Emerging themes in Aboriginal child and adolescent mental health: findings from a qualitative study in Sydney, New South Wales

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore emerging themes related to the mental health of Aboriginal children and adolescents ("young people") arising from focus groups conducted in Sydney, New South Wales. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A qualitative study was conducted between April 2008 and September 2009 in three Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations in Sydney. A semi-structured approach was used in focus groups and small group interviews to elicit the views of 15 Aboriginal parents and 32 Aboriginal workers from a variety of health and social work backgrounds on important factors surrounding the mental health of Aboriginal young people. RESULTS: Major themes identified were the centrality..