Sundram Sivamalai

The benefits of a tailor-made pilot primary health-care course for Indigenous high school students in remote Queensland

OBJECTIVE This study highlights the benefits of a tailor-made course for an Indigenous high school in a remote North Queensland community. DESIGN Qualitative research study using a Grounded Theory approach to allow thematic analysis of participants responses to a researcher-administered, pre-defined, semistructured questionnaire. SETTING Remote community college in Abergowrie, North Queensland. PARTICIPANTS Four male high school students and eight key stakeholders were interviewed over the telephone (n = 12). RESULTS Thematic analyses of the feedback from students and stakeholders showed a variety of benefits from the course for Indigenous students: increased knowledge of health issues, greater awareness and interest in health career pathways, increased pride, self-esteem and self-confidence, positive role-modelling and leadership behaviour in the students, and hope for future career development. Weaknesses identified were mainly associated with a lack of resources and support for the course. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that a tailor-made primary health-care education course can create opportunities for Indigenous people to pursue health careers, promote health knowledge and leadership skills, inspire pride and self-esteem, and strengthen links within the community.