E-Poster Presentation ESA-SRB-ANZBMS 2021

Determining need for a co-designed educational program to increase musculoskeletal health awareness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults: findings from focus groups (#772)

Pamada Manoleehakul 1 , Cat Shore-Lorenti 1 , Marc Sim 2 3 , Louise Maple-Brown 4 5 , Joshua R Lewis 2 3 6 , Jennifer Ockwell 7 , Troy Walker 8 , David Scott 1 9 , Sharon L Brennan-Olsen 10 11 12 13 , Peter R Ebeling 1 , Ayse Zengin 1 10
  1. Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
  2. Institute for Nutrition Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
  3. Medical School, Royal Perth Hospital Unit, University Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
  4. Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
  5. Endocrinology Department, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
  6. Centre for Kidney Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
  7. Bunurong Health Service, Dandenong & District Aborigines Co-operative Ltd, Dandenong, VIC, Australia
  8. A2B Personnel, Echuca, VIC, Australia
  9. Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
  10. School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
  11. Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), University of Melbourne and Western Health, St Albans, VIC, Australia
  12. Department of Medicine-Western Health, University of Melbourne, St Albans, VIC, Australia
  13. Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong , VIC, Australia

Background: Falls and fracture rates are higher among Indigenous Australians compared with non-Indigenous Australians. Knowledge and awareness about osteoporosis and its related risk factors are important contributors to fall and fracture prevention. No data exist on musculoskeletal (MSK) health knowledge among Indigenous Australians. We conducted a needs-analysis to identify knowledge gaps to then co-design an educational program with Community, for Community.

 

Methods: Two focus groups were undertaken with Indigenous Australians aged 35-75years residing in Victoria (n=2x5 participants). Each focus group was split into three sections: bone health, muscle health and practicalities. Each section was given an introduction by the facilitator, followed by semi-structured questions. Focus group recordings were transcribed, and thematic analyses performed using NVivo.

 

Results: Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis were used interchangeably suggesting a lack of awareness between the two. Diet (healthy eating), nutrition (calcium), vitamin D and exercise were identified as factors important for healthy bones. Weak muscles were identified to increase falls risk. Participants were unsure of whether chronic disease (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease) impacted MSK health; due to personal experiences, the effects of cancer on MSK health were discussed by participants. Mental health was identified as a key factor that influenced all aspects of health and was highly recommended to be included in the educational program. All participants identified “face-to-face” sessions as the optimal delivery method for an educational program. As storytelling is a crucial element of Aboriginal culture, focus groups highlighted the imperative of including a community member in each session to tell a personal story related to MSK health.

 

Conclusions: The focus groups identified knowledge gaps in MSK health and indicated the need for a co-designed educational program. This should be culturally appropriate, delivered in a face-to-face setting and fulfil Community needs to effectively improve awareness of MSK health in Indigenous Australians.