Mental health of Indigenous Australians: a review of findings from community surveys

Abstract

To assemble what is known about the mental health of Indigenous Australians from community surveys. A systematic search was carried out of publications and data sources since 2000using PubMed, PsycINFO, Australian Medical Index, the National Library of Australia and datasets known to the authors. Surveys had to involve representative sampling of a population, identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and include a measure of mental health. 11surveys were found. Data were extracted on prevalence rates for Indigenous people by age and sex, along with comparison data from the general population, where available. Across seven studies, Indigenous adults were consistently found to have a higher prevalence of self-reported psychological distress than the general community. However, two studies of Indigenous adolescents did not find a higher prevalence of psychological distress. Two surveys of parents and carers of Indigenous children and adolescents found a higher prevalence of behaviour problems. There is an inequality in mental health between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that starts from an early age. This needs to be a priority for research, preventive action and health services.