‘Gudhurr-wutu’ (strengthen the mob)

Maximizing the impact of First Nations health and well-being messaging

Bibliographic Data

ID22945121
AuthorsHeidi Lavis (0000-0002-1041-806X, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health , 20 Highfields Circuit, Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia, 2444), Amy Thompson (0009-0007-3999-8778, Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service , 15-19 York Lane, Kempsey, NSW, Australia, 2440), Amy D Thompson (0000-0001-6283-8966, Tharawal Aboriginal), Victor Zander, Rickey Luland, Wendy Cowan, Noel Lockwood, Joshua Donohue, Grahame Quinlan, Kyara Fernando, Nicolette A Hodyl (0000-0003-2025-5310, Hunter Medical Research Institute , PO Box 1000, New Lambton, NSW, Australia, 2305)
Year2025
Volume40
Issue6
Publication date2025-10-30
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Promotion International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0957-4824 • E-ISSN: 1460-2245
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/heapro/daaf196
PMID41308115
OpenAlexW4416811015
LanguageEN
References cited36

Dunghutti Country is located within Australia's number one ‘stroke hotspot’, with incidence almost double the national average. First Nations peoples are disproportionately affected by stroke, with higher incidence and hospitalization rates and a greater risk of dying compared to non-First Nations Australians. Early recognition of stroke symptoms is critical for people to access time-sensitive medical interventions, maximizing recovery potential. Whilst an internationally recognized F.A.S.T (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) message exists to promote rapid recognition of stroke symptoms, community awareness of F.A.S.T is limited. This project aimed to collaboratively design a culturally responsive F.A.S.T health message with and by First Nation's peoples, thus increasing awareness of stroke symptoms, to improve response for seeking time-sensitive medical care. Guided by a qualitative participatory action methodology, and the use of cross-cultural Yarning as the method, this collaborative project involved six Dunghutti stroke survivors, a Dunghutti artist, a knowledge holder of local Dunghutti language, and a local occupational therapist/researcher, who reviewed the mainstream F.A.S.T health message and reimagined that message in a culturally relevant and meaningful way. Yarning allowed exploration of key themes, identifying three elements necessary to maximize the impact of First Nations health and well-being messaging. Elements included ensuring the health message (i) connects to Country, (ii) connects to understandings of health and well-being, and (iii) connects through relevant content, with First Nations peoples centred within the ideation, development, and message delivery processes.

Action (physics) · Call to action · Citizen journalism · Community-based participatory research · Health communication · Mainstream · Participatory action research · Qualitative research · Stroke (engine) · Hearing Impairment and Communication · Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights · Occupational Therapy Practice and Research

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