Introduction: Significant heterogeneity exists in health and social outcomes for Indigenous populations, which is reflected in health data. Most vital statistics and policy relevant health information are reported at state and national levels, leaving a crude picture of disparities. The Aboriginal Health Landscape aims to report population health and social outcome data at a small area level to increase the opportunity to support the development of policy for health equity for Aboriginal people in South Australia.
Methods: South Australia was divided into small geographical areas defined as ‘Landscapes’. Landscape boundaries were constructed based on three principles. Data drawn from public and unpublished administrative collections is being analysed, for the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal population in each Landscape. The Aboriginal Health Landscape is governed by an Aboriginal Governance Group with expert advice from a Technical Panel. Aboriginal communities will be involved in identifying issues, data interpretation and informing stages of more detailed analysis.
Results: Census, survey, screening and administrative datasets have been collected, including hospitalisation, immunisation, childhood outcomes, community mental health and mortality data. Data is being analysed across time periods, demographic categories and 19 Landscapes. Preliminary analysis show disparities exist within and between Aboriginal people and their local non-Aboriginal counterparts and between Aboriginal communities. The Governance Group is developing a contextual framework that is guided by a life-course approach.
Conclusions/implications: The Aboriginal Health Landscape results will be provided to policymakers and local communities to enable more equitable resource allocation to meet the health needs of Aboriginal people in South Australia.