A First Nations-led community survey of early COVID-19 pandemic experiences in Victoria, Australia

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Purpose</h3> During 2020, state and federal government-mandated restrictions and extended lockdowns were implemented in Australia because of the increasing presence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In response to COVID-19 and restrictions, First Nations communities and organisations across Australia developed resources and strategies for support. The state of Victoria experienced the lengthiest lockdowns in Australia. This study aimed to describe the health and sociocultural experiences of First Nations peoples in the Australian state of Victoria during these restrictions. <h3>Methods</h3> The Measuring Indigenous Communities' Response, Resilience and Recovery online survey was developed and implemented by an Indigenous leadership group. This cross-sectional study focused on First Nations communities' experiences of the pandemic. Descriptive and thematic qualitative analyses were conducted to explore outcomes related to health and social experiences, and cultural and community connectedness. <h3>Main findings</h3> A total of 67 people responded between November 2020 and January 2021; 49 (73.1%) were female, with a median age of 47 years, and 54 (81.8%) resided in metropolitan Melbourne. Many respondents (47.5%) reported difficulty accessing general healthcare, mental health and education. First Nations organisations and family members were the primary source of additional support during 2020. Changes in health behaviours – such as alcohol consumption, tobacco use and physical activity – after restrictions were variable. For community connection, respondents reported decreases in seeing family and attending cultural events; however, they reported an increase in the use of technology to connect with community. <h3>Principal conclusions</h3> This study provides insights into the experiences of First Nations peoples in Victoria during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic response, and the types of support and resources accessed. The importance of community connectedness during the COVID-19 pandemic and First Nations-led responses to support community to promote better health outcomes was highlighted in this study.