Research Making a Difference for Families in Cape York

Validation of the Kimberley Mums’ Mood Scale (KMMS)

For the last three years Apunipima has been working in partnership with the University of Western Australia testing a tool to see levels of anxiety and depression in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women during and post pregnancy in the Kimberley and Cape York. This tool consists of using pictures for the women to identify how they are feeling followed by a yarning session so they can follow up by talking about any issues they are experiencing. This tool was considered more appropriate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women taking into consideration the best way to socially and culturally engage based on their needs.

The validation of the tool, the process of conducting the tool with a number of women and comparing the results with standard testing tools, demonstrated that the tool worked and was found to be considered appropriate by the women who participated and staff. This research is a good example of how results are translated into practice and service delivery and benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, their families and communities locally and at the national level.

Thank you to the research team, project officers, staff in communities and all the women who participated in the project and their families.