The Indigenous Health Research Priorities Study Report for Rockhampton 2025

The Health Research Priorities Study aimed to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (herein respectfully referred to as Indigenous) communities in Queensland through a co-designed and collaborative process. The goal of this research study was to work in partnership with local Aboriginal community-controlled health services (ACCHS) to co-identify health research priorities for families and communities during the perinatal period. Certain themes which fell outside the perinatal period included general health concerns such as chronic diseases, and Elders health and wellbeing. It is hoped that these priorities can inform future health programs, services and research projects which have been chosen by communities.

Using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, yarning sessions and Delphi workshops were held with clients and staff of health services in Central Queensland, specifically Bidgerdii Community Health Services in Rockhampton and Mt Morgan sites, and Central Queensland Hospital and Health Services in Rockhampton and Emerald from October 2023 to October 2024.

This report presents findings from the yarning sessions and Delphi workshops, with the Top 10 health research priorities identified for each health service site, and overall, for Rockhampton communities. It also included participant demographic information, feedback on the research process and reactions to participating in 11 yarning sessions and the two Delphi workshops, involving a total of 95 participants. The qualitative analysis identified approximately 194 themes and subthemes based on initial yarning sessions. The themes were considered from a strengths-based perspective, focusing on the resilience and inherent strength of communities amidst the challenges faced.

Identification of health research priorities will support each Aboriginal community-controlled organisation and region of Queensland to develop research initiatives and the translational outcomes that are a focus for their community members. Recommendations for the direction of future studies include ensuring more wide-spread engagement with Rockhampton communities and reflecting on the most salient themes for the region to consider collaboration on future programs, services, and research.

This study has helped to inform the Strong Families Study, an Indigenous longitudinal pregnancy cohort study inclusive of mothers, partners and their children to be implemented in five Queensland regions. Through culturally responsive consultation, implementation and evaluation, the Strong Families Study will be tailored to each community, aiming to provide improved health outcomes throughout the lifetime of participants and within their community for generations to come.

Full report: https://doi.org/10.14264/50683a9

Authors: Massi, Luciana,Smith, Davina,Ahmed, Salma M.,Weatherall, Loretta,Friday, Rhiannon,Dorey, Emily,Wheeler, Kai,Fredericks, Bronwyn,Toombs, Maree,andRae, Kym M.