Achievements

Aboriginal Child Health
The Institute has collected statistical information that shows the dramatically different rates of death, prematurity and low birth weight in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal infants. Compared to non-Aboriginal children, Aboriginal children are: more likely to be born with a pre-existing condition; are 2 to 3 times more likely to die as an infant (probably from SIDS or preventable infection); have a 12% chance of being born with a low birth weight (6% for non-Aboriginal children); have a 13% chance of being born premature (7% for non-Aboriginal children); and are 4 times more likely to die in childhood. This data allows the Institute to develop culturally appropriate programs in Aboriginal health research which translate to positive health outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

The Kulunga Research Network aims to build capacity in Aboriginal research. A team of Aboriginal researchers and staff oversee the Aboriginal child and maternal health research programs of the Institute. Our firm belief is that improvements to the lives of Aboriginal children through sustainable, community owned research effort will have far-reaching impacts on the lives of our families and future generations.

The WA Aboriginal Child Health Survey is the most comprehensive study ever undertaken of Aboriginal families. The research team spent two years talking with families and teachers to gather information about the lives of more than 5000 Aboriginal children across Western Australia. Results have been published in four major volumes:

• Volume One describes the physical health of Aboriginal Children and Young People.
• Volume Two focuses on mental health and social and emotional wellbeing issues.
• Volume Three explores the various factors that impact on the educational outcomes of Aboriginal children and young people.
• Volume Four examines the circumstances of Aboriginal children, families and communities based on their level of relative isolation.

Aboriginal Swimming Pools Study - as part of an environmental intervention, the Ministry of Housing built swimming pools in three remote Aboriginal communities – Burringurrah, Jigalong and Yandeyarra. A research team from the Institute has followed the health status of children from the Burringurrah and Jigalong Aboriginal Communities since the pools opened in 2000. Children were assessed to see whether there were any changes in the burden and severity of ear, eye and skin diseases as well as their general well-being. Results include:

• an increase in the number of children with normal ears from 10% to 45%
• a decrease in the number of children with perforated ear drums from 32% to 12%
• and a reduction in the number of children with skin sores from 65% to 25%.

Other benefits include a doubling of regular school attendance, a reduction in juvenile crime and an increase in water safety skills.