Abstract
Title
Working together to develop an innovative model for the early detection of mental illness among rural Aboriginal men
Aim
To describe the design and trial of an innovative model for the early detection of mental illness among rural Aboriginal men in Gippsland, Victoria
Method
Through a collaborative effort between a University Department of Rural and Indigenous Health, an Aboriginal organisation and a regional mental health service, an all-male team was set up which consisted of a doctor, a mental health nurse and four key individuals from the local Aboriginal community. A model called the Koori Men’s Health Day was developed which incorporated solutions to key barriers to service access by Aboriginal men with mental health problems. Responsibilities for the organisation of the various aspects of the model were shared among the group. Invitations to attend the service were distributed via flyers, posters and word of mouth. Using an assembly line technique and avoiding any reference to the term ‘mental’, all participants underwent a complete medical examination, a blood test for diabetes and a psychological assessment using the Kessler-10 schedule. The research was funded by a beyondblue Strategic Research grant.
Results
Twenty men attended the event. Of the seventeen participants whose data were available, seven scored significantly (25 or higher) on psychological assessment and were offered follow-up.
Conclusions
When conducted on a regular basis, the Koorie Men’s Health Day could be a useful method for the early detection of mental illness among rural Aboriginal men in Australia. Further research is needed to study the feasibility and sustainability of the model in different settings.
Working together to develop an innovative model for the early detection of mental illness among rural Aboriginal men
Aim
To describe the design and trial of an innovative model for the early detection of mental illness among rural Aboriginal men in Gippsland, Victoria
Method
Through a collaborative effort between a University Department of Rural and Indigenous Health, an Aboriginal organisation and a regional mental health service, an all-male team was set up which consisted of a doctor, a mental health nurse and four key individuals from the local Aboriginal community. A model called the Koori Men’s Health Day was developed which incorporated solutions to key barriers to service access by Aboriginal men with mental health problems. Responsibilities for the organisation of the various aspects of the model were shared among the group. Invitations to attend the service were distributed via flyers, posters and word of mouth. Using an assembly line technique and avoiding any reference to the term ‘mental’, all participants underwent a complete medical examination, a blood test for diabetes and a psychological assessment using the Kessler-10 schedule. The research was funded by a beyondblue Strategic Research grant.
Results
Twenty men attended the event. Of the seventeen participants whose data were available, seven scored significantly (25 or higher) on psychological assessment and were offered follow-up.
Conclusions
When conducted on a regular basis, the Koorie Men’s Health Day could be a useful method for the early detection of mental illness among rural Aboriginal men in Australia. Further research is needed to study the feasibility and sustainability of the model in different settings.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 2013 |
| Event | 5th Australian Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium - Mercure Hotel, Geelong, Australia Duration: 14 Oct 2013 → 15 Oct 2013 |
Conference
| Conference | 5th Australian Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Geelong |
| Period | 14/10/13 → 15/10/13 |
Keywords
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients
- Mental health care
- Early intervention
