Background/Aim: Dementia is a key health issue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A co-designed, Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP) led dementia risk management program (DAMPAA) was implemented in 2021-2024 for Aboriginal Australians aged 45 years and over. Key characteristics of DAMPAA included group walking and yarning sessions incorporating health and wellbeing education twice a week, and a home program for 6 months. A parallel process evaluation assessed enablers and barriers and recommendations for future implementation.
Methods: A Theory of Change framework underpinned the process evaluation and was developed in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) and an Elders Governance Group in Western Australia. Qualitative data was collected from i) Elders through yarning circles and exit interviews, and ii) staff through semi-structured interviews.
Results: Key program enablers highlighted by Elders and staff were i) need for a brain health program tailored for Elders, ii) supported connection to country, and iii) flexible, culturally sensitive program delivery. Program gaps discussed by participants included 1) a lack of variety and 2) lack of dedicated education sessions. Barriers to program recruitment included i) impact of COVID, ii) DAMPAA being a randomised controlled trial, iii) Elders’ family commitments iv) staff resources. Recommendations for program translation include an ACCHS based program, integrate program delivery with existing ACCHS services, and delivery by qualified, local AHPs.
Conclusions: Based on the learnings and recommendations from the process evaluation, DAMPAA program will be implemented as a community program for Elders by one of our ACCHS partners by mid-2024.