Systemic Review of quality of health research for young Indigenous Australians

Dr Elissa Kennedy (Adjunct Senior Lecturer) and Professor Robert Power (DEPM) have recently co-authored a systematic literature review to assess the extent and quality of the evidence base related to the health and wellbeing of young Indigenous Australians.    The review looked at publications dating from 1994 – 2011, involving Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged between 10-24 years, focusing on health and wellbeing.

The review concluded that despite improvements, there are important gaps in the evidence base for the health of young Indigenous Australians. Our study points to the need for greater research investment in urban settings and with regard to mental disorders and injury, with a further emphasis on trials of preventive and clinical intervention.