Awareness and understanding of concussion among Aboriginal Australians with high health literacy

• Published in: Concussion
• Main Authors: Trish Hill-Wall, Kahlia McCausland, Elizabeth Thomas, Richard Norman, Jonathan Bullen, Gill Cowen
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Future Medicine Ltd 2024
• Subjects: Aboriginal; concussion; First Nations; indigenous; mild traumatic brain injury; mTBI; Medical emergencies. Critical care. Intensive care. First aid; RC86-88.9
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.2217/cnc-2023-0012; https://doaj.org/article/57497902a2bd47948ce85edb44f3bef2

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.