Development of Lived Experience Videos About Methamphetamine with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Tracks
Springbrook Room
| Wednesday, May 14, 2025 |
| 1:15 PM - 1:45 PM |
Overview
Dr Stephanie Kershaw & Tariq Isaacs, The Matilda Centre
Speaker
Dr Stephanie Kershaw
Research Fellow
The Matilda Centre
Development of Lived Experience Videos About Methamphetamine with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Abstract
Introduction/Background:
Stigma, or shame, surrounding the use of methamphetamine in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is common. Research indicates the most effective stigma reduction interventions involve contact, direct or indirect, with people with lived experience. Therefore, this project aimed to develop lived experience videos showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples stories to help reduce stigma
Method:
Focus groups (15 groups, n=166) and in-depth semi-structured interviews (n=11) were undertaken to capture the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples around methamphetamine. This information was distilled into three lived experience stories from different perspectives: someone who uses methamphetamine, a parent of someone who uses methamphetamine, and a health worker. The research team collaborated with Garuwa, a First Nations led creative agency, to produce high-quality videos featuring actors portraying real stories. The videos were also developed in collaboration with an Expert Advisory group comprising Aboriginal elders, researchers, and health workers, to ensure cultural safety and community relevance throughout.
Results:
The three 3 minute lived experience videos were filmed in mid-2024 and will be uploaded onto the Cracks in the Ice resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander website by end of 2024. These videos will form part of an evaluation study assessing stigma reduction towards methamphetamine and people associated with it. This presentation will showcase the development of the videos as well as include preliminary results on the community response to them.
Conclusion:
This project represents a collaboration between researchers, Aboriginal community members, and a First Nations creative agency to produce high quality video lived experience stories about methamphetamine. This project will include an evaluation study of the lived experience videos to assess impacts on stigma and discrimination towards methamphetamine use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Stigma, or shame, surrounding the use of methamphetamine in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is common. Research indicates the most effective stigma reduction interventions involve contact, direct or indirect, with people with lived experience. Therefore, this project aimed to develop lived experience videos showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples stories to help reduce stigma
Method:
Focus groups (15 groups, n=166) and in-depth semi-structured interviews (n=11) were undertaken to capture the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples around methamphetamine. This information was distilled into three lived experience stories from different perspectives: someone who uses methamphetamine, a parent of someone who uses methamphetamine, and a health worker. The research team collaborated with Garuwa, a First Nations led creative agency, to produce high-quality videos featuring actors portraying real stories. The videos were also developed in collaboration with an Expert Advisory group comprising Aboriginal elders, researchers, and health workers, to ensure cultural safety and community relevance throughout.
Results:
The three 3 minute lived experience videos were filmed in mid-2024 and will be uploaded onto the Cracks in the Ice resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander website by end of 2024. These videos will form part of an evaluation study assessing stigma reduction towards methamphetamine and people associated with it. This presentation will showcase the development of the videos as well as include preliminary results on the community response to them.
Conclusion:
This project represents a collaboration between researchers, Aboriginal community members, and a First Nations creative agency to produce high quality video lived experience stories about methamphetamine. This project will include an evaluation study of the lived experience videos to assess impacts on stigma and discrimination towards methamphetamine use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Biography
Dr Steph Kershaw is a Research Fellow at The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use. Steph leads an innovative program of research and translation to reduce the impact of illicit substance misuse. Her research aims to improve the health outcomes for individuals, families and communities especially among disadvantaged groups.
