Asthma, arthritis, industrial deafness and stress are among the chronic health conditions that are affecting the Wowan, Dululu, Gogango and Goovigen communities, according to research conducted by Central Queensland University.

The University’s School of Nursing and Health Studies’ Dr Sansnee Jirojwong said a number of chronic health conditions had been identified as part of a government funded health program, with stress perceived to be the primary health problem.

“Stress and coping with change were key problems addressed by the community,” Dr Jirojwong said. “Many of the diseases identified were preventable or could be detected early.” Dr Jirojwong and CQU’s School of Nursing and Health Studies lecturer Pam Savage have consulted with the Wowan, Dululu Gogango and Goovigen communities as part of the Rural Chronic Disease Initiative Program. This study site is one of 10 sites involved in the Program throughout Australia. The Federal Government has provided $150,000 to fund the districts’ program, which includes a needs assessment and plan and the implementation and evaluation of a health care project.

The initial stage which aims to identify the chronic health issues and needs in the communities has been completed and the plan to implement a health care project is being reviewed by the Department of Health and Ageing.

The proposed health care project includes the implementation of health education sessions. Dr Jirojwong said they intend to use key community leaders and spokespeople to lead the sessions and encourage participation. They will also employ the help of local health care organisations.

“From my part, I expect to see good outcomes from the project,” Dr Jirojwong said. “We received wonderful participation from the community and excellent collaboration from local government, including the rural GP Division and the Banana Shire Council.” Photo: Dr Sansnee Jirojwong and Pam Savage.