Awareness and understanding of concussion among Aboriginal Australians with high health literacy

Abstract

Aim: Indigenous Australians have higher rates of traumatic brain injury, with 74–90% of such injuries being concussion. This study explores concussion awareness and knowledge in Aboriginal Western Australians with high health literacy. Materials & methods: Participants, aged 18–65 years, engaged in research topic yarning, and thematic analysis of the qualitative data then undertaken. Results: There was awareness that direct head trauma can result in concussion, but a lack of differentiation between concussion and other head injuries. Knowledge was gained from sport, media or lived-experience. Symptom minimization and diversity of concussion symptoms prevented participants from seeking medical treatment. This was exacerbated by a mistrust of the medical system. Conclusion: Research findings highlight knowledge and service gaps where co-designed strategies can be targeted.

Keywords

• Aboriginal
• concussion
• First Nations
• indigenous
• mild traumatic brain injury
• mTBI