In an era where information is readily available at our fingertips, staying informed about healthcare choices has become more challenging. To help us navigate the healthcare system and improve health literacy, Dixie Crawford and Dr. Krishan, have joined forces to host an engaging 7-part vodcast series. 

These vodcasts are frank and open conversations to help inform and empower First Nations people and our community with facts and information about everyday health concerns, like how to talk to your doctor about your health questions and the health checks we need at every stage of life.

In this episode, Dr. Krishan and Dixie talk about the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in First Nations communities. Dr. Krishan highlights the disproportionately high rates of STIs among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Factors contributing to these high rates include lack of awareness, stigma, and limited access to healthcare services. Dr. Krishan also emphasises the importance of information and education in preventing STIs and encourages open and confidential conversations with healthcare workers. Information provided in this episode is intended as a guide only and does not replace advice provided by your healthcare professional.

Key Takeaways:

1. STI rates are disproportionately high in First Nations communities compared to non-Indigenous Australians.
2. Lack of awareness, stigma, and limited access to healthcare services contribute to the high rates of STIs.
3. In some cases, STIs may be asymptomatic, making regular testing important to prevent unknowingly spreading the infection.
4. Treatment for common sexually transmitted bacterial infections like Chlamydia and gonorrhoea involves simple and effective antibiotic therapy. Sexual partners also need to be screened and treated where necessary, even if they don't have symptoms.
5. Open and confidential discussions with healthcare workers are crucial for effective treatment and prevention of STIs.

References

1. The Department of Health and Aged Care. (2015) National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System surveillance report: Sexually transmissible infections in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Available from: https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-cdi3904c.htm. Accessed: 21/7/23
2. Australian Department of Health. (2019). Seventh National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Blood-borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy 2018-2022. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-blood-borne-viruses-and-sexually-transmissible-infections-strategy-2018-2022. Accessed: 21/7/23
3. New South Wales Health. (2023). Sexually transmissible infections. Available from: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/Pages/sexually-transmissible-infections.aspx. Accessed: 21/7/23
4. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Available from:  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351246. Accessed: 21/7/23
5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2020). Sexually transmitted infections in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Available from https://www.indigenoushpf.gov.au/measures/1-12-hiv-aids-hepatitis-sex-transmissible-infect. Accessed: 21/7/23
6. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Chlamydia trachomatis. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chlamydia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355355. Accessed: 3/8/23
7. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Gonorrhea. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gonorrhea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351780. Accessed: 3/8/23

External Resources

- Visit Nganya and learn more about initiatives and work from Dixie and her team https://nganya.com.au/