A desk audit of perimenopause and menopause resources on ACCHO websites for Indigenous women.

Abstract

Objective: This study examines whether Indigenous women can easily access information about perimenopause and menopause through the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) sector.

Background: Indigenous women in Australia often face significant health inequities, including limited access to healthcare resources tailored to their specific cultural needs. While Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) offer specific information about Indigenous health, it is not clear whether they are fully tailored to all stages of the life course for women.

Study design and methods: This study is a desk audit of resources available from ACCHO websites for Indigenous women as they transition through perimenopause and menopause.

Results: The audit identified 114 ACCHO websites. Of these, only 2 provided information or resources about perimenopause or menopause. In comparison, 81 websites provided resources for mums and bubs, and 43 websites provided resources for Elders.

Conclusion: This desk audit highlights a critical gap in healthcare resources for Indigenous women transitioning through perimenopause and menopause. Addressing this gap is essential for promoting health equity and improving health outcomes. There is a pressing need for comprehensive, culturally safe resources to support Indigenous women during this life stage.

Implications for research, policy, and practice: This desk audit highlights the urgent need for Indigenous-led research to address the specific perimenopause and menopause needs of Indigenous women. It calls for the development of culturally safe resources within ACCHOs to fill this critical gap. Healthcare providers must integrate these resources into practice to enhance health equity and outcomes for Indigenous women.

What is already known about the topic?

• Indigenous women in Australia face significant health inequities, including limited access to healthcare resources tailored to their life course needs.


• Indigenous women’s experiences of perimenopause and menopause are not well understood or known.


• To date, no research in Australia about perimenopause and menopause has been led by Indigenous researchers.

What this paper adds

• This paper identifies a critical gap in the availability of perimenopause and menopause resources for Indigenous women within the ACCHO sector.


• It underscores the necessity for culturally safe, comprehensive resources to support Indigenous women during these life stages.


• The paper advocates for prioritising the development and integration of these resources into ACCHO services to enhance health equity and outcomes for Indigenous women across the lifespan.