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Associations between Participation in a Ranger Program and Health and Wellbeing Outcomes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in Central Australia: A Proof of Concept Study

Author

Listed:
  • Roxanne Jones

    (National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Acton ACT 2601, Australia)

  • Katherine A. Thurber

    (National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Acton ACT 2601, Australia)

  • Alyson Wright

    (National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Acton ACT 2601, Australia)

  • Jan Chapman

    (National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Acton ACT 2601, Australia)

  • Peter Donohoe

    (The Central Land Council, 27 Stuart Highway, Alice Springs NT 0870, Australia)

  • Vanessa Davis

    (Tangentyere Research Hub, 4 Elder Street, Alice Springs NT 0871, Australia)

  • Raymond Lovett

    (National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Acton ACT 2601, Australia)

Abstract

Culture can be viewed as an integral part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing. This study explores the association between caring for country, through participation in a Ranger program, and wellbeing. We analyzed cross-sectional data collected in Central Australia in 2017, comparing health and wellbeing (life satisfaction, general health, psychological wellbeing and family wellbeing) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples employed as Rangers (n = 43) versus not employed as Rangers (n = 160). We tested if any differences in outcomes were explained by differences in key demographic or health factors. Ranger participation was significantly associated with very high life satisfaction (PR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.29, 2.20) and high family wellbeing (PR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.90); associations remained significant after individual adjustment for education, income, employment, health risk factors and health conditions. The magnitude and direction of associations were similar for very good general health, but results were not significant. We did not identify an association between Ranger participation and psychological wellbeing. While based on a small sample, these findings support the assertion that participation in the Ranger program is associated with positive health and wellbeing outcomes. This supports the continuation of cultural participation and practice through the Ranger program and has implications for funding, program and policy development.

Suggested Citation

  • Roxanne Jones & Katherine A. Thurber & Alyson Wright & Jan Chapman & Peter Donohoe & Vanessa Davis & Raymond Lovett, 2018. "Associations between Participation in a Ranger Program and Health and Wellbeing Outcomes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in Central Australia: A Proof of Concept Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-13, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:7:p:1478-:d:157701
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alfred Dockery, 2010. "Culture and Wellbeing: The Case of Indigenous Australians," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 99(2), pages 315-332, November.
    2. David Campbell, 2016. "Economies through Application of Nonmedical Primary-Preventative Health: Lessons from the Healthy Country Healthy People Experience of Australia’s Aboriginal People," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-16, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Bridget Allen & Karla Canuto & John Robert Evans & Ebony Lewis & Josephine Gwynn & Kylie Radford & Kim Delbaere & Justin Richards & Nigel Lovell & Michelle Dickson & Rona Macniven, 2021. "Facilitators and Barriers to Physical Activity and Sport Participation Experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Adults: A Mixed Method Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-28, September.
    2. Alyson Wright & Mandy Yap & Roxanne Jones & Alice Richardson & Vanessa Davis & Raymond Lovett, 2021. "Examining the Associations between Indigenous Rangers, Culture and Wellbeing in Australia, 2018–2020," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-20, March.

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