Echoes of the past, voices for the future: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspectives on trust in COVID-19 health communication in Australia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7146/qhc.158045Keywords:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, COVID-19, cultural safety, health communication, Indigenous-led, postcolonial and relational theory, trustAbstract
Background: Trust is a cornerstone of effective health communication, yet difficult to build with communities whose confidence has been eroded by trauma, systemic racism, and inequality. This challenge was amplified for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim: This qualitative study explored factors influencing trust in COVID-19 health information among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants and identified trusted communication approaches and sources. Methods: Using an Interpretive Description approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants. Thematic analysis was guided by an integrated framework combining the SAGE determinants matrix, postcolonial theory, relational theory, and cultural safety. Results: Themes included the role of historical context; the influence of community, culture, and relational dynamics; and navigating uncertainty, fear, and conflicting information within power-laden environments. The study refines the integrated SAGE framework by illustrating how Indigenous relationality and cultural safety function as key determinants of trust. Discussion: Findings highlighted a disconnect between top-down communication and participant perspectives, showing that trust is relational, culturally embedded, and contingent on community partnership. Conclusion: Health equity requires culturally safe, community-controlled, and relationally oriented communication strategies as part of a broader commitment to systemic change and self-determination.
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