An evaluation and comprehensive guide to successful Aboriginal health promotion

Objective: The object of this paper is to examine and evaluate a report on an Aboriginal health promotion program on: its effectiveness in reducing injury, poor foot health, smoking, alcohol consumption and improved diet for young Aboriginal people in a rural community. Also to provide a comprehensive guide to successful health promotion in Aboriginal communities. Methods: Evaluation of assessments, results and feedback on a comprehensive Aboriginal health promotion package, which consisted of education and practical hands on sessions, designed to: reduce injury, assist poor foot health and provide education on the effects of smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet, specifically related to exercise, training and playing sport. Results: Ankle, knee and back injuries were very high for participants. Only participant that reported back at the 4 month follow up had an injury in that period and all participants stated that they had better knowledge of how to prevent injury. For participants who gave feedback at the 4 month follow up, 6 out of 16 (37.5%) had lost between 1 and 3kgs, 5 out of 16 (31%) had attempted or have now quit smoking, 3 out of 16 (19%) had reduced or quit drinking alcohol and 3 out of 16 (19%) had increased their intake of fruit and veg.