Objective: This study was the first phase of a broader project designed to develop a new tool to screen social and emotional well-being (SEWB). Its objective was to identify words used by First Nations people living in the Torres Strait (Zenadth Kes) and Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) to describe and discuss SEWB. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To assess the prevalence of falls and examine associations between falls and potential risk factors in older adults of the Torres Strait Region of Australia.
Methods: Two hundred and fifty people aged ≥45 years residing in the Torres Strait, who identified as Torres Strait Islander, Aboriginal or both, were asked whether they had sustained any falls in the past year. Associations between self-reported falls and predictor variables were examined using logistic regression.
Objective: Dementia disproportionately affects First Nations populations. Biomarkers collected in primary care may assist with determining dementia risk. Our previous underpowered study showed some suggestive associations between baseline biomarkers with follow-up dementia or cognitive impairment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: The aim of this study was to validate the Kimberley Indigenous Cognitive Assessment-Cognitive Component (KICA-Cog) adapted for dementia screening in Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Methods: Data were obtained from a broader dementia prevalence study completed in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area between 2015 and 2018. Modifications were made to items from the original KICA-Cog to ensure they were culturally appropriate for the Torres Strait.
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Reducing the burden of dementia in First Nations populations may be addressed through developing population specific methods to quantify future risk of dementia.
Objective: To adapt existing dementia risk models to cross-sectional dementia prevalence data from a First Nations population in the Torres Strait region of Australia in preparation for follow-up of participants. To explore the diagnostic utility of these dementia risk models at detecting dementia.
Introduction: Colonisation 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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Dementia is highly prevalent among Australia's First Nations peoples, including Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal peoples in Far North Queensland (FNQ). It is likely that historically recent exposure to modifiable risk factors underlies these rates, and a large proportion of dementia may be potentially preventable.
Methods: Data from two adult community health checks (2015-2018) were analyzed to determine the prevalence of 11 modifiable dementia risk factors among the First Nations residents of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area of FNQ.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression in older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults.
Methods: A modified version of the PHQ-9 (KICA-dep) and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) were administered as part of a wider dementia prevalence study conducted in the Torres Strait. Results were compared to diagnoses obtained on Geriatric review to evaluate their applicability in the region.
As life expectancy increases for Indigenous populations, so does the number of older adults with complex, chronic health conditions and age-related geriatric syndromes. Many of these conditions are associated with modifiable lifestyle factors that, if addressed, may improve the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples as they age. If models of healthy aging are to be promoted within health services, a clearer understanding of what aging well means for Indigenous peoples is needed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To identify the specific risk factors for dementia in the Torres Strait.
Methods: This research was conducted as part of a cross-sectional dementia prevalence study conducted in the Torres Strait. Participants underwent a comprehensive health assessment, where data on risk factors were collected, and a Geriatrician assessment, which was used to establish dementia diagnoses.
Context: Health research is important to effectively address the health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. However, research within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities has not always been conducted ethically or with tangible benefits to those involved. Justifiably then, people may be reticent to welcome researchers into their communities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To examine the prevalence of dementia and problems associated with ageing in the Torres Strait.
Methods: The study was conducted across all 18 island and 5 mainland communities in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area of Far North Queensland. Participants underwent a comprehensive health assessment and a Geriatrician assessment, which were used to establish consensus diagnoses.