How Australian First Nations peoples living in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area of Australia describe and discuss social and emotional well-being: a qualitative study protocol

Abstract

IntroductionColonisation has, and continues to, negatively impact the mental well-being of Australia’s First Nations peoples. However, the true magnitude of the impact is not known, partially because clinicians have low levels of confidence in using many existing screening tools with First Nations clients. In addition, many authors have critiqued the use of tools designed for Western populations with First Nations peoples, because their worldview of health and well-being is different. Therefore, the aim of the overarching study is to develop an appropriate mental well-being screening tool(s) for older adults (aged 45 and over) living in the Torres Strait that can be used across primary health and geriatric settings. This protocol describes the first phase designed to achieve the overarching aim—yarning about social and emotional well-being (inclusive of mental well-being) in First Nations peoples living in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area of Australia.Method and analysisThe study will be guided by decolonising and participatory action research methodologies. Yarning is an Australian First Nations relational method that relies on storytelling as a way of sharing knowledge. Yarning circles will be conducted with community members and health and aged care workers living on six different island communities of the Torres Strait. Participants will be recruited using purposive sampling. Thematic analysis of the data will be led by Torres Strait Islander members of the research team.Ethics and disseminationThe Far North Queensland, Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) (HREC/2021/QCH/73 638-1518) and James Cook University HREC (H8606) have approved this study. Dissemination of study findings will be led by Torres Strait members of the research team through conferences and peer-reviewed publications.

Developing an appropriate depression and anxiety screening tool for use with Australian First Nations peoples living in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area of Australia: Protocol for a Delphi study

“…The yarning circles were focussed on sharing knowledge about words used to describe feelings of strong and low SEWB well the associated signs and symptoms. The protocol outlining how this phase was conducted was published in 2022 [27]. Phase one's findings will be reported in a separate publication.…”

“…Generation of questions used to develop the survey for the first Delphi round will be drawn from three sources. Firstly, findings from the yarning circles undertaken in the Torres Strait and NPA using the method described in the study protocol [27]. Relevant themes related to words used to describe signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as design suggestions for a tool, will be listed.…”

A Delphi study and development of a social and emotional wellbeing screening tool for Australian First Nations Peoples living in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area of Australia

“…This highlights differences in how Torres Strait Peoples and Aboriginal Peoples view the broader perspective of SEWB as it applies to their communities. Phase one has already been completed in accordance with the published protocol [ 26 ] and a manuscript discussing the findings is under review.…”