Latest Publication

Chronic Disease Prevention in Multicultural Communities

Chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are on the rise in Australia, and are now the nation’s leading cause of death and disability. Alarmingly, rates are higher in migrant communities than the Australian-born population.  To raise awareness of chronic diseases and improve the accessibility of chronic disease prevention programs, ECCV has partnered with Diabetes Victoria to undertake in-depth consultations with members of multicultural communities to hear their perspectives on chronic diseases.

Research was conducted about how community members could be encouraged to think more about healthy living and to participate in prevention education programs.  Through these consultations, ECCV and Diabetes Victoria have gathered an understanding of the barriers and enablers to joining, participating in, and completing education programs.

The Chronic Disease Prevention in Multicultural Communities report presents the findings from this research.  It details how organisations providing chronic disease prevention education can tailor their programs to the needs of specific communities, by providing skills and knowledge in a culturally appropriate manner, along with appropriately translated resources, and education at accessible locations and through gatherings central to the lives of communities.  It also emphasises the importance of peer learning, bicultural facilitators, practical learning experiences, and of ongoing engagement with communities to ensure that lifestyle changes are sustained.

The recommendations in this report should be considered by all organisations interested in attaining better health outcomes and reducing the incidence of chronic disease in multicultural communities.