Berrembi Jarragboo-Boorroo Wajawoorroo Men'Gawoom Gijam (Gija Healthy Skin Story): Two-Way Learning for Healthy Skin

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Remote-living Aboriginal children in Australia contend with higher rates of skin infections than non-Indigenous children. This work was embedded within a stepped-wedge, cluster randomised controlled trial aiming to halve the rate of skin infections in remote Kimberley communities. It outlines and reflects upon the co-development of a health promotion resource in partnership with the East Kimberley community of Warmun, whilst understanding community perceptions of its impact. METHODS: Through a community participatory action research methodology over several years, relationship building and consultation identified there was a community preference for health promotion resources that documented both traditional and Western ways of supporting skin health. Two-way learning was prioritised throughout the development process. Yarning methodology informed evaluation activities, with data analysed thematically. RESULTS: The resulting resource Berrembi Jarragboo-boorroo Wajawoorroo Men'gawoom Gijam (Gija Healthy Skin Story) was launched in March 2023. To date, over 500 hard copies of this and the subsequent Kriol version-Dijan Wen Wi Tokin Bela Propa Good Wan Skin Gota Gija-have been distributed. Eight Warmun community members and service providers participated in the evaluation yarns with themes specific to the development of the book, an assessment of impact and community-identified strengths. CONCLUSION: Berrembi Jarragboo-boorroo Wajawoorroo Men'gawoom Gijam (Gija Healthy Skin Story) exemplifies the elements of co-design emphasized across the Kimberley and Australia; opportunities for two-way learning, preference for community priorities and highlighting culture above all else. SO WHAT?: Health promotion activities completed within remote Aboriginal communities should prioritize two-way understanding, authentic relationships, Aboriginal-led, local language inclusion, equitable resourcing and ongoing evaluation to ensure that the results and outcomes are impactful for the communities involved.