FOODCents is a locally-based nutrition education program aimed at improving the food choices and understanding
of Australian Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people living in Western Australia. Drawing on the possible ‘enablers’
and ‘barriers’ to healthy eating as outlined in the Brimblecombe et al. (2014) article, discuss the application of these
to healthy food choices among the participants of the FOODCents program.
In your essay you are required to:
Provide a short summary of the social determinants of health which can impact food choice in the Australian
Aboriginal population.
Identify the main features and outcomes of the FOODCents program.
Identify and discuss a minimum of three (3) major elements (enablers and barriers) from a sociological
perspective.
Apply a sociological imagination by establishing clear links between the participants’ personal experience and
the social environment.
Required Articles:
Pettigrew, S., Jongenelis, M., Moore, S. & Pratt, I. (2015). A comparison of the effectiveness of an adult nutrition
education program for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. Social Science & Medicine, 145, 120-124.
Brimblecombe, J., Maypilama, E., Colles, S., Scarlett, M., Dhurrkay, J. G., Ritchie, J., & O’Dea, K. (2014). Factors
influencing food choice in an Australian Aboriginal community. Qualitative Health Research, 24(3), 387-400.
PDF versions of these journal articles are available under Essay Specifications.
NB. You will need to refer to additional high quality reference sources, including peer reviewed articles, to attract
higher marks.
Australian College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd trading as Endeavour College of Natural Health, FIAFitnation (National CRICOS #00231G, RTO #31489)
Assessment – Essay Last modified: 27-Nov-2020
Approved by: Director of Education Version: 2.0 Page 2 of 7
Useful websites:
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet available at: http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/
Aboriginal and Torres Stresi Islander cultural capability
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/156200/cultural_capability.pdf
Demonstrating inclusive and respectful language https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wpcontent/uploads/2018/05/language-guide-1.pdf
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) available at: http://www.aihw.gov.au/indigenous-australians/
The Lowitja Institute available at: http://www.lowitja.org.au/indigenous-health-and-education-exploringconnections
Essay Structure
The purpose of an essay is to explore a particular topic, and inform your reader of your findings. The following is a
basic outline of the way you may construct this essay. (The words ‘Introduction’, ‘Body (Discussion)’ and ‘Conclusion’
are not included in your essay – these are sections which should be obvious to the reader without the headings).
Introduction: (100-150 words suggested)
Include a brief introduction which outlines the main points discussed in the main body of your work.
Use the third person, rather than the first person: “This essay will discuss/explore/explain…”, rather than – “I will
discuss…”
Body (Discussion): (700-800 words suggested)
Briefly discuss at least three (3) of the social determinants of health which can impact food choice in the Australian
Aboriginal population today. (1-2 paragraphs)
Briefly summarise the features and outcomes of the FOODCents program (one paragraph only).
Using examples from the Brimblecombe article, discuss at least three (3) possible enablers or barriers, from a
sociological perspective to healthy food choices. How did these elements contribute to the success or failure of
the FOODCents program? (1-2 paragraphs)
