Participatory action research in indigenous health.
BACKGROUND
Participatory action research engenders change not just through research outcomes but through the research process itself. Collaboration between researchers and those being researched is intrinsic to the model.


OBJECTIVE
This article discusses the 'Sadness and Heart Disease' research project undertaken by an Aboriginal community controlled health service in Darwin (Northern Territory) in 2005 and 2006 using a participatory action framework.


CONCLUSIONS
A systematic approach, flexibility and a willingness to engage are necessary for researchers to successfully undertake a project using the participatory action framework. The benefits of participatory action research extend to both the community and the researchers.
Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Health Service District, Queensland. danielleesler@hotmail.com
Danielle M
DM
Esler
D001315:Australia; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006303:Health Services, Indigenous / Q000458:organization & administration; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012106:Research; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires