How do Indigenous Australians understand the lived experience of chronic conditions? : A regional case study

Chronic conditions are distinguished from other health conditions as most chronic diseases are rarely cured and do not usually resolve spontaneously, but rather persist over time (AIHW 2014). There are a number of key conditions that government funding recognises as the priority set of chronic conditions in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. These include: diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, cancer and respiratory disease. This research project was focussed on collecting new information regarding the experiences and perceptions of chronic conditions impacting on the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community within the Greater Rockhampton region. The aim was to provide a ‘voice’ to those people with lived experience of chronic conditions and those who care for them, as well as other peoples in the community. This may include those who are not unwell but have friends/family that are, and who may anticipate health difficulties as they grow older. This information is not available in the current literature and data sets and was identified as a gap in what is known about chronic conditions. The outcomes of this research suggests much needs to be done in assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to manage and prevent chronic illness, despite the current treatment and management programs available.