The development of a culturally sensitive questionnaire related to alcohol and other drug use ...

372 Pages·2009·22.59 MB·English

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Yooroang Garang: School of Indigenous Health
Studies
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The University of Sydney
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The development of a culturally sensitive
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questionnaire related to Alcohol and other Drug
use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
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women.
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by
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I Paige Dowd
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Submitted as part of course requirement for
I Honours Degree
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Yooroang Garang: School of Indigenous Health
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Studies
The University of Sydney
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Supervisor's Signature:
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______2 000
Date of Submission:
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Foreword
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There are many issues relating to the reasons why I chose this
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research project. Unfortunately I have lost a number of my close
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relatiyes to the use and misuse of Alcohol and other Drugs (A&OD),
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It is hoped that the information provided in this Thesis, along with the
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developed questionnaire, will impact on the attitudes and patterns of
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A&OD use not only for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women,
I but all women. It is hoped that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
women in particular will use their inner spiritual powers, strength and
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cultural beliefs to help motivate them to quit. It is also hoped that this
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Thesis will give women the strength to try, for the sake of their health,
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their children's health, their families' health as well as the future
I health of Aboriginal communities to kick their habits or at least
decrease consumption, especially when pregnant.
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I do not intend to offend or degrade Aboriginal and Torres Strait
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Islander women who do use A&OD, however. I merely want to
provide you with the facts!
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Drugs use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, © Paige Dowd, 2000
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Abstract
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This Thesis is Phase 1 of a larger study addressing the use and
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misuse of Alcohol and Other Drugs (A&OD) by Aboriginal and Torres
I' Strait Islander women particularly during pregnancy. It notes that
specific statistics relating to this target group are not readily
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accessible owing to the under - identification of Aboriginal and Torres
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Strait Islander women through the information-gathering methods
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which have been in use for a number of years. The study reviews the
literature on A&OD and it's effects in general and notes that there is a
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need for literature specifically designed to inform Aboriginal and
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Torres Strait Islander women about this issue. A historical overview
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explains colonisation stress and it's social impacts on Aboriginal and
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Torres Strait Islander communities. Participatory research is used as
I a means of involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in
focus groups with the aim of developing a culturally sensitive
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questionnaire which could be implemented in -Phase 2 of this study.
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The questionnaire developed aims to address under identification
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problems by making available a culturally sensitive tool, aimed
specifically to cater for the target group, raising awareness, creating
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Drugs use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, © Paige Dowd, 2000
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discussion and generally educating community members about the
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extent of this problem. This research is one possible stepping stone
I on the way to heightened awareness of the importance of community
consultation as a means of cultural re - empowerment. In conclusion
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the research study was a positive process benefiting both the
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participants and the researcher.
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Drugs use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, © Paige Dowd, 2000
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Acknowledgements
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I would like to acknowledge and thank:
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• All of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women who
I participated in this research study, without you this research study
would not have been possible.
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• All the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who contacted
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me in support of this research study.
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• All of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men who contacted
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me in support of this research study. Your concerns and support
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confirm that this is not only an issue for Aboriginal and Torres
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Strait Islander women but the community as a whole.
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• My Supervisor Or Zakia Hossain for the time that you have
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provided throughout this research study, your valuable research
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skills and your commitment towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait
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Islander women's health
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Page 5 of 193 The development of a culturally sensitive questionnaire related to Alcohol and other
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Drugs use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, © Paige Dowd, 2000
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• Honors Co - ordinator Or Freidoon Khavarpour for the support that
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you have provided throughout this research study.
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• Yooroang Garang - School of Indigenous Health Studies for the
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use of your administrative equipment and financial support.
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• All staff at Yooroang Garang especially, Susan Page for your
I support and encouragement in the beginning. John Grootjans for
your advice and support throughout the entire research study
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process. Shayne Williams for your moral support, valuable
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research advice and community knowledge. There should be
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more Indigenous academic staff like yourself, without your
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academic skills, encouragement and cultural input this research
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study would not have been completed in such detail.
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• My tutor Or Valerie Oelpech for the time that you have allowed for
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this research study, the encouragement, support and friendship
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over the past two years. The valuable writing and research skills
that you have taught me have enabled me to produce the quality
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of information that is included within this Thesis.
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Drugs use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, © Paige Dowd, 2000
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• My Tutor Vee Spak, the experience and wisdom that you possess
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have demonstrated the wealth of knowledge that you have
I developed over time. You have provided me with an abundance
of your precious time and this has enabled this Thesis document
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to be of the quality that it is.
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• All of my co-students for your support and friendship throughout
I my studies.
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• Aboriginal Housing Company Directors and Staff for your support
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in this research study. Without your administrative support this
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Thesis would not have been possible.
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• EORA Centre in Redfern for the support and provision of the
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meeting room for all Focus Group discussions at no cost. Your
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generosity has enabled this research process to be a success.
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• ATSIC State and Regional Office Staff particularly Alan Hedger,
Lisa Dunshay and Jenny Riley for your personal, professional and
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Drugs use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, © Paige Dowd, 2000
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administrative support. Thank you also for the provision of the
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Information folders.
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• Carly Sutherland and Richard McGlone for helping with
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preparation and provision of food for Focus Group participants.
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• Nanny Rose for the fond memories of your mothering throughout
I my child-hood life. My grandfather Jack for the fond memories
that you have enable my mother to pass on to us about the
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"Pond a Rosa".
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• My Grandmother Jopherette, although I never had the opportunity
I to connect with you physically, you have been with me spiritually.
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• My Nanny Julia for rearing my father and instilling your wonderful
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ways in him.
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• My poppy Cecil for the fond memories of the times we used to
spend together.
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• All of my grandparents for your; courage, love and strength during
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the depression, and for persisting with society and surviving the
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battles in this struggle.
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• Mum and Dad for the stability that you have provided throughout
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my life. I will never forget the support and guidance that you have
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given me. Your loving, sharing and caring ways have helped me
I to wade through life. I am also grateful for and appreciate your
cultural beliefs, morals and stories that you have shared with me
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during my life.
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• My sister Naomi, brother in law Paul and their children Paul Junior
I (PJ), Alicia, Luke and Dane for their support and assistance with
Djanni and Maia.
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• My sister Leah (sissy) and brother Brian (Bud), for just being there.
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• The Mc Glone whanau, especially Nanny Wiki for the endless
aroha she shows her mokos, Maia and Djanni.
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Drugs use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, © Paige Dowd, 2000
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