A study by researchers at The Kids Research Institute Australia has found Aboriginal mothers are at a significantly greater risk of preventable death than other Australian mothers.
The study, published in BMC Public Health, found Aboriginal mothers were much more likely to die from external causes, such as accidents, suicides and homicides, and they usually left more and younger children.
The Kids Research Institute Australia researcher, Dr Carrington Shepherd said the loss of a mother can have a deep-rooted impact on families and the team's study highlighted the need for more to be done to protect this at-risk group from premature death.
"Maternal loss can have a particularly traumatic impact on children and their development," Dr Shepherd said.
"This can include prolonged periods of grief, depression, stress, anxiety, problems with identity development, the difficulties associated with the transition to out-of-home care, and the onward elevated risks of substance abuse and suicide in later life.
Head of Aboriginal Research Development Mr Glenn Pearson said the findings were compelling and confirmed the need for researchers, health professionals and policy makers to continue to work together to implement evidence based solutions.
"Policies, interventions and health promotion that promote healthy mental wellbeing, prevent and manage substance abuse, reducing domestic violence, and the stresses associated with the persistent marginalisation of Aboriginal people in present day Australian society, are all likely to protect mothers and their children from these preventable events," Mr Pearson said.
Click here to read the paper.
Study's main findings were:
- Aboriginal mothers were 6½ times more likely to die from external causes (accidents, suicides and homicides) than other mothers in Western Australia from 1983-2010
- The elevated risks are highest for homicide (17½ times more likely)
- About half of these excess risks are explained by poorer socioeconomic circumstances and residential location
- Aboriginal children who suffer a maternal loss do so at an earlier age, and often in the formative years of development (first 5 years of life)
- Maternal loss can have a particularly traumatic impact on children and their development-including prolonged periods of grief, depression, stress, anxiety, problems with identity development, the difficulties associated with the transition to out-of-home care, and the onward elevated risks of substance abuse and suicide in later life.
- Aboriginal mothers are a particularly at-risk group that require high levels of support
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Available for interview:
Dr Carrington Shepherd, The Kids Research Institute Australia
Glenn Pearson, Head of Aboriginal Research Development, The Kids Research Institute Australia
About The Kids Research Institute Australia:
The Kids Research Institute Australia is one of the largest, and most successful medical research institutes in Australia, comprising a dedicated and diverse team of more than 500 staff and students.
We've created a bold blueprint that brings together community, researchers, practitioners, policy makers and funders, who share our vision to improve the health and wellbeing of children through excellence in research.
The Institute is headed by leading paediatrician and infectious diseases expert Professor Jonathan Carapetis, with Founding Director Professor Fiona Stanley now Patron.
The Kids is independent and not-for-profit. The majority of funding comes from our success in winning national and international competitive research grants. We also receive significant philanthropic support from corporate Australia and the community.