South-West Sydney Local Health District: Assessing health needs and barriers among South Asian communities
Client:
South-West Sydney Local Health District
Project:
South Asian Communities Health Needs Assessment and Engagement Plan
Industry/sector:
Government
Date of execution:
September 2023
Services:
Community engagement
At a glance
Southwest Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) engaged Cultural Perspectives to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the health needs and access barriers among South Asian communities. The language groups selected for consultation were Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Punjabi, Malayalam and Tamil. Through a literature review, focus groups and one-on-one interviews, we delivered an evidence-based report identifying key health concerns and the cultural, social and systemic factors shaping outcomes.
Subject matter
South Asian communities, multicultural health and health access equity.
Demonstrated expertise
Consultation, research, insights reporting, desktop review, interviews and focus groups.
Project description
Objectives
To assess the demographic profile and health access concerns of South Asian communities in the region, and to develop insights that improve health outcomes and service equity.
What Cultural Perspectives delivered
We delivered a detailed health needs assessment and engagement report, including demographic analysis, community data profiles, a literature review and consultation findings. The report offers insight into key health issues, service access barriers and the cultural factors influencing outcomes across South Asian populations in the SWSLHD.
Key activities
Conducted extensive desktop research, including demographic analysis and needs assessment
Selected and reviewed literature based on:
- Peer-reviewed health and medical journals
- Clinical research and case studies
- Publications by practising medical professionalsConducted focus groups and interviews with members of South Asian communities.
Key outcomes
The literature review highlighted the impact of social, cultural, financial and institutional factors on health. Cultural beliefs, mental health stigma, gender roles, acculturation and language barriers emerged as major determinants of health outcomes.
Community consultations revealed that cost, care quality and communication barriers significantly affect South Asian migrants' ability to access services. Recommendations included improving affordability, enhancing interpreter services, providing cultural competency training for providers and implementing targeted community outreach.
IAP2 spectrum of public participation
Above: The South-West Sydney Local Health District assessment fell within the consult phase of the IAP2 spectrum of public participation.
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