The Koolungar ( Children ) Moorditj ( Strong ) Healthy Skin Project Part I: Conducting First Nations Research in Pediatric Dermatology

TL;DR

This paper discusses a research project that combines First Nations knowledge with Western methods to improve skin health for Aboriginal children in Australia.

Contribution

The paper introduces a co-designed research project that applies specific standards for Aboriginal health research in pediatric dermatology.

Findings

The project was co-designed with an Aboriginal Elder to reflect First Nations ways of knowing and doing.

It serves as a case study for best practices in Aboriginal pediatric dermatology research.

The project is part of a two-part series, with the second part presenting cross-sectional study results.

Abstract

Integrating First Nations knowledge systems and Western research methodologies recognizes the strength, experience, and insight of First Nations peoples in addressing health issues in their communities. In research, this includes projects being led by First Nations Elders and peoples, including First Nations researchers in the team, and collecting data in ways that reflect First Nations ways of knowing, being, and doing. In this paper, we reflect upon the Koolungar (children) Moorditj (strong) Healthy Skin Project; operational in Perth and Bunbury, Western Australia, Australia, where the traditional custodians are the Noongar Aboriginal people. This Aboriginal Elder co‐designed project is presented as a case study to illustrate the practical use of The Kids Research Institute Australia Standards for the Conduct of Aboriginal Health Research, in striving towards best practice in Aboriginal pediatric dermatology research. It leads into The Koolungar (children) Moorditj (strong) Healthy Skin Project Part II manuscript, in which we present cross‐sectional studies of Aboriginal children attending community skin screening weeks.

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