Menstrual health research shows value of culturally safe care

A study aiming to understand Aboriginal women’s cultural and community perspectives on menstrual health has highlighted the importance of family and peer support, community-based education, and culturally appropriate patient and provider resources.
 
In 2023, Dr Talila Milroy received the Australian General Practice Research Foundation Indigenous Health Award for her project looking into Aboriginal women’s perspectives on menstrual health and modes of engagement with primary care providers.
 
The study combined a scoping review and qualitative research using Yarning groups with Aboriginal women and interviews with GPs.
 
‘Menstrual wellbeing is shaped by culture, history, gender and social connection … yet healthcare, health guidelines, often only addresses pathology,’ Dr Milroy said.
 
The research seeks to inform best practice care and improve cultural safety in general practice, helping ensure care is delivered in ways that are respectful, relevant and effective for Aboriginal women.
 
Dr Milroy is a Yindjibarndi and Palyku GP, researcher and lecturer based in Western Australia. She graduated from the University of Sydney in 2015 and was the only Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander medical graduate in her class.
 
She was awarded the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association Academic Post in 2020 at the University of Western Australia, where she continues to teach in general practice, and attained her Fellowship in 2022.
 
She currently provides care to Aboriginal women and families in Rockingham and is the first Aboriginal GP to work at South Coastal Babbingur Mia.
 
‘I chose medicine because I’m passionate about Aboriginal social justice,’ Dr Milroy said.
 
Dr Milroy has also recently accepted a co-opted position on the RACGP Expert Committee – Research, bringing her clinical, research and cultural expertise to the committee.
 
This comes as Australia celebrates National Reconciliation Week, with the 2025 theme being ‘Bridging Now to Next’ and highlighting the importance of learning from the past while continuing to push for progress.
 
The Australian General Practice Research Foundation is currently accepting applications for its 2025 general grants round, open from 12 May to 20 June.
 
In 2025, nearly $1 million in research funding is available, including the Indigenous Health Award, GP Wellbeing and a range of innovation grants and awards for GP-led research that improves care and outcomes for Australian communities.
 
For more information on applying for a grant or supporting GP-led research, visit the Foundation website, or visit the RACGP website for information on the 2026 AGPT Academic Post Program.
 
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health culturally safe care reconciliation Research women’s health