Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a 12-month community singing program on quality of life (QoL) using survey methods.
Methods: We prospectively collected data on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic diseases involved in a participatory community singing program. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a chronic disease and an average age of 51 years (range, 18–85 years) self-selected to participate in the singing group (n=45), which included a weekly singing rehearsal and a monthly performance. There were 27 people in the control group. We compared the intervention and control groups by evaluating the QoL, social and emotional well-being, health behaviors, social isolation, and loneliness at a baseline and at 12 months.
Results: At 12 months, those who participated in the singing program showed a significant increase in QoL, reduced stress, and a significant reduction in social isolation and loneliness compared with patients in the control group.
Conclusions: The community singing program may enhance social and emotional well-being and QoL in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic diseases, and the singing program is a viable health promotion intervention program for this population.
The authors received financial support from Griffith Health Institute of Griffith University, Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council in Australia, and Queensland Centre for Social Science Innovation in Queensland, Australia. The authors also wish to acknowledge the support of the following Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services: Kambu Medical Services Inc., Kalwun Health Service, Brisbane Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane Ltd., Goolburri Health Advancement Corporation, and Warwick Community Peace Festival. The authors also wish to thank all the participants from five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The authors also want to thank Lindsay Johnson’s assistance with data collection and work.
Conflict of interest statement
Authors’ conflict of interest disclosure: Authors declare there are no conflict of interests.
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