Awareness and understanding of concussion among Aboriginal Australians with high health literacy
Aim: Indigenous Australians have higher rates of traumatic brain injury, with 74–90% of such injuries being concussion. This study explores concussion awareness and knowledge in Aboriginal Western Australians with high health literacy. Materials & methods: Participants, aged 18–65 years, engaged...
Published in: | Concussion |
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Main Authors: | , , , , , |
Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Future Medicine Ltd
2024
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Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.2217/cnc-2023-0012 https://doaj.org/article/57497902a2bd47948ce85edb44f3bef2 |
Summary: | Aim: Indigenous Australians have higher rates of traumatic brain injury, with 74–90% of such injuries being concussion. This study explores concussion awareness and knowledge in Aboriginal Western Australians with high health literacy. Materials & methods: Participants, aged 18–65 years, engaged in research topic yarning, and thematic analysis of the qualitative data then undertaken. Results: There was awareness that direct head trauma can result in concussion, but a lack of differentiation between concussion and other head injuries. Knowledge was gained from sport, media or lived-experience. Symptom minimization and diversity of concussion symptoms prevented participants from seeking medical treatment. This was exacerbated by a mistrust of the medical system. Conclusion: Research findings highlight knowledge and service gaps where co-designed strategies can be targeted. |
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