Understanding the Impact and Tackling the Burden of Osteoarthritis for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

Objective: The aim of this study was to understand and describe the lived experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with osteoarthritis.

Methods: Qualitative study guided by cultural security, which ensures that research is conducted in a way that will not compromise the cultural values, beliefs, and expectations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Participants were purposively sampled through the networks of project staff.

Laying the foundations of community engagement in Aboriginal health research: establishing a community reference group and terms of reference in a novel research field.

Background: Community engagement or community involvement in Aboriginal health research is a process that involves partnering, collaborating and involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or potential research participants to empower them to have a say in how research with Aboriginal communities is conducted. In the context of Aboriginal health, this is particularly important so that researchers can respond to the priorities of the community under study and conduct research in a way that is respectful of Aboriginal cultural values and beliefs. One approach to incorporating the principals of community engagement and to ensure cultural oversight and guidance to projects is to engage a community reference group.