Aboriginal peoples’ lived experience of household overcrowding in the Kimberley and implications for research reciprocity in COVID-19 recovery

Abstract

Aboriginal peoples’ lived experience of household overcrowding in the Kimberley and implications for research reciprocity in COVID-19 recovery Chicky Clements,1 Christine Hoy,2, * Louis Bin-Maarus,3 Sarah Morris,4 Ray Christophers5 1 Bard Man and Senior Aboriginal Environmental Health Supervisor, Nirrumbuk Environmental Health and Services, BROOME, WA, 6725, Australia 2 Bard Woman and General Manager (commencing October 2021), Nirrumbuk Environmental Health and Services, BROOME, WA, 6725, Australia 3 Nyul Nyul Man and Chairman, Nirrumbuk Environmental Health and Services, BROOME, WA, 6725, Australia 4 Non-Indigenous Woman and Previous General Manager (to October 2021), Nirrumbuk Environmental Health and Services, BROOME, WA, 6725, Australia 5 Bard Man and Chief Executive Officer, Nirrumbuk Environmental Health and Services, BROOME, WA, 6725, Australia Submitted: 26 January 2023; Revision requested: 13 October 2023; Accepted: 16 October 2023 Abstract Objective: Household overcrowding was identified early in the COVID-19 pandemic as a risk factor increasing transmission and worsening outcomes. Nirrumbuk Environmental Health and Services designed this project to deepen understanding of Aboriginal peoples’ experiences of overcrowding in social housing. Methods: Our household survey explored overcrowding, capacity to respond to COVID-19 directives and the Canadian National Overcrowding Standard (CNOS). Results: For 219 participating Aboriginal households, usual number of residents per household ranged from 1 to 14, increasing with short- and long-term visitors. 17.8% had occupants who themselves were on waiting lists for their own home. Nearly one-third of houses had three generations under one roof. 53.4% indicated isolation of COVID-19 cases as ‘extremely’ difficult. 33.8% indicated their community could not manage COVID-19 at scale. Overcrowding was defined by interpersonal dynamics or consequences such as plumbing blockages or conflict rather than the number or people or ratio of people to bedrooms. 64.8% welcomed CNOS to determine acceptable and healthy occupancy levels. Participants encouraged research about environmental health in Aboriginal hands. Conclusions: Cultural obligations, poverty and social housing waitlist management impose extreme demand on remote housing. CNOS relevance was endorsed but tempered by lived experience. Implications for Public Health: Aboriginal-led research is directly accountable to communities through reciprocity and kinship. Nirrumbuk has already modified service planning. Key words: aboriginal environmental health, aboriginal-led research, housing, remote public health