking and substance abuse as well as occurrence of mental illness (Thackrah Thompson, 2013). Such issues are addressed through policies like closing the gap, where the community strength and capabilities are used to improve health of people (Holland, 2014). Cultural awareness training is not enough to provide quality services to this population, but developing cultural competency is important (Bainbridge et al, 2014). Cultural competency is the most specific strategy for reducing the health inequalities and increasing the effectiveness of the care received and culture security is also important for children suffering with mental disorders (Askew, Schluter, Spurling, 2013). This element will also increase the ability and capacity of the health care system in Australia. Cultural competence is the way of displaying respect towards aboriginal culture, which also ensures that the cultural diversity, values, beliefs, rights, and expectations of indigenous population are valued and respected through the delivery of culturally appropriate care (Markwick et al, 2014). Aboriginal community controlled health services were also set up in Australia to address the issue of discrimination and racism in health care system and social and cultural barriers in health care access (Thomas, Bainbridge Tsey, 2014). These services are working towards meeting the needs of Australian indigenous population. Primary health care system is also working towards providing culturally sensitive and holistic care to this population. Cultural competence and culturally sensitive care is important to improve health outcomes and to remove cultural discrimination in health care system (Bainbridge et al, 2014). Conclusion Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, also called as Indigenous people, have faced many issues related to racism and discrimination. European colonialism in Australia changed the physical, mental and social condition of these people and segregated them from the non-indigenous population of the country. Prevalence of many chronic diseases in this population are the result of cultural and social discrimination. For addressing the health issues in Indigenous population, it is important to accumulate culture and traditional values of this group in health care programs and policies. Social determinants of health and increasing the access to health care can be significantly addressed through developing cultural competence in health care system. With the help of current literature, paper discussed importance of cultural competence and safety to manage the ill health of indigenous population in Australia. It can be concluded that strong cultural bonds can bring many benefits and impr ovement in health of this population. References Askew, D. A., Schluter, P. J., Spurling, G. K. P. (2013). Beyond cultural security; towards sanctuary. 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