Research

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13 pages, 859 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk and Protective Factors Experienced by Fathers of Refugee Background during the Early Years of Parenting: A Qualitative Study

by Eleanor Bulford, Alison Fogarty, Rebecca Giallo, Stephanie Brown, Josef Szwarc and Elisha Riggs

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6940; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116940 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2057

Abstract

Fathers of refugee background with young children can experience significant mental health difficulties, with the potential for intergenerational impacts. This study aimed to explore how fathers of refugee background experience risk and protective factors for their own health and wellbeing during the early [...] Read more.

Fathers of refugee background with young children can experience significant mental health difficulties, with the potential for intergenerational impacts. This study aimed to explore how fathers of refugee background experience risk and protective factors for their own health and wellbeing during the early years of parenting. Semi-structured interviews and one semi-structured focus group were conducted with fathers of refugee background, with young children (0–5 years), who had settled in Australia. Transcribed interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, informed by the socioecological model of health. A total of 21 fathers participated in the study. Risk factors experienced included: prior experiences of trauma, reduced access to family support in Australia, adjustments in parenting roles, and the challenges of learning a new language and securing employment. Fathers drew on a number of sources of strength, including a sense of joy from fatherhood and support from partners, families, and communities. While most fathers regularly accompanied their partners and children to healthcare appointments, they were rarely asked by healthcare professionals about their own needs. Our findings support the idea that there is a need for greater assistance for fathers, particularly for navigating issues arising from the settlement process. Healthcare services working with families of refugee background must adopt a father-inclusive, trauma-informed approach that is responsive to fathers’ needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Inequalities in Socially Disadvantaged Communities)

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22 pages, 980 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reflexive Practice as an Approach to Improve Healthcare Delivery for Indigenous Peoples: A Systematic Critical Synthesis and Exploration of the Cultural Safety Education Literature

by Jessica Dawson, Keera Laccos-Barrett, Courtney Hammond and Alice Rumbold

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6691; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116691 - 30 May 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6653

Abstract

Cultural safety is increasingly being taught in tertiary programmes of study for health professionals. Reflexivity is a key skill required to engage in culturally safe practice, however, there is currently limited literature examining how reflexivity is taught or assessed within cultural safety curricula. [...] Read more.

Cultural safety is increasingly being taught in tertiary programmes of study for health professionals. Reflexivity is a key skill required to engage in culturally safe practice, however, there is currently limited literature examining how reflexivity is taught or assessed within cultural safety curricula. A systematic review of the literature up until November 2021 was conducted, examining educational interventions which aimed to produce culturally safe learners. Studies were limited to those with a focus on Indigenous health and delivered in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. A total of 46 documents describing 43 different educational interventions were identified. We found that definitions and conceptualisations of reflexivity varied considerably, resulting in a lack of conceptual clarity. Reflexive catalysts were the primary pedagogical approaches used, where objects, people, or Indigenous pedagogies provided a counterpoint to learners’ knowledges and experiences. Information regarding assessment methods was limited but indicates that the focus of existing programmes has been on changes in learner knowledge and attitudes rather than the ability to engage in reflexivity. The results demonstrate a need for greater conceptual clarity regarding reflexivity as it relates to cultural safety, and to develop methods of assessment that focus on process rather than outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Inequalities in Socially Disadvantaged Communities)

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15 pages, 560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formative Assessment to Improve Cancer Screenings in American Indian Men: Native Patient Navigator and mHealth Texting

by Ken Batai, Priscilla R. Sanderson, Lori Joshweseoma, Linda Burhansstipanov, Dana Russell, Lloyd Joshweseoma and Chiu-Hsieh Hsu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6546; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116546 - 27 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1629

Abstract

Cancer screening rates among American Indian men remain low, without programs specifically designed for men. This paper describes the Community-Based Participatory Research processes and assessment of cancer screening behavior and the appropriateness of the mHealth approach for Hopi men’s promotion of cancer screenings. [...] Read more.

Cancer screening rates among American Indian men remain low, without programs specifically designed for men. This paper describes the Community-Based Participatory Research processes and assessment of cancer screening behavior and the appropriateness of the mHealth approach for Hopi men’s promotion of cancer screenings. This Community-Based Participatory Research included a partnership with H.O.P.I. (Hopi Office of Prevention and Intervention) Cancer Support Services and the Hopi Community Advisory Committee. Cellular phone usage was assessed among male participants in a wellness program utilizing text messaging. Community surveys were conducted with Hopi men (50 years of age or older). The survey revealed colorectal cancer screening rate increased from 51% in 2012 to 71% in 2018, while prostate cancer screening rate had not changed (35% in 2012 and 37% in 2018). Past cancer screening was associated with having additional cancer screening. A cellular phone was commonly used by Hopi men, but not for healthcare or wellness. Cellular phone ownership increased odds of prostate cancer screening in the unadjusted model (OR 9.00, 95% CI: 1.11–73.07), but not in the adjusted model. Cellular phones may be applied for health promotion among Hopi men, but use of cellular phones to improve cancer screening participation needs further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Inequalities in Socially Disadvantaged Communities)

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15 pages, 352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“You Have to Go Gently”: Mentors’ Perspectives of a Peer Mentoring Empowerment Program to Reduce Marginalization in Refugee and Migrant Women

by Shelley Gower, Zakia Jeemi and Jaya A. R. Dantas

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6434; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116434 - 25 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1789

Abstract

The Empowerment and Peer Mentoring of Migrant and Refugee Women pilot program (EMPOWER) provides a mechanism for migrant women who have established lives in Australia to mentor newly arrived women to build the ability, confidence, and knowledge to overcome barriers to the social [...] Read more.

The Empowerment and Peer Mentoring of Migrant and Refugee Women pilot program (EMPOWER) provides a mechanism for migrant women who have established lives in Australia to mentor newly arrived women to build the ability, confidence, and knowledge to overcome barriers to the social determinants of health such as employment. Female migrant mentors (n = 21) met with their mentees (n = 32) on a regular basis over a period of 3 to 12 months between September 2019 and November 2021. The individual mentoring was augmented by group workshops facilitated by content experts and the research team. The unique perspectives of the mentors were explored through individual interviews (n = 15) and analysis of journal entries (n = 58) submitted regularly by mentors throughout the program. Thematic analysis revealed that mentors were intrinsically motivated to build strong and trusting connections with their mentees, which were pivotal to reducing inequalities for mentees and their families. Mentors had high expectations of themselves and demonstrated commitment and flexibility to accommodate mentees’ needs. However, they sometimes struggled when supporting mentees who were overwhelmed by the systemic and other stressors associated with resettlement and pre-migration trauma. Regular networking and moral support for mentors would enhance future programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Inequalities in Socially Disadvantaged Communities)

23 pages, 2975 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Daalbirrwirr Gamambigu (Safe Children) Model: Embedding Cultural Safety in Child Protection Responses for Australian Aboriginal Children in Hospital Settings

by Tara Flemington, Jennifer Fraser, Clinton Gibbs, Joanne Shipp, Joe Bryant, Amanda Ryan, Devika Wijetilaka, Susan Marks, Mick Scarcella, Dimitra Tzioumi, Shanthi Ramanathan, Liesa Clague, Donna Hartz, Bob Lonne and Mark Lock (Ngiyampaa)

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5381; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095381 - 28 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 7729

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to describe the development of a model of care to embed cultural safety for Aboriginal children into paediatric hospital settings. The Daalbirrwirr Gamambigu (pronounced “Dahl-beer-weer gum-um-be-goo” in the Gumbaynggirr language means ‘safe children’) model encompasses child protection [...] Read more.

The aim of this paper is to describe the development of a model of care to embed cultural safety for Aboriginal children into paediatric hospital settings. The Daalbirrwirr Gamambigu (pronounced “Dahl-beer-weer gum-um-be-goo” in the Gumbaynggirr language means ‘safe children’) model encompasses child protection responses at clinical, managerial and organisational levels of health services. A review of scholarly articles and grey literature followed by qualitative interviews with Aboriginal health professionals formed the evidence base for the model, which then underwent rounds of consultation for cultural suitability and clinical utility. Culturally appropriate communication with children and their families using clinical yarning and a culturally adapted version of ISBAR (a mnemonic for Identify, Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation) for interprofessional communication is recommended. The model guides the development of a critical consciousness about cultural safety in health care settings, and privileges the cultural voices of many diverse Aboriginal peoples. When adapted appropriately for local clinical and cultural contexts, it will contribute to a patient journey experience of respect, dignity and empowerment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Inequalities in Socially Disadvantaged Communities)

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14 pages, 635 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Having a Say in Research Directions: The Role of Community Researchers in Participatory Research with Communities of Refugee and Migrant Background

by Fran Hearn, Laura Biggs, Stephanie Brown, Lien Tran, Sherinald Shwe, Ta Mwe Paw Noe, Shadow Toke, May Alqas Alias, Maryaan Essa, Shogoufa Hydari, Josef Szwarc and Elisha Riggs

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4844; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084844 - 15 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2468

Abstract

Research teams in high-income countries often fail to acknowledge the capacity and contributions of Community Researchers. This qualitative exploratory study used decolonising methodology and the Foundation House ‘Refugee Recovery Framework’ to understand Community Researchers’ perceptions and experiences of their role, and how research [...] Read more.

Research teams in high-income countries often fail to acknowledge the capacity and contributions of Community Researchers. This qualitative exploratory study used decolonising methodology and the Foundation House ‘Refugee Recovery Framework’ to understand Community Researchers’ perceptions and experiences of their role, and how research teams can integrate the knowledge they bring into research. Purposive sampling was used to facilitate the recruitment of eight Community Researchers from five different community groups working in Melbourne, Victoria. Semi-structured interviews lasting forty to sixty minutes occurred between December 2020 and January 2021. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings reported in this paper include eight themes: ‘nothing about us without us’; ‘open the door’; a safe space to share; every step of the way; this does not translate; finding the right way to ask; a trauma-informed approach; and support within the workplace. The knowledge obtained demonstrates that Community Researchers facilitate meaningful participation in research for women, families, and communities of refugee or migrant background. Community Researchers’ presence, knowledge, and skills are vital in establishing culturally safe research practices and developing accessible language to facilitate conversations about sensitive research topics across multiple languages. Community Researchers can make important contributions at all stages of research, including data collection and interpretation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Inequalities in Socially Disadvantaged Communities)

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20 pages, 1430 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Living with Rheumatic Heart Disease at the Intersection of Biomedical and Aboriginal Worldviews

by Emma Haynes, Minitja Marawili, Makungun B. Marika, Alice Mitchell, Roz Walker, Judith M. Katzenellenbogen and Dawn Bessarab

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4650; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084650 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2965

Abstract

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) significantly impacts the lives of First Nations Australians. Failure to eliminate RHD is in part attributed to healthcare strategies that fail to understand the lived experience of RHD. To rectify this, a PhD study was undertaken in the Northern [...] Read more.

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) significantly impacts the lives of First Nations Australians. Failure to eliminate RHD is in part attributed to healthcare strategies that fail to understand the lived experience of RHD. To rectify this, a PhD study was undertaken in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia, combining Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing with interviews (24 participants from clinical and community settings) and participant observation to privilege Aboriginal voices, including the interpretations and experiences of Aboriginal co-researchers (described in the adjunct article). During analysis, Aboriginal co-researchers identified three interwoven themes: maintaining good feelings; creating clear understanding (from good information); and choosing a good djalkiri (path). These affirm a worldview that prioritises relationships, positive emotions and the wellbeing of family/community. The findings demonstrate the inter-connectedness of knowledge, choice and behaviour that become increasingly complex in stressful and traumatic health, socioeconomic, political, historical and cultural contexts. Not previously heard in the RHD domain, the findings reveal fundamental differences between Aboriginal and biomedical worldviews contributing to the failure of current approaches to communicating health messages. Mitigating this, Aboriginal co-researchers provided targeted recommendations for culturally responsive health encounters, including: communicating to create positive emotions; building trust; and providing family and community data and health messages (rather than individualistic). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Inequalities in Socially Disadvantaged Communities)

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18 pages, 725 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Weaving a Mat That We Can All Sit On”: Qualitative Research Approaches for Productive Dialogue in the Intercultural Space

by Emma Haynes, Minitja Marawili, Alice Mitchell, Roz Walker, Judith Katzenellenbogen and Dawn Bessarab

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3654; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063654 - 19 Mar 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3190

Abstract

Research remains a site of struggle for First Nations peoples globally. Biomedical research often reinforces existing power structures, perpetuating ongoing colonisation by dominating research priorities, resource allocation, policies, and services. Addressing systemic health inequities requires decolonising methodologies to facilitate new understandings and approaches. [...] Read more.

Research remains a site of struggle for First Nations peoples globally. Biomedical research often reinforces existing power structures, perpetuating ongoing colonisation by dominating research priorities, resource allocation, policies, and services. Addressing systemic health inequities requires decolonising methodologies to facilitate new understandings and approaches. These methodologies promote a creative tension and productive intercultural dialogue between First Nations and Western epistemologies. Concurrently, the potential of critical theory, social science, and community participatory action research approaches to effectively prioritise First Nations peoples’ lived experience within the biomedical worldview is increasingly recognised. This article describes learnings regarding research methods that enable a better understanding of the lived experience of rheumatic heart disease—an intractable, potent marker of health inequity for First Nations Australians, requiring long-term engagement in the troubled intersection between Indigenist and biomedical worldviews. Working with Yolŋu (Aboriginal) co-researchers from remote Northern Territory (Australia), the concept of ganma (turbulent co-mingling of salt and fresh water) was foundational for understanding and applying relationality (gurrutu), deep listening (nhina, nhäma ga ŋäma), and the use of metaphors—approaches that strengthen productive dialogue, described by Yolŋu co-researchers as weaving a ‘mat we can all sit on’. The research results are reported in a subsequent article. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Inequalities in Socially Disadvantaged Communities)

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17 pages, 643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Feasibility Study of the My Strengths Training for Life™ (MST4Life™) Program for Young People Experiencing Homelessness

by Jennifer Cumming, Fiona J. Clarke, Mark J. G. Holland, Benjamin J. Parry, Mary L. Quinton and Sam J. Cooley

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3320; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063320 - 11 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2655

Abstract

My Strengths Training for Life™ (MST4Life™) is a positive youth development program for improving wellbeing and social inclusion in young people experiencing homelessness. MST4Life™ addresses a gap in strengths-based programs aimed at promoting healthy and optimal development in vulnerable older adolescents/emerging adults. The [...] Read more.

My Strengths Training for Life™ (MST4Life™) is a positive youth development program for improving wellbeing and social inclusion in young people experiencing homelessness. MST4Life™ addresses a gap in strengths-based programs aimed at promoting healthy and optimal development in vulnerable older adolescents/emerging adults. The program was co-developed with a UK housing service as part of a long-term (>8 years) community–academic partnership. This mixed-methods study describes a key step in developing and evaluating the program: exploring its feasibility and acceptability with 15 homeless young people (Mean age = 19.99 years, SD = 2.42; 60% male, 40% female). Participants experienced 8 weekly sessions within their local community, followed by a 4-day/3-night residential outdoor adventure trip. In addition to their attendance records, the viewpoints of the participants and their support workers were obtained using diary rooms and focus groups. Feasibility was indicated via the themes of attendance, engagement, and reaction. The findings suggested that young people enjoyed and perceived a need for the program, that they considered the program and its evaluation methods to be acceptable, and that both the community-based and outdoor adventure residential phases could be implemented as planned. Minor modifications are needed to recruitment strategies before it is more widely rolled out and evaluated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Inequalities in Socially Disadvantaged Communities)

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19 pages, 530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seeking Health Information: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Women of Refugee Background from Myanmar in Perth, Western Australia

by Georgia Griffin, S. Zaung Nau, Mohammed Ali, Elisha Riggs and Jaya A. R. Dantas

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3289; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063289 - 10 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3101

Abstract

Women of refugee background are subject to significant health inequity. Access to health information and a good level of health literacy are integral components to manage one’s health needs. The aim of this study isto understand the experiences of women of refugee background [...] Read more.

Women of refugee background are subject to significant health inequity. Access to health information and a good level of health literacy are integral components to manage one’s health needs. The aim of this study isto understand the experiences of women of refugee background from Myanmar seeking and accessing health information. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 women of refugee background from Myanmar resettled in Western Australia. Interpretative phenomenological analysis underpinned the study and was conducted on the interview data. Three superordinate themes and nine subordinate themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Seeking health information (Motivation and Sources), (2) Facilitators and Barriers (Communication, Navigating the system and Community) and (3) Seeking health information in the context of past experiences (Health information as a by-product of healthcare, Health professionals’ provision of health information, Accessibility of healthcare and Expectations on resettlement). These themes provide insight into the challenges of accessing understandable and actionable health information and of promoting the health literacy of women of refugee background from Myanmar. Co-designed community-based and health service interventions should be trialled, including trauma-informed training for health professionals, health information apps and community health promotion programs. Community engagement, participation and evaluation are critical for determining the effective interventions to address the inequalities experienced by this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Inequalities in Socially Disadvantaged Communities)

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19 pages, 1072 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Her Tribe and His Tribe Aboriginal-Designed Empowerment Programs

by Graham Gee, Sarah Sheridan, Lena Charles, Lana Dayne, Lisa Joyce, Jack Stevens, Yin Paradies, Carol Hulbert, Nick Haslam, Reg Thorpe, Lisa Thorpe, Alister Thorpe, Paul Stewart, Lionel Austin, Louise Lyons, Mary Belfrage, Ruby Warber, Ashley Paxton and Laura Thompson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2381; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042381 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3508

Abstract

This study documents evaluation of the Her Tribe and His Tribe Aboriginal-designed empowerment pilot programs. The programs were designed to support Victorian Aboriginal people to strengthen mental health, social and emotional wellbeing, community connection, and to reduce psychological distress. A second aim was [...] Read more.

This study documents evaluation of the Her Tribe and His Tribe Aboriginal-designed empowerment pilot programs. The programs were designed to support Victorian Aboriginal people to strengthen mental health, social and emotional wellbeing, community connection, and to reduce psychological distress. A second aim was to explore participants’ experiences of the programs, including the feasibility and acceptability of the evaluation component. Her Tribe ran for 16 weeks and His Tribe for 12 weeks. In total, 43 women and 26 men completed assessments at pre- and post-program completion, and 17 and 10, respectively, participated in yarning circles at the 6-month follow up. For both programs, there were significant increases in participants’ access to personal strengths and resources, relationship–community–cultural strengths and resources, and decreases in psychological distress. These changes were associated with small to moderate effects that were maintained at the 6-month follow up. There was a significant increase in aerobic fitness for female but not male participants, and no significant changes in weight for either group. Participants described a range of benefits from the programs, including positive elements and areas for improvement. They also viewed the evaluation as feasible and acceptable, and the findings of value. The outcomes from both pilot programs provide evidence that Aboriginal-designed programs, with a focus on physical and cultural activities, can help to strengthen mental health and wellbeing, community connection, and reduce psychological distress in Victorian Aboriginal communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Inequalities in Socially Disadvantaged Communities)

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15 pages, 1052 KiB

Open AccessStudy Protocol

Are Australian Universities Perpetuating the Teaching of Racism in Their Undergraduate Nurses in Discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Courses? A Critical Race Document Analysis Protocol

by Keera Laccos-Barrett, Angela Elisabeth Brown, Roianne West and Katherine Lorraine Baldock

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7703; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137703 - 23 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2812

Abstract

Systemic racism has a profound negative impact on the health outcomes of Australia’s First Nations peoples, hereafter referred to as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, where racism and white privilege have largely become normalised and socially facilitated. A national framework is being [...] Read more.

Systemic racism has a profound negative impact on the health outcomes of Australia’s First Nations peoples, hereafter referred to as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, where racism and white privilege have largely become normalised and socially facilitated. A national framework is being mobilised within the tertiary-level nursing curriculum to equip future health professionals with cultural capabilities to ensure culturally safe, equitable health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In 2019, nurses comprised more than half of all registered health professionals in Australia, and current national standards for nursing state that Australian universities should be graduating registered nurses capable of delivering care that is received as culturally safe. It is therefore critical to evaluate where learning objectives within nursing curricula may lead to the reinforcement and teaching of racist ideologies to nursing students. This protocol outlines a framework and methodology that will inform a critical race document analysis to evaluate how learning objectives assert the social construction of “race” as a tool of oppressive segregation. The document analysis will include each discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health course within all undergraduate nursing programs at Australian universities. The approach outlined within this protocol is developed according to an Indigenous research paradigm and Colonial Critical Race Theory as both the framework and methodology. The purpose of the framework is a means for improving health professional curriculum by reducing racism as highlighted in nation-wide strategies for curriculum reform. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Inequalities in Socially Disadvantaged Communities)

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15 pages, 496 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Systematic Review of Child Health and Developmental Outcomes Associated with Low Birthweight and/or Small for Gestational Age in Indigenous Children from Australia, Canada and New Zealand

by Madeleine Batchelor, Stephanie J. Brown, Karen Glover and Deirdre Gartland

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12669; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312669 - 01 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2895

Abstract

While much is known about the health implications of low birthweight for infants and adults, there is limited information about the health implications in childhood, particularly for Indigenous children. The aim of this systematic review was to assess associations between low birthweight (LBW) [...] Read more.

While much is known about the health implications of low birthweight for infants and adults, there is limited information about the health implications in childhood, particularly for Indigenous children. The aim of this systematic review was to assess associations between low birthweight (LBW) and/or small for gestational age (SGA) and the developmental, physical or mental health outcomes for Australian, Canadian and New Zealand Indigenous children (5–12 years), including the potential mediating role of cultural connections. The review was guided by an Aboriginal Advisory Group established to guide the Aboriginal Families Study. Four databases were investigated with pre-determined inclusion/exclusion criteria. The search identified 417 articles after independent screening by two authors. Eight studies assessing six child outcomes were included. The review identified limited evidence, although the review suggested possible links between LBW and/or SGA and childhood asthma, lower body mass index (BMI) and poorer academic performance. Links between LBW, SGA and disability, global health and developmental vulnerability were inconclusive. One study identified cultural-based resilience as protective against perinatal adversity. In summary, research on the relationship between adverse birth outcomes and Indigenous children’s health and development is limited. Further investigation and collaboration with Indigenous communities is required to drive optimised health and social services responses and equitable system reform. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Inequalities in Socially Disadvantaged Communities)

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