Evaluation of the usability, content, readability and cultural appropriateness of online alcohol and other drugs resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyse the usability, content, readability and cultural appropriateness of alcohol and other drugs (AODs) resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.Outcome measuresThe content of 30 AOD resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples was analysed according to the following criteria: general characteristics; elements of graphical design and written communication; thoroughness and content; readability (Flesch-Kincaid grade level (FKGL), Gunning Fog index (Fog), Simplified Measure of Gobbledygook and Flesch Reading Ease); and cultural appropriateness.ResultsMost resources displayed good usability, depicted by the use of headings and subheadings (n=27), superior writing style (n=19), relevant visuals (n=19) and use of colour support (n=30). However, some resources used at least one professional jargon (n=13), and many did not provide any peer-reviewed references (n=22). During content analysis, 12 resources were categorised into the alcohol group and 18 resources in the other drugs group. Impact of alcohol during pregnancy and breast feeding (n=12) was the most common included topics in the resources related to alcohol, while the physical impact of drugs (n=15) was the most discussed topics among the other drugs group. Based on the FKGL readability score, 83% of resources met the recommended reading grade level of 6–8 by NSW Health. Many resources (n=21) met at least half of the cultural appropriateness elements of interest. However, less than one-third were developed in collaboration with the local community (n=9), used local terms (n=5), targeted the local community (n=3), included an Aboriginal voice (n=2) and addressed the underlying cause (n=1).ConclusionsMany AOD resources are developed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, but their usability, content and readability differed, and they were not culturally appropriate for all communities. Development of a standardised protocol for resource development is suggested.

Cannabis Use and Its Impact on Mental Health in Youth in Australia and the United States: A Scoping Review

“…The findings underscore the need for future research to focus on longitudinal studies examining the temporal relationship between cannabis use and mental health outcomes. This includes factors such as age of onset, frequency, and duration of use, as well as the impact of different strains, modes of delivery, and dosages on mental health [ 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ]. Building on this research, policies should be evidence-based, balancing potential benefits with risks, with stricter regulations on availability and targeted interventions for vulnerable groups [ 56 , 57 , 58 ].…”

“…This includes factors such as age of onset, frequency, and duration of use, as well as the impact of different strains, modes of delivery, and dosages on mental health [ 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ]. Building on this research, policies should be evidence-based, balancing potential benefits with risks, with stricter regulations on availability and targeted interventions for vulnerable groups [ 56 , 57 , 58 ]. Prevention efforts should include comprehensive school-based programs to educate students about the risks of cannabis use and promote healthy coping strategies [ 59 ].…”

“…Integrating this research into practice could offer valuable insights for medical practitioners, prompting us to consider cannabis use as a pertinent factor when addressing mental health issues in young people [50,51]. Furthermore, the age groups, gender differences, and vulnerable populations underscore the need for tailored interventions and preventive strategies demanded by the changing demographics of the population [52][53][54][55][56]. However, the critical discussion should acknowledge potential limitations within the research, such as variations in study methodologies and the influence of biases and confounders.…”