Strengths-Based Nursing to Combat Common Infectious Diseases in Indigenous Australians

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nursing
• Indigenous Health

Background:

• Indigenous Australians face a disproportionately high burden of infectious diseases compared to non-Indigenous populations.
• Common infectious diseases include sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and infectious skin diseases, including parasitic infestations.
• Addressing these health disparities requires culturally sensitive and resource-aware interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the application of Strengths-Based Nursing (SBN) in managing common infectious diseases among Indigenous Australians.
• To describe how nurses can partner with Indigenous communities using SBN to control and mitigate the impact of these diseases.
• To highlight the use of local resources and community collaboration within the SBN framework.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and web resources.
• The search focused on Strengths-Based Nursing principles and prevalent infectious diseases in Indigenous Australian populations.
• Analysis involved identifying and discussing evidence-based SBN approaches tailored to local contexts.

Main Results:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and infectious skin diseases (including parasitic infestations) were identified as key areas of concern.
• The prevalence and impact of these diseases within Indigenous Australian communities were examined.
• Several Strengths-Based Nursing strategies were proposed for managing STIs and skin infections, emphasizing community involvement and available resources.

Conclusions:

• Strengths-Based Nursing presents a paradigm shift from traditional medical models, focusing on strengths, resources, and collaboration.
• SBN offers a promising framework for addressing infectious diseases in Indigenous Australians by empowering communities and utilizing local assets.
• The study identifies and discusses novel SBN approaches for combating STIs and skin infections, promoting a more equitable and effective healthcare delivery model.