Older Aboriginal Women's Experiences of Medications in Urban South Australia

Abstract

Older women are more likely to live alone in poverty than others in the community. They are also likely to maintain their independence well into older life. Recent Australian research into women's health issues has not investigated older women's direct experiences associated with their medication use, or any related interactions with health professionals such as general practitioners, pharmacists or registered nurses. This is despite significant funding, policy and research in most other areas of women's health in the 1990s. Similarly, the medication experiences of older Aboriginal women have been neglected. This paper reports on a cohort of older Aboriginal women (N-10) from a recent South Australian qualitative study into medication use of diverse groups of older women (N-142). In-depth, semi-structured, face to face interviews were conducted, predominantly in participants' suburban homes, and in a community setting. Thematic analysis of the data was undertaken, and comparisons were made with other cohorts in the overall study. Results showed that the experiences and perspectives of the urban Aboriginal women highlighted their connectedness with family, services and community, and that this was largely due to their access to particular Aboriginal services, and to indigenous cultural affiliations and practices. Despite this connectedness, and regular contact with general practitioners and pharmacists, there were significant deficits in their knowledge and skills in managing their medication. It became clear that there is an urgent need for culturally safe medication information, education and support for older Aboriginal women. There is also an urgent need for better education, training and support of all health workers who have critical roles and responsibilities in assisting this group in the community.