Dr. Richard Jackson said “Mental health is inherently biochemical and can affect our physical health by influencing how we feel about ourselves and the condition of our life. (Jackson & Sinclair, 2011, p.31). Taking a look at the indigenous population of Alice Springs, what causes alcohol consumption to be high for this population? Is it a mental health issue? By examining the demographics of the indigenous population, our knowledge of the indigenous and possible causes of their alcohol consumption will be discussed. In addition to, identifying any knowledge gaps and finally possible solutions to identified issues.
Who is at Risk? A news article on alcohol consumption across Australia showed that the Northern Territory(NT), were Alice Springs …show more content…
“The percentage of aboriginal mothers that drink while pregnant” is at 48% (Korff, 2015a). Drinking while pregnant can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome which can lead to disabilities and birth defects and in the long run poor overall health for the child. The “Percentage of the overall Federal health expenditure in 2009 which was spent on Aboriginal health” came in at 0.8% (Korff, 2015b). The Aboriginal death rate came in 3-1 when compared to the Australian population (Korff, 2015b). Many also suffer poor general health unassociated with alcohol such as; STDs, cancer, malnutrition, and heart disease to name a few (Korff, …show more content…
There are television ads but if indigenous homes don’t have electricity, or they don’t own a television, then the television ads are not helping. While having the health fairs, casual conversations or questions about their living arrangements i.e. homeless, tribe less, multiple families in a small home could be asked to gather data. The data could be compiled to see if alcoholism is more prevalent in certain circumstances.
As for all the organizations that exist to help Aboriginals with alcoholism, many of those places would be unwilling to share patient information or why its program is failing. Government intervention also doesn’t seem as if that would be the answer with these organizations, as the government is having as little success with its programs as the private organizations. It may be possible to have tribal leader intervention in the programs. By having tribal leaders involved the programs may have more success. Tribal leaders can bring insight into tribe specific issues, rituals, or beliefs which could proof useful in
Who is at Risk? A news article on alcohol consumption across Australia showed that the Northern Territory(NT), were Alice Springs …show more content…
“The percentage of aboriginal mothers that drink while pregnant” is at 48% (Korff, 2015a). Drinking while pregnant can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome which can lead to disabilities and birth defects and in the long run poor overall health for the child. The “Percentage of the overall Federal health expenditure in 2009 which was spent on Aboriginal health” came in at 0.8% (Korff, 2015b). The Aboriginal death rate came in 3-1 when compared to the Australian population (Korff, 2015b). Many also suffer poor general health unassociated with alcohol such as; STDs, cancer, malnutrition, and heart disease to name a few (Korff, …show more content…
There are television ads but if indigenous homes don’t have electricity, or they don’t own a television, then the television ads are not helping. While having the health fairs, casual conversations or questions about their living arrangements i.e. homeless, tribe less, multiple families in a small home could be asked to gather data. The data could be compiled to see if alcoholism is more prevalent in certain circumstances.
As for all the organizations that exist to help Aboriginals with alcoholism, many of those places would be unwilling to share patient information or why its program is failing. Government intervention also doesn’t seem as if that would be the answer with these organizations, as the government is having as little success with its programs as the private organizations. It may be possible to have tribal leader intervention in the programs. By having tribal leaders involved the programs may have more success. Tribal leaders can bring insight into tribe specific issues, rituals, or beliefs which could proof useful in