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The contribution of sleep to ‘Closing the Gap’ in the health of Indigenous children : a methodological approach
journal contribution
posted on 2017-12-06, 00:00 authored by D Camfferman, Sarah BlundenSarah BlundenAbstract Objectives: Research on Indigenous children’s sleep quality is likely to play a significant part in ‘Closing the Gap’ between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children’s health, academic performance and social outcomes. However, examination of the sleep of Australian Indigenous children presents some unique challenges, particularly in terms of community input, study design and in the collection of relevant data. Methods: The current literature on Indigenous sleep research is reviewed and includes factors such as mental and physical health, socioeconomic disadvantage, and their relationships to sleep. Challenges encountered in researching Indigenous sleep and strategies for best practice are explored. Conclusion: Many challenges exist in researching sleep in Indigenous children, but the imperative of undertaking this task is clear. An assessment of the sleep of Australian Indigenous children requires a thorough evaluation of factors that contribute to sleep health such as co-morbid disease, regional factors and social disadvantage. Methodological issues include appropriate assessment tools, affordable and objective sleep quality measures, accounting for differing cultural beliefs and practices and timekeeping associated with bedtimes and get-up times.
Funding
Category 1 - Australian Competitive Grants (this includes ARC, NHMRC)
History
Volume
15Issue
1Start Page
1End Page
8Number of Pages
8eISSN
1445-7253ISSN
1445-7253Location
AustraliaPublisher
HealthInfoNetLanguage
en-ausPeer Reviewed
- Yes
Open Access
- No
External Author Affiliations
Not affiliated to a Research Institute; School of Human, Health and Social Sciences (2013- ); University of South Australia;Era Eligible
- Yes