SAMANTHA ABBATO
RESEARCH
Based on a strong foundation of training and experience, research skills are applied across a wide range of client situations and needs including: academic peer-reviewed publications, resources for service providers and information for participants and the general public. Areas of expertise include: research in the public health and community sectors and mixed methods (combined qualitative and quantitative) approaches. Engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in the research process through participatory approaches and the investigation of the social and cultural contexts and determinants of health are a particular strength.
Peer reviewed papers: I have published a number of peer- reviewed papers in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and CALD health with a focus on social and cultural factors and chronic disease.
Resources for service providers: Research projects are regularly completed for not-for-profit organisations, government departments and hospitals. Literature review is combined with community-based research and analysis of existing service data for the development of information and resources for service providers to improve service provision for communities and individuals.
Resources for participants and public: Academic research findings are translated into entertaining and "ready to use" information for project participants and the general public.
List of useful resources- Research
Suggested publications
Thompson S, Hartel G, Manderson L, Woelz-Stirling N and Kelaher M. The mental health status of Filipinas in Queensland. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 36:674-680, 2002.
Thompson S, Manderson L, Woelz-Stirling N, Cahill A and Kelaher M, The social and cultural context of the mental health of Filipinas in Queensland. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 36:681-687, 2002.
Thompson S, Gifford S and Thorpe L, The social and cultural context of risk and prevention: Diabetes in an urban Aboriginal community. Health Education and Behavior 27(6) 725-743, 2000.
Thompson S and Gifford S. Trying to keep a balance: The meaning of health and diabetes in an urban Aboriginal community. Social Science and Medicine 51(10) 1457-1472, 2000.
Thompson S. Community-based epidemiology: The methods of the Living with Diabetes Project. International Quarterly of Community Health Education, 19(1) 3-18, 2000.
Helpful tools and resources
Excel workbook for demonstration of sampling variability and impact of sample size on variability.