The Forgotten Generation: Understanding health trajectories in Aboriginal adolescents and youth

This study aims to establish and conduct the first wave of follow-up for a nation-wide cohort of approximately 2,250 Aboriginal young people (10-24 years) from remote, rural and urban Aboriginal communities. We will quantify patterns of physical and mental health conditions, risk and protective behaviours at baseline and over time and examine the factors associated with any change in behaviour/ health risk factor. We will explore the social and environmental context in which these young people are growing up in and establish partnerships with communities to identify factors related to positive health behaviours and the best ways to support them. Participants will be recruited from communities in Western Sydney, Alice Springs and Perth/Albany. Data collection (questionnaires, clinical measurements, point of care tests and data linkage)will be undertaken at baseline and follow-up (12,24 months).