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

Background

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (respectfully Indigenous) children (birth to 14 years) and youth (15 to 24 years) 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.

Aims

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 (PreventNCD) that is embedded into the ACCHS’s existing service delivery model of care. The PreventNCD 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.

Project plan

1. Conduct a needs and assets assessment to identify potential barriers and facilitators to implementing the proposed PreventNCD program in urban ACCHS settings and identify relevant implementation and performance indicators (Work Package: WP1).

2. Co-develop a best-evidence and culturally appropriate PreventNCD program, and implementation strategies most appropriate for urban ACCHSs, through an iterative co-creation process with relevant health professional and community stakeholders, including Indigenous community health workers, nurses, clinicians, and members of Indigenous communities (WP2).

3. Evaluate the implementation of PreventNCD, including its uptake into routine service delivery, its impact on client-level and service level outcomes, and its costs (WP3).

Taking a theory-driven implementation science and evidence-informed interventions to reduce the risks for NCD in across all ages will contribute to the ongoing efforts directed to reduce health inequities, improving quality of life and informing and advancing preventive health programs and policies.

Publications and output

To access publications and other outputs relating to this project, see our publications webpage.

Funding organisations

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