An overview of outputs of Aboriginal- and Torres Strait Islander-related publications from University Departments of Rural Health in Australia; 2010–2021

Introduction

Disparities in the health of Indigenous people and in the health of rural populations are well described. University Departments of Rural Health (UDRHs) in Australia are federally funded under a program to address ongoing challenges with health workforce distribution for rural and remote areas. They have a significant role in research in regional, rural and remote areas, including research related to Indigenous health. However, a comprehensive analysis of their contributions to original Indigenous health related to Indigenous health is lacking.

Objective

This study examines the contributions of UDRHs to Indigenous issues through analysis of publications of UDRHs focused on Indigenous health during the period 2010–2021.

Design

This paper examines a database of UDRH Indigenous-related publications from 2010 to 2021.

Findings

A total of 493 publications to which UDRHs contributed were analysed, including 354 original research articles. Health services research was the most common category, followed by epidemiology and papers exploring Indigenous culture and health. While health services research substantially increased over the period, the numbers of original research papers specifically focused on Indigenous workforce issues, whether related to Indigenous people, students or existing workforce was relatively small.

Discussion

This broad overview shows the nature and trends in Indigenous health research by UDRHs and makes evident a substantial contribution to Indigenous health research, reflecting their commitment to improving the health and well-being of Indigenous communities.

Conclusions

The analysis can help direct future efforts, and future analyses should delve deeper into the impact of this research and further engage Indigenous researchers.