Bone health perspectives among Indigenous people: a qualitative study

To explore perspectives and beliefs on bone health among Indigenous adults in Victoria.

Qualitative focus groups with semi-structured questions. Focus group discussions were analysed for themes and subthemes using an Indigenous research framework based on three concepts: Ways of Knowing, Ways of Being and Ways of Doing.

Focus groups were conducted at Aboriginal Community-controlled organisations and Community centres. Men and women aged ≥ 35 years who identified as Indigenous and were able to give informed consent were invited to participate.

Eighty-two Indigenous people participated in twelve focus groups across ten sites in Victoria. Most participants (64) were women, and the majority lived in metropolitan centres, regional centres and large rural towns (Modified Monash categories 1-3). Five themes were developed around the Indigenous framework proposed by Karen Martin-Booran Mirraboopa - Ways of Knowing, Ways of Doing and Ways of Being - which guided participants in identifying knowledge of exercise for bone and muscle health; connection to Country; importance of regular preventive health activities; food and nutrients as good medicine for bone health; and healthy futures for Community through education. An overarching theme of holistic health, including the aspect of spirituality and related lifestyle factors pertaining to musculoskeletal health, was highlighted.

Increasing bone health awareness by a co-created Community education program was valued as it would be beneficial for Indigenous people across the life course. To be effective, incorporating traditional Indigenous ways and knowledge along with present-day health evidence is required.