Reference: 2010-006 - Evaluation of screening instrument for Aboriginal mental health and well being

Researchers: Asst/Prof Zaza Lyons, Prof Aleksandar Janca, Assoc/Prof Jon Laugharne, Dr Sophie Davison (The University of Western Australia)

Funding: Internal

Project summary: The concept of social and emotional wellbeing in an Aboriginal context describes an holistic view of health recognised by many Aboriginal people. Traditionally, health encompasses more than just the physical health of an individual – the social, emotional, spiritual and cultural wellbeing of the whole community is essential for the good health of individuals within the community. Conventional screening and assessment instruments, based on unfamiliar concepts and/or symptomatology; different use of language; and the use of numerous questions by strangers may lead to misdiagnosis of mental health problems or be unacceptable to Aboriginal people. While there are many screening instruments that are commonly used by clinicians and researchers to assess a range of psychological conditions, none have been validated in the Aboriginal population. In addition, there are few assessment tools that have been specifically developed and validated for use in the Aboriginal population. The development of a culturally appropriate, simple to use, screening tool would be of benefit in assessing the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal people. The Here and Now Aboriginal Assessment (HANAA) has been developed by the School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Western Australia as a means of screening for mental health problems among Aboriginal people. It focuses on the current mental and physical health of the individual. The following ten domains are assessed by conducting a semi-structured interview: general feeling; physical health; mood; suicide risk/self harm; substance use; memory; unusual experiences; functioning; contributing factors; and resilience. Each domain is rated jointly by the interviewer and respondent as being either not a problem; a small problem; or a big problem. A descriptive narrative can be recorded by the interviewer for each domain. Guidelines to assist the interviewer have also been developed. The purpose of this research project is to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, reliability and validity of the HANAA in the adult Aboriginal population. On completion of the validation process the instrument could be a useful tool in assessing Aboriginal people presenting with possible mental health problems in a variety of settings, including remote communities, or regional and metropolitan centres.

Progress: Ongoing