Yarning with a remote Aboriginal community about the next steps for achieving healthy skin

Abstract

Objective

Skin health is widely recognised as being important for overall good health and well-being, yet the burden of skin infections in remote Aboriginal communities remains high. This project aimed to explore if virtual support for skin health could be a strategy to reduce community barriers to skin health engagement.

Methods

This study collected qualitative data using a yarning methodology within a participatory action research design. A community co-researcher who was intimately familiar with the Country, language, and community in which this study was based was employed to guide the research process.

Results

The final dataset comprised of interviews with 21 participants. Three primary themes were identified including: Reach Further into the Community with Education and Skin Checks, Virtual Skin Health Support is not Preferred but Acceptable, and Environmental Health Cannot be Ignored.

Conclusions

Participants provided several suggestions on improving health promotion messaging within community whilst emphasising the need for a stronger focus on environmental health. The employment of a community co-researcher was integral to informing the methodology.

Implications for Public Health

This project provides further evidence of the significance of community engagement, inclusion and capacity building when conducting research in remote Aboriginal communities and the benefits of two-way learning as foundational to good research practices.