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Life, lifestyle and location: examining the complexities of psychological distress in young adult Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians

Part of: DOHaD ANZ Conference 2016

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2017

B. Davison ,
T. Nagel  and
G. R. Singh
B. Davison*
Affiliation:
Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
T. Nagel
Affiliation:
Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
G. R. Singh
Affiliation:
Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia NT Medical Program, Flinders and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
*
*Address for correspondence: B. Davison, Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina 0811, Australia. (Email belinda.davison@menzies.edu.au)
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Abstract

Mental health is fundamental to an individual’s health and well-being. Mental health disorders affect a substantial portion of the Australian population, with the most vulnerable time in adolescence and young adulthood. Indigenous Australians fare worse than other Australians on almost every measure of physical and mental health. Cross-sectional data from young adults (21–27 years) participating in the Life Course Program, Northern Territory, Australia, is presented. Rates of psychological distress were high in remote and urban residing Indigenous and urban non-Indigenous young adults. This rate was more pronounced in young women, particularly in Indigenous remote and urban residing women. Young adults with high psychological distress also had lower levels of positive well-being, higher perceived stress levels, experienced a higher number of major life events and were at an increased risk of suicidal ideation and/or self-harm. This study supports the need for a continued focus on early screening and treatment at this vulnerable age. The significant association seen between psychological distress and other markers of emotional well-being, particularly risk of suicidal ideation and/or self-harm, highlights the need for a holistic approach to mental health assessment and treatment. A concerted focus on improving the environs of young adults by lowering levels of stress, improving access to adequate housing, educational and employment opportunity, will assist in improving the emotional health of young adults.

Keywords

Indigenouslife eventsnon-Indigenouspsychological distressyoung adult
Type
Original Article
Information
Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease , Volume 8 , Issue 5: Themed Issue: Australian Perspectives: Outcomes from the 2016 ANZ , October 2017 , pp. 541 - 549
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Copyright
© Cambridge University Press and the International Society for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease 2017 

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