Overview

'Mob' and 'country' are fundamental concepts of identity for Aboriginal people. This research aimed to measure the impact of incorporating questions about mob and country into primary health care alcohol screening at an urban Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO). This was done using a cross-sectional approach with an intervention introduced (questions about mob and country from the clinician).

Impact statement

The results of this research will enable an understanding of how using concepts of indigeneity affects screening for risky alcohol consumption and how the method impacted anxiety and stress within the clinical consultation. It will provide evidence on how concepts of Aboriginal identity can be used in the clinical setting to enhance reporting of risky behaviours — such as problematic alcohol consumption and may also be used as an approach for other health related risk behaviours of a sensitive nature.

External project team

• Jodie Longford (Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service)
• Julie Tongs (Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service)
• Dr Marianne Bookalil (Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service)