Australian Study Links Racism to Poor Health Among Aboriginal Peoples

SYDNEY - The first national study of its kind has found “consistent links” between racism and poor mental and physical health of Aboriginal Australians. The study has found that discrimination is associated with elevated rates of depression, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

This is the first time Australian researchers have found a connection between discrimination and health.  Racism has been linked to higher rates of depression, heart disease and diabetes in Indigenous communities. Almost 60% of respondents to the Australian National University study said they have faced prejudice in their everyday lives. It corrodes self-belief and their “cultural wellbeing,” the study said. Alcohol dependence is another visible symptom of racism, according to the academics.