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THE HEALTH STATUS OF AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINES: THE NEED FOR AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

1970; Wiley; Volume: 2; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.5694/j.1326-5377.1970.tb87383.x

1326-5377

Colin Tatz,

Indigenous Studies and Ecology

The question of Aboriginal health has now come to the fore, mainly as a result of criticism by social scientists and newspaper editors, the publication of medical research findings and the acknowledged concern of governments. A national survey of Aboriginal health is now proposed. This article presents the case for an Interdisciplinary approach in any such survey, and suggests that the single focus of any one discipline or profession will prove relatively fruitless. A broad sociological-epidemiological orientation is suggested. A possible guideline or model with such an orientation is presented, together with relevant reflections, observations and comments. Emphasis is placed on the need to recognize, appreciate and accommodate the existing cultural configurations of different Aboriginal communities. Without such recognition, it is contended that many of the innovations and programmes for improving the level of Aboriginal health are likely to fail.