Investigators: Deborah Lehmann, Michael Wright, Peter Richmond, Rosemary Walley, Victoria Stroud
External collaborators: Steve Allsop (Curtin University of Technology), Danny Ford (Kambarang Services), Lynn Roarty (Curtin University)
Otitis media (OM, middle ear infections) is a major concern for Aboriginal people and can seriously impact on children’s learning potential which in turn will impact on life as an adult in terms of having relationships, disconnection from culture, and employment prospects. The Kadadjiny Dwank project is collecting information needed to improve awareness about OM and its consequences and help establish optimal culturally appropriate ear health services for Aboriginal people living in urban areas. Through community forums, focus groups and one-on-one interviews the project is finding out what do people know and do about ear infections, what are the barriers they face in accessing care and what impact OM has not only on the child but also the entire family.