Needs of A boriginal A ustralian women with comorbid mental and alcohol and other drug use disorders

Kylie S Lee · Kaylie Harrison · Katherine L. Mills · Katherine M. Conigrave

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Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes Mental Health Treatment and Access

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Aboriginal Australian women have an important role in raising strong families. Yet there are many challenges for women with mental health disorders, sometimes following past traumas. This study examines experiences of Aboriginal women engaging with treatment services for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (SUD), and the experiences of their family, and of health staff seeking to support them. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study was implemented by four Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in urban and regional New South Wales to inform improvements to local health service delivery. All Aboriginal female clients with a diagnosed comorbid mental health and SUD were offered study participation by staff of that Aboriginal Medical Service. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by an independent Aboriginal interviewer: 21 with clients, 12 with adult family members of these clients and 11 with Aboriginal health workers from these services. RESULTS: Clients (aged 21-60) experienced a range of mental health and SUD, attributed by them to negative events early in life. Clients and family members reported that the disorders have severe impacts on the women and their families, including children. Considerable barriers to accessing relevant services were described. Suggested service improvements included more local inpatient treatment options, more friendly and flexible services, better service promotion and improved staff professional development opportunities. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Barriers to accessing mental health and SUD treatment (Aboriginal and mainstream) need addressing. Research is needed to optimise treatment to meet the complex needs of Aboriginal Australians with co-occurring mental health and SUD.

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2013Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 1968The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research.1968The Discovery of Grounded Theory; Strategies for Qualitative Research 2014Working Together: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Wellbeing Principles and Practice 2010The role of early life stress as a predictor for alcohol and drug dependence 2000The Mental Health of Aboriginal Peoples: Transformations of Identity and Community 2007Ampe Akelyernemane Meke Mekarle "Little children are sacred": Report of the NT Board of Inquiry into the protection of Aboriginal children from sexual abuse 1999Influence of Comorbid Alcohol and Psychiatric Disorders on Utilization of Mental Health Services in the National Comorbidity Survey

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