‘Mob Want to See Mob’: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young peoples’ perspective on accessing primary health care services in urban southeast Queensland

‘Mob Want to See Mob’: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young peoples’ perspective on accessing primary health care services in urban southeast Queensland

Primary health care

Stephen Harfield, Judith A. Dean, Peter Azzopardi, Gita D. Mishra, James Ward

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

Vol. 49

No. 6

2025

Elsevier

Journal article

English

13260200

Australia

Open Access

Objective: This study examines the enablers and barriers to accessing primary health care services from the perspective of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15–24 years in urban southeast Queensland. Methods: Thirty-five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15–24 years were recruited using multiple methods and participated in research yarns and yarning groups. Inductive thematic analysis was used. Results: Enablers and barriers were identified across four strength-based themes that align with three levels of a modified social ecological model; individual: (i) health literacy is important for how young people access, understand and use primary health care services; family and community: (ii) family and friends play a key role in offering support and information related to healthcare, as well as assisting young people to access healthcare services; and systems and organisation: (iii) primary health care services that are accessible, equitable, holistic and culturally safe engage young people and (iv) health care providers can make all the difference in young people’s healthcare experience. Conclusion: Young people’s perspectives on healthcare are distinct and multilayered; however, leveraging these perspectives will help improve both access and utilisation of primary health care for this population. Implications for Public Health: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people’s perspectives can assist healthcare planning, governance, and clinical care pathways. Key words: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, young people, adolescents, primary health care, enablers, barriers

Shaunda King