Search

Objective: We explored understandings about dementia and lived experiences from carers among community-dwelling Aboriginal people in Western Australia (WA). Methods: In partnership with Aboriginal medical services in WA, we conducted semi-structured interviews with Aboriginal people in Perth and Bunbury. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded thematically. Results: We conducted 39 interviews. Dementia was associated with ‘losing your memory’, a ‘change in behaviour’ and unhealthy lifestyles. Increasing awareness about dementia in the community was noted particularly to enable people to recognise the early signs, feel safe to ask for help and know how to best support families. Families were primarily responsible for caring for people with dementia and were finding it difficult to manage. They expressed negative experiences with currently available aged care facilities. Conclusions: Increased awareness of dementia in the community through public health messaging and by health professionals and culturally secure services focussing on dementia care is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although previous quantitative studies have documented the association between exposure to alcohol portrayals and drinking attitudes in Western countries, few qualitative studies have explored this matter in Thailand. A better understanding of the association in young Thais is required for a more efficient alcohol policy development. This study aims to explore the information young Thais have learnt from exposure to alcohol portrayals in society and the media, examine how this exposure shapes their drinking attitudes, and investigate the alignment of policy-makers' views on drinking with those of young people. Methods: Two qualitative research methods were employed. Seventy-two university students (38 men, 34 women) aged 20–24 participated in focus groups conducted on campus. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with academia, civil society and representatives from government who were involved in alcohol policy. Recorded data were transcribed verbatim, systematically coded and analysed using content analysis. Results: Young Thais were regularly exposed to alcohol portrayals, particularly on social media and in their social environment. Being increasingly exposed to alcohol portrayals, particularly on social media, and the role of the alcohol industry emerged as concerning matters to the academia and civil society sectors. In response to the concerns, the government social media monitoring and alcohol censorship had become more challenging. Conclusions: This study reflects the growing concerns from academia and civil society sectors of the impacts of increased alcohol exposure and the role that the industry may have on young people's drinking attitudes. It highlights the need for response to significant policy challenges to reduce these impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study investigated the quality of life (QoL) of clients in an Indigenous Australian residential alcohol and drug treatment center. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from a random sample of Indigenous clients utilizing the Self Evaluated Individual Quality of Life–Direct Weight tool. The findings from this study provide support for the inclusion of QoL as important in understanding the recovery process from substance misuse. A discrepancy was found between the self-reported aspirations of clients and the focus of the treatment provided, and recommendations were provided for inclusion of new areas in the education provided to the clients of this service. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]