
%0 Journal Article
%A A. Ong, Michael 
%A S. Weeramanthri, Tarun 
%T Stress and Worry are Central issues for Indigenous Heart Attack Survivors in the Northern Territory
%J Australian Journal of Primary Health
%D 2002/08/01
%V 8
%N 2
%P 17-20
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/PY02021
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/PY02021 
%X Ischaemic heart disease impacts heavily on the Indigenous population of the Northern Territory, and late presentation may explain part of the mortality differential compared to the non-Indigenous population. We report here on a study that utilised qualitative interview techniques to explore the barriers to presentation in a group of Indigenous heart attack survivors. In particular we focused on their health beliefs, heart attack experiences and views on the health system. Stress and worry were frequently identified issues - as a perceived cause of heart disease, and as a complicating factor in managing heart disease. Practitioners working with Indigenous heart attack survivors need to explicitly identify and address stress-related issues, and preventive community programs need to recognise that heart disease and stress are intimately related, with heart disease often seen as a symbol of contemporary social problems and uncertain community direction. 
