Indeginous Health Issues Aus.

The Social determinants of indigenous health have varied considerably over the past century. These determinants have become the basis for the health status of the indigenous in Australia. The indigenous people were found as being inferior to the early settlers. This meant that their position within society is considered lower than those whose are white or European. This is therefore related to their socio-economic status. (Beck, E.J. 1985).High social status come economic rewards as well as a political voice within society. However, this was not so for the indigenous people of Australia. Their social lives were so vastly different from the Europeans, that their opportunities, wealth, knowledge, and power were disrupted accordingly, so that a change in social status could become apparent in order for a rearrangement of power. (Howard, M. 1994).

Howard, M.(1994) Aboriginal power in society. New York. University of press. Pg 342-345.

digenous people were known to have been in excellent health and were free from disease. Prior to 1788, they were referred as being traditional societies of hunter-gatherers. These people provided for their members a ‘lifestyle which was absolutely inevitable in terms of health, nutrition and leisure.’ (Wright, B. 1999). This lifestyle dictated a minimized risk of obesity, as well as associated health problems. The surrounding environment played the role of being greatly diverse in its range of plants and animals for nutrition and a well balanced diet. Those who delved into a life enriched with a strong vibrant culture as well as a healthy diet are believed to have had a health status which was “significantly better than that of the average English man” (Lawson, J 1991).

According to Marmot, M. (1999), that post-colonisation saw the low socio-economic status individuals, this being the indigenous people, change in diet from low fat to higher fatty contents, living conditions and medical attention. Original lifestyles were never to return to normal again. The Europeans stole from the indigenous people their only home, and because of it, their lives and future has never been the same. A decline in population due to the violence of the invaders both in regards to the poisoning as well as the massacre of the indigenous people, and also the spread of disease which the indigenous population were not immune to, caused a huge plunge in population numbers. Not only is it the epidemic diseases, which kill, it is also the risks of lung cancer, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and cardiovascular disease, which if it weren’t for the westernisation of Australia in 1788, and the introduction of tobacco and alcohol to the indigenous people, there wouldn’t be an increasing mortality due to these problems. Also, Marmot, M (1999) said, in today’s society, these poor living conditions and health statuses are a reflection of the unresolved solution to the takeover of Australia from the indigenous people to the European. Poor education, low employment and poverty are all factors, which contribute to the socio-economic problem of the indigenous community.

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