Moving house: impacts on Aboriginal children’s health and wellbeing
Drawing on data from the Aboriginal Families Study this project will explore social factors associated with housing mobility, such as house tenure type, financial difficulties and women’s experience of partner violence. The study will examine impacts of housing mobility on children’s health and wellbeing, including connections to their school and culture.
What is already known?
Aboriginal families in Australia move more than non-Aboriginal families. Young adults with children (aged 0-5 years) move the most.
International research shows that high mobility is linked to poorer health and behavioural problems during childhood. There is limited evidence about the connection between mobility and Aboriginal children’s health and wellbeing.
What does this study add?
The study addresses a major gap in current research evidence on housing mobility for Aboriginal families and impacts on children’s health and wellbeing. The study uses data from a prospective cohort of 344 Aboriginal children and their mothers and other primary caregivers. The study was preceded by consultations with Aboriginal communities across South Australia in 2007-2008 and was developed in response to gaps in available evidence to inform health policy and services. This study is supported and guided by the Aboriginal Families Study Aboriginal Advisory Group.
What’s next?
Arwen’s doctoral research is informing plans for the next wave of follow up when young people in the study will be 14–16 years old. We will continue to explore impacts of stable and unstable housing on young people’s health and wellbeing and connections to family, culture, and school.
Access to safe, stable, and adequate shelter is a social determinant of health and wellbeing.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020.
Where can I read more?
A Systematic Review of Child Health, Developmental and Educational Outcomes Associated with High Mobility in Indigenous Children from Australia, Canada and New Zealand
(2023). Nikolof, A., Brown, S.J., Clark, Y., Glover, K., Gartland, D.
Aboriginal Families Study Policy Brief No. 6: Social health issues - time for action
(2021). Brown, S.J., Glover, K., Leane, C., Gartland, D., Nikolof, A., Weetra, D., et al.
Stressful events, social health issues and psychological distress in Aboriginal women having a baby in South Australia: implications for antenatal care
(2016). Weetra, D., Glover, K., Buckskin, M., Ah Kit, J., Leane, C., Mitchell, A., Stuart-Butler, D., Turner, M., Yelland, J., Gartland, D., & Brown, S.J.
