MPH2057 - Aboriginal health

Leader: C Hughes

Offered

Alfred Hospital Second semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

Aboriginal health and colonisation: the impact of colonisation on Aboriginal health and traditional health responses. Aboriginal peoples' concepts of health and well-being. History of government policies and funding. Current aboriginal health status, including common problems in children, women and men. Models of health services, including community controlled health services and partnerships. Health promotion in Aboriginal communities: case studies from urban and rural settings. Aboriginal perspectives in Aboriginal culture. Cultural remoteness. Aboriginal health research, ethics, community protocols and use of data.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the social, economic, cultural and political context of health in the Aboriginal community.
2. Explain a brief epidemiology of the major health problems in Aboriginal communities.
3. Recognise the essentials of holistic health care services for Aboriginal communities and the network of community controlled services that facilitate or deliver care.
4. Demonstrate a good understanding of the principles of appropriate health care and the role of community controlled services.
5. Summarise the public health management of major diseases that affect Aboriginal communities.
6. Explain the place of research concerned with Aboriginal health issues.

Assessment

Group project (15%), Participation (5%), Written assignment 3,500-4,000 words (80%).

Contact hours

5 day intensive block at Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO).

Prerequisites

Basic computer proficiency