A review of literature, 2006 ( pdf - 438 KB) - ARCHI

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Macedonian Women’s Health Project Review of literature ___________________________________________________________________ Overview This literature review is the first phase of Macedonian Women’s Health Project initiated by the Women’s Health Unit (WHU) in late 2004. Macedonian women were selected as the focal point of this project as they have been identified as a group who may be disadvantaged in accessing mainstream health services. The review of literature is the first step in gaining an understanding of some of the many influences (both positive and negative) on the health and wellbeing of Macedonian women in south eastern Sydney. Its contents will be combined with information gained from interviews and discussion groups with Macedonian women and consultations with those who work with the community to inform the priorities and strategies employed in the Macedonian Women’s Health Project in the future. The first section of the review provides some information on Macedonia, its history and culture to serve as a background and context for the influences on the health of Macedonian women outlined later in the document. In the next section, a demographic profile of Macedonian women in south eastern Sydney presents information on social factors such as English proficiency, education and occupation as well as data on causes of death and reasons for hospitalisation. The body of the review collates the limited published information available on historical, cultural, social and behavioural factors that may influence the health of Macedonian women in south eastern Sydney. Although it is difficult to measure or document the precise impact, it is clear that Macedonia’s turbulent history and the experience of migrating to Australia are potent influences on the lives of women in the Macedonian community in south eastern Sydney. A background of conflict, oppression and persecution has damaged and continues to influence their identity as Macedonians. The many roles of Macedonian women in the family and community and their beliefs and practices relating to their health and well being are also clearly influenced by a blend of the traditional Macedonian culture – especially its religion – with the modern Australian (or more specifically south eastern Sydney) culture in which they live. The review of literature provides an overview of some of factors that may affect the health of Macedonian women but is limited to summarising what has been published. It also raises several important questions relating to the complex interaction of influences on women’s health that may be explored in more detail in the next phase of the Macedonian Women’s Health Project in consultations with women and community workers. - 1 -
Macedonian Women’s Health Project Review of literature ___________________________________________________________________ Introduction Late in 2004, the Women’s Health Unit appointed a part-time project officer to work with the Macedonian community to enhance their capacity to identify and address heath issues for women. Local breast screening data, some published studies and anecdotal evidence indicated that Macedonian women were less likely to access mainstream health services such as screening and primary prevention activities and may therefore miss out on the benefits of health promoting and early detection programs. Meetings with community workers and representatives of the Macedonian Australian Welfare Association confirmed an interest in working in partnership with health and other local agencies to run the Macedonian Women’s Health Project. Data provided by BreastScreen NSW on screening rates for Macedonian women in the St George area of south eastern Sydney indicate they have consistently low participation rates in breast screening compared to state averages for all women and to other culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups in the area (South East Health 2002 – 2004). In 2002 and 2003, BreastScreen NSW, Women’s Health Nurses from the Women’s Health Unit and other members of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Recruitment Working Party in South East Health collaborated to improve participation rates among Macedonian women in both breast and cervical screening by running a number strategies including radio discussions, clinics and information sessions for women at the Rockdale ‘St Petka’ Macedonian church. Screening rates for breast cancer, however, continue to be low. BreastScreen NSW’s figures in 2003 indicated only 40.3% of Macedonian women in the St George area were screened compared with around 50% for most other CALD communities. Participation rates in breast screening among all Macedonian women in New South Wales in 2004 indicate that 47.7% of women were screened compared with around 56% for other CALD communities. Although Macedonian women in south eastern Sydney have been consulted about their service needs by the local Division of General Practice (St George Division of General Practice 1997) and the St George Hospital and Community Health Service (St George Hospital and Community Health Service 2001) and young women included in a report on the issues affecting young people (Macedonian Welfare Association of Sydney 1998), it does not appear that a comprehensive review of literature with a focus on the factors influencing the health and wellbeing of Macedonian women in south eastern Sydney has been done to date. In addition to the overview of available literature on social, cultural, behavioural and other factors that may influence the health and wellbeing of Macedonian women in south eastern Sydney, this review includes some background information on Macedonia, its turbulent history and reasons for emigration to Australia to provide a broader understanding of the wide range of influences on the health of the Macedonian community. When ‘Macedonian women’ in south eastern Sydney are discussed in this document the phrase refers to both women born in Macedonia and women born in Australia who have Macedonian ancestry. It is also acknowledged that all Macedonian women may not possess the same or similar views, attitudes or behaviours as those featured in this review of literature. These differences may relate to where women where born (country of birth and region within Macedonia), when they settled in Australia and a range of other factors unique to each individual. - 2 -
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A review of literature, 2006 ( pdf - 438 KB) - ARCHI

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