Aboriginal communities in the Cape York region have welcomed the
findings of a recent study into injury in their communities, even
though it reveals that injury in the communities, particularly
alcohol-related injury, is a serious problem.
The Study of Injury in Five Cape York Communities was
undertaken by the Cairns-based Tropical Public Health Unit of
Queensland Health, in conjunction with the Australian Institute of
Health and Welfare's National Injury Surveillance Unit, the
Communities, and local Aboriginal Health Councils.
The study's Project Officer, Doug Gladman, said the study was
multi-faceted, involving a 12-month audit of injury cases in one
community, comparisons of injury between a community with a 'wet'
canteen and one without, detailed case studies and a series of
focus group sessions across all five communities.
'Our findings, particularly with respect to the alcohol-related
injuries, were alarming for the communities - but nevertheless they
have supported this study all the way and have no wish to hide the
extent of the problems.'
In one community with a wet canteen (selling beer only) injury
rates were as much as 190 per year per 100 males aged 16-44 years.
Injuries accounted for 24% of all clinic presentations, and 34% of
medical evacuations.
Alcohol was a factor in 51% of all injuries and 88% of assault
injuries. These events were concentrated around pay days and
canteen opening days.
Assault, including domestic violence, accounted for 292 (43%) of
injuries. Other leading causes of injuries were falls, transport
accidents, cutting and piercing accidents, dog bites and petrol
sniffing.
'We also found that 93% of adults in the community were regular
drinkers, consuming an average of 26 cans of full strength beer a
week', Mr Gladman said. 'The community was spending 40% of their
total income on alcohol.'
'Our study, however, is not just about problems, it is also
about solutions, that in many cases have been identified by the
communities themselves. Queensland Health has already acted on our
findings by funding a follow-up study to further investigate the
problems and implement some changes.'
Cape York Health Council Chairperson Barbara Flick said that the
study was 'extremely useful' in pointing the way forward for the
Communities to reduce injury incidence.
23 February 1998
Further information: Doug Gladman, Project
Coordinator, Queensland Health, ph. 07 4031 0152 (Friday) or 03
9326 9622 (Sunday-Tuesday), or Barbara Flick, Cape York Health
Council, ph. 04 1979 6251 (mobile).
For media copies of the report (83 pp.): Renata
Kreisfeld, NISU, ph. 08 8374 0970.
Availability: Check the AIHW Publications Catalogue
for details.