Indigenous perspectives on health
Indigenous Australians' perspective on health is not just circulated around the absence of illness but includes holistic concepts for example physical, social, emotional, cultural, spiritual and ecological well being. Unlike westernised medicine Aboriginal people focus predominantly on the social aspects of health and how they influence the physical well being of individuals and communities.
A form of measurement of a person’s health can be to ask them how they would personally rate their own health. As this is a self assessment it is immensely subjective and if the knowledge surrounding health and nutrition is substantial, a self evaluation is not an accurate measure. Self assessed studies vary with geographic location, Indigenous Austraians from remote areas were inclined to rate their health as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’, in comparison to Indigenous Australians from major cities.
With considering the social determinants of health and the history of racial science, Indigenous Australians avert healthcare services as they fear the possibilities of racism, disrespect, judgement and negative government interventions. Other deterrents from social, are the cost and location of medical services. These are all barriers that influence the perspectives towards health and wellbeing for Aboriginals.
Reflection on contemporary health practices
In reflection to how contemporary health practices can be guided by these perspectives, the inclusion of cultural competence, calls to long term funding and updated survey data. If healthcare services advance in their cultural competence this will help in the aid of racism, demolish assumptions due to background, assert respect and encourage Indigenous Australians to feel comfortable and confident in visiting health practices. When the negative perception on healthcare facilities is unpresent and professionals obtain a greater understanding into how Indigenous people perceive ‘health’, Aboriginal people will be able to assertively acquire the support they aren’t currently getting. Extensive and persistent calls for long term funding for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in hopes to support and sustain high quality, comprehensive and primary healthcare services. With funded healthcare the wellbeing of Indigenous Australians would increase due to affordable help with physical and mental health. Information and statistics on the dimensions of Indigenous Australians' health is only collected every 3 to 6 years. With the lack of data it is difficult for things to change and improve. If figures were to be efficiently updated and displayed to the professionals in health care institutions and practices, awareness would be formed to influence emphasis on a resolution.