Dr Aryati Yashadhana

Dr Aryati Yashadhana

Research Fellow

PhD, BA Hons

Medicine & Health
Centre for Primary Health Care & Equity

Dr Aryati Yashadhana is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity (CPHCE), and School of Population Health, and a Visiting Fellow, School of Social Sciences, UNSW. Her work focuses on socioeconomic, cultural and political determinants of health, intersectional health equity (gender, race, class), and international development. Her research has largely taken place in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia (NSW and Northern Territory) with a focus on analyzing the cultural dimensions of access and equity in the context of eye health and chronic disease. Dr. Yashadhana works from a place of understanding and respect for Aboriginal cultural protocols as foundational to research relationships. Internationally, she’s worked in in low and middle income settings (Sub-Saharan Africa, South America, South East Asia, Pacific) and been a lead investigator on various projects commissioned by the World Bank Group centred around access to child eye health services (Malawi, Colombia, Pakistan). Dr Yashadhana specialises in qualitative and participatory methodologies, with a particular interest in the application of critical realist and decolonizing theories, the way marginalised peoples and cultures interface with dominant systems and structures, and analyzing access to health systems and services.

Phone
+612 9065 0108
  • Book Chapters | 2023
    Thorpe A; Yashadhana A; Biles B; Munro-Harrison E; Kingsley J, 2023, 'Indigenous Health and Connection to Country', in Oxford Research Encyclopedias: Global Public Health, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190632366.013.436
    Book Chapters | 2022
    Yashadhana A; Raven M; Pollard-Wharton N; Biles B, 2022, 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Spatial and Place-Based Analysis', in Laituri M; Richardson RB; Kim J (ed.), Global Perspectives on Health Geography, Springer, Cham, pp. 181 - 194, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-11775-6_15
    Book Chapters | 2022
    de Leeuw E; McCracken K; Harris P; Yashadhana A, 2022, 'Underpromise and Overdeliver: The Failure of Political Rhetoric in Managing COVID-19 in Australia', in Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreaks, Vaccination, Politics and Society: the Continuing Challenge, pp. 17 - 31, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-09432-3_2
  • Journal articles | 2024
    Belon AP; Yashadhana A; Kongats K; Atkey K; Glenn NM; Jaques K; Nieuwendyk L; Harris P; de Leeuw E; Nykiforuk CIJ, 2024, 'Australian and Canadian financial wellbeing policy landscape during COVID-19: An equity-informed policy scan', Health Policy OPEN, 6, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hpopen.2023.100114
    Journal articles | 2024
    Samuels I; Hamm LM; Silva JC; Tousignant B; Furtado JM; Goodman L; Watene R; Adams J; Yashadhana A; Wilkinson B; Dimaras H; Brea I; Rogers J; Black J; Foreman J; Arboleda JC; Yee JF; Trujillo J; Keay L; Luque LC; Oviedo-Cáceres MDP; Saboya M; Alves M; Lichter M; Silwal P; Findlay R; Barrenechea R; Simkin S; Bentley S; Hopkins S; Salomão SR; Misra S; Fricke T; Reis T; Ramke J; Harwood M, 2024, 'Use of the CONSIDER statement by eye health researchers when conducting and reporting research involving Indigenous peoples: an online survey', Eye (Basingstoke), http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41433-023-02881-6
    Journal articles | 2023
    Anstice NS; Alam K; Armitage JA; Biles B; Black JM; Boon MY; Carlson T; Chinnery HR; Collins AV; Cochrane A; Duthie D; Hopkins S; Fitzpatrick G; Keay L; Watene R; Yashadhana A; Bentley SA, 2023, 'Developing culturally safe education practices in optometry schools across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand', Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 106, pp. 110 - 118, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08164622.2022.2136514
    Journal articles | 2023
    Glenn NM; Yashadhana A; Jaques K; Belon A; de Leeuw E; Nykiforuk CIJ; Harris P, 2023, 'The Generative Mechanisms of Financial Strain and Financial Well-Being: A Critical Realist Analysis of Ideology and Difference', International Journal of Health Policy and Management, 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.34172/ijhpm.2022.6930
    Journal articles | 2023
    Grant J; Biles J; Yashadhana A; Derbas A, 2023, 'Racially minoritized people's experiences of racism during COVID-19 in Australia: A qualitative study', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 47, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100033
    Journal articles | 2023
    Lee L; Moo E; Angelopoulos T; Dodson S; Yashadhana A, 2023, 'Integrating eye care in low-income and middle-income settings: A scoping review', BMJ Open, 13, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068348
    Journal articles | 2023
    Lee L; Moo E; Angelopoulos T; Yashadhana A, 2023, 'Integrated people-centered eye care: A scoping review on engaging communities in eye care in low- and middle-income settings', PLoS ONE, 18, http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0278969
    Journal articles | 2023
    Macniven R; McKay CD; Graham S; Gubhaju L; Williams R; Williamson A; Joshy G; Evans JR; Roseby R; Porykali B; Yashadhana A; Ivers R; Eades S, 2023, 'Social and Behavioural Correlates of High Physical Activity Levels among Aboriginal Adolescent Participants of the Next Generation: Youth Wellbeing Study', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043738
    Journal articles | 2023
    McKay CD; Gubhaju L; Gibberd AJ; McNamara BJ; Macniven R; Joshy G; Roseby R; Williams R; Yashadhana A; Fields T; Porykali B; Azzopardi P; Banks E; Eades SJ, 2023, 'Health behaviours associated with healthy body composition among Aboriginal adolescents in Australia in the ‘Next Generation: Youth Well-being study’', Preventive Medicine, 175, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107715
    Journal articles | 2023
    Nykiforuk CIJ; Belon AP; de Leeuw E; Harris P; Allen-Scott L; Atkey K; Glenn NM; Hyshka E; Jaques K; Kongats K; Montesanti S; Nieuwendyk LM; Pabayo R; Springett J; Yashadhana A, 2023, 'A Policy-Ready Public Health Guidebook of Strategies and Indicators to Promote Financial Well-Being and Address Financial Strain in Response to COVID-19', Preventing Chronic Disease, 20, http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/PCD20.220209
    Journal articles | 2023
    Nykiforuk CIJ; Belon AP; de Leeuw E; Harris P; Allen-Scott L; Atkey K; Glenn NM; Hyshka E; Jaques K; Kongats K; Montesanti S; Nieuwendyk LM; Pabayo R; Springett J; Yashadhana A, 2023, 'An action-oriented public health framework to reduce financial strain and promote financial wellbeing in high-income countries', International journal for equity in health, 22, pp. 66, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12939-023-01877-8
    Journal articles | 2023
    Yashadhana A; Alloun E; Serova N; de Leeuw E; Mengesha Z, 2023, 'Place-making and its impact on health and wellbeing among recently resettled refugees in high income contexts: A scoping review', Health and Place, 81, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103003
    Journal articles | 2023
    Yashadhana A; Fields T; Liu E; Serova N; O’Leary M; Kenning G; Kuchelmeister V; Lockhart J; de Leeuw E, 2023, 'Therapeutic aspects of Connection to Country and cultural landscapes among Aboriginal peoples from the Stolen Generations living in urban NSW, Australia', Public Health Research and Practice, 33, http://dx.doi.org/10.17061/phrp3342332
    Journal articles | 2023
    Yashadhana A; Glenn NM; Jaques K; Belon AP; Harris P; de Leeuw E; Nykiforuk CIJ, 2023, 'A rapid review of initiatives to address financial strain and wellbeing in high-income contexts', Public Health Research and Practice, 33, http://dx.doi.org/10.17061/phrp3322315
    Journal articles | 2023
    Yashadhana A; Lee L; Serova N; Nthete E; Burnett AM, 2023, 'Access to school-based eye health programs in Central Region, Malawi: A qualitative case study', Health Promotion International, 38, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daad002
    Journal articles | 2023
    Yashadhana A; Zwi AB; Brady B; De Leeuw E; Kingsley J; O'leary M; Raven M; Serova N; Topp SM; Fields T; Foster W; Jopson W; Biles B, 2023, 'Gaawaadhi Gadudha: understanding how cultural camps impact health, well-being and resilience among Aboriginal adults in New South Wales, Australia - a collaborative study protocol', BMJ Open, 13, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073551
    Journal articles | 2023
    Thorpe A; Yashadhana A; Biles B; Munro-Harrison E; Kingsley J, 2023, 'Indigenous Health and Connection to Country', Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Global Public Health, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190632366.013.436
    Journal articles | 2022
    Biles B; Biles J; Friere K; Deravin L; Lawrence J; Yashadhana A, 2022, 'Appraising community driven health research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: a scoping review using the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool', Health promotion international, 37, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daac077
    Journal articles | 2022
    Ramke J; Evans JR; Habtamu E; Mwangi N; Silva JC; Swenor BK; Congdon N; Faal HB; Foster A; Friedman DS; Gichuhi S; Jonas JB; Khaw PT; Kyari F; Murthy GVS; Wang N; Wong TY; Wormald R; Yusufu M; Taylor H; Resnikoff S; West SK; Burton MJ; Aghaji A; Adewole AT; Csutak A; Salam AS; Paduca A; Bron AM; Denniston AK; Lazo Legua A; Halim A; Tefera AW; Mwangi A; Jenkins AJ; Davis A; Meddeb-Ouertani A; Wali AH; Palis AG; Bastos de Carvalho A; Joshi A; Kreis AJ; Mueller A; Bastawrous A; Cooper A; Smith AF; Grzybowski A; Arvind A; Karanu AM; Orlina AO; Burnett A; Yashadhana A; Abeydeera AP; Abdurakhmanova A; Mohamed A; Bacchav A; Bernhisel A; Webson AW; Azuara-Blanco A; Hossain A; Ilhan B; Assumpta Lucienne B; Tousignant B; Shamanna BR; Wiafe B; Mueller B; Caglar C; Mpyet C; Abraham CH; Cheung CY; Thiel CL; Jan CL; Emedike C; Chuluunkhuu C; Chinyere C; Henein C; Gilbert CE; Bascaran C; Nitulescu CE; Patel D; Bachani D; Kiage D; Etya'ale D; Dahdal D; Woo Lawson D; Godin D; Nkanga DG; Ondeyo DM; O'Brien D; Mutie DM; Alalawi ESK; Mayorga E; Bin Hashim E; Ashrafi E; Kishiki EA; Kurian E; D'Esposito F; Masila F; Pena FY; Büsch F, 2022, 'Grand Challenges in global eye health: a global prioritisation process using Delphi method', The Lancet Healthy Longevity, 3, pp. e31 - e41, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2666-7568(21)00302-0
    Journal articles | 2022
    Topp SM; Tully J; Cummins R; Graham V; Yashadhana A; Elliott L; Taylor S, 2022, 'Building patient trust in health systems: A qualitative study of facework in the context of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker role in Queensland, Australia', Social Science and Medicine, 302, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114984
    Journal articles | 2022
    Topp SM; Tully J; Cummins R; Graham V; Yashadhana A; Elliott L; Taylor S, 2022, 'Rhetoric, Reality and Racism: The Governance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers in a State Government Health Service in Australia', International Journal of Health Policy and Management, 11, pp. 2951 - 2963, http://dx.doi.org/10.34172/ijhpm.2022.6750
    Journal articles | 2022
    Yashadhana A; Derbas A; Biles J; Grant J, 2022, 'Pandemic-related racial discrimination and its health impact among non-Indigenous racially minoritized peoples in high-income contexts: a systematic review', Health Promotion International, 37, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daab144
    Journal articles | 2022
    Yashadhana A; Howie A; Veber M; Cullen P; Withall A; Lewis E; McCausland R; Macniven R; Andersen M, 2022, 'Experiences and perceptions of ageing among older First Nations Australians: A rapid review', Australasian Journal on Ageing, 41, pp. 8 - 19, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ajag.13031
    Journal articles | 2022
    de Leeuw E; Yashadhana A; Hitch D, 2022, 'Long COVID: sustained and multiplied disadvantage', Medical Journal of Australia, 216, pp. 222 - 224, http://dx.doi.org/10.5694/mja2.51435
    Journal articles | 2021
    Hamm LM; Yashadhana A; Burn H; Black J; Grey C; Harwood M; Peiris-John R; Burton MJ; Evans JR; Ramke J, 2021, 'Interventions to promote access to eyecare for non-dominant ethnic groups in high-income countries: A scoping review', BMJ Global Health, 6, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006188
    Journal articles | 2021
    MacAuley M; Macintyre A; Yashadhana A; Cassola A; Harris P; Woodward C; Smith K; de Leeuw E; Palkovits M; Hoffman SJ; Fafard P, 2021, 'Under the spotlight: understanding the role of the Chief Medical Officer in a pandemic', Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jech-2021-216850
    Journal articles | 2021
    Topp SM; Tully J; Cummins R; Graham V; Yashadhana A; Elliott L; Taylor S, 2021, 'Unique knowledge, unique skills, unique role: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers in Queensland, Australia', BMJ Global Health, 6, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006028
    Journal articles | 2021
    Yashadhana A; Clarke NA; Zhang JH; Ahmad J; Mdala S; Morjaria P; Yoshizaki M; Kyari F; Burton MJ; Ramke J, 2021, 'Gender and ethnic diversity in global ophthalmology and optometry association leadership: a time for change', Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 41, pp. 623 - 629, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/opo.12793
    Journal articles | 2021
    Yashadhana A; Fields T; Burnett A; Zwi A, 2021, 'Re-examining the gap: A critical realist analysis of eye health inequity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians', Social Science and Medicine, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114230
    Journal articles | 2021
    Yashadhana A; Serova N; Lee L; Luque LC; Ramirez L; Silva JC; Burnett AM, 2021, 'Access to school-based eye health programs: A qualitative case study, Bogotá, Colombia', Revista Panamericana de Salud Publica/Pan American Journal of Public Health, 45, http://dx.doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2021.154
    Journal articles | 2021
    de Leeuw E; Harris P; Kim J; Yashadhana A, 2021, 'A health political science for health promotion', Global Health Promotion, 28, pp. 17 - 25, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/17579759211034418
    Journal articles | 2020
    Jalbert I; Rahardjo D; Yashadhana A; Liew G; Gopinath B, 2020, 'A qualitative exploration of Australian eyecare professional perspectives on Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) care', PLoS ONE, 15, http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0228858
    Journal articles | 2020
    Yashadhana A; Fields T; Blitner G; Stanley R; Zwi A, 2020, 'Trust, culture, and communication: determinants of eye health and care among Indigenous people with diabetes in Australia', BMJ Global Health, 5, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001999
    Journal articles | 2020
    Yashadhana A; Lee L; Massie J; Burnett A, 2020, 'Non‐clinical eye care support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: a systematic review', Medical Journal of Australia, http://dx.doi.org/10.5694/mja2.50480
    Journal articles | 2020
    Yashadhana A; Morse A; Tatipata S; Lim N; Rogers A; Lee L; Burnett AM, 2020, 'Using quality improvement strategies to strengthen regional systems for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health in the Northern Territory', Australian Journal of Rural Health, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ajr.12575
    Journal articles | 2020
    Yashadhana A; Pollard-Wharton N; Zwi AB; Biles B, 2020, 'Indigenous Australians at increased risk of COVID-19 due to existing health and socioeconomic inequities', The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific, 1, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lanwpc.2020.100007
    Journal articles | 2020
    Yashadhana A; Zhang JH; Yasmin S; Morjaria P; Holland P; Faal H; Burton MJ; Ramke J, 2020, 'Action needed to improve equity and diversity in global eye health leadership', Eye, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41433-020-0843-y
    Journal articles | 2018
    Burnett AM; Yashadhana A; Lee L; Serova N; Brain D; Naidoo K, 2018, 'Interventions to improve school-based eye-care services in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review', Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 96, http://dx.doi.org/10.2471/BLT.18.212332
    Journal articles | 2018
    Jalbert I; Rahardjo D; Yashadhana A; Liew G; Gopinath B, 2018, 'A qualitative exploration of eyecare professional perspectives on Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) care', , http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/490383
    Journal articles | 2016
    Burnett A; Yashadhana A; Cabrera Aguas M; Hanni Y; Yu M, 2016, 'Experiences of vision impairment in Papua New Guinea: Implications for blindness prevention programs', Rural and Remote Health, 16
  • Reports | 2021
    Yashadhana A, 2021, Indigenous eye health inequity and what we can do to improve access and outcomes, Centre for Health Equity Training, Research and Evaluation, http://dx.doi.org/10.53714/czqh8252, http://dx.doi.org/10.53714/czqh8252
    Theses / Dissertations | 2019
    Yashadhana A, 2019, The Patient Experience in Eye Care Study: An exploration of the sociocultural and political determinants of diabetic eye care in rural Aboriginal communities, UNSW, http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/61532
    Reports | 2017
    Keay L; Palagyi A; Heraghty J; Cummins R; Tahhan N; Yashadhana A, 2017, Low vision, quality of life and independence: A review of the evidence on aids and technologies, Macular Disease Foundation Australia, Macular Disease Foundation Australia, https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/sites/default/files/MDFA_LowVision_Aids_WEB_25%201%202017.pdf
    Conference Posters | 2015
    Yashadhana A; Fields T; Fernando W; Brown K; Blitner G; Hayes F; Stanley R; Donnelly B; Jerrard B; Burnett A; Zwi A, 2015, 'Indigenous Australians' perceptions of diabetic eye disease: Understanding prevention, access to care and social determinants', Vancouver, Canada, presented at World Diabetes Congress, Vancouver, Canada, 30 November 2015 - 05 December 2015, http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.3263.8807
    Conference Posters | 2015
    Yashadhana A; Stanley R; Hayes F; Blitner G; Burnett A; Zwi A, 2015, 'Understanding eye health inequity through the experiences of Indigenous people in remote Australia', Durban, South Africa, presented at World Social Science Forum, Durban, South Africa, 13 September 2015 - 16 September 2015, http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.2443.5685
    Conference Papers | 2015
    Yashadhana A; Stanley R; Hayes F; Blitner G, 2015, 'Understanding eye care through the experiences of Aboriginal people in the NT', in Understanding eye care through the experiences of Aboriginal people in the NT, 13th National Rural Health Conference, Darwin, Australia, presented at 13th National Rural Health Conference, Darwin, Australia, 24 May 2015 - 27 May 2015, http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.4654.1845
    Theses / Dissertations | 2012
    Yashadhana A, 2012, Tracking Empowerment: An exploratory study on the complexities of empowerment in development practice, UNSW, School of Social Sciences UNSW

2023 - Chief Investigator A, National Health & Medical Research Council Medical Research Future Fund ($2,902,798)
Gaawaadhi Gadudha: A stepped-wedge cluster randomised implementation trial and evaluation of an Aboriginal cultural health and traditional healing program

2022 – Chief Investigator A, UNSW Ageing Futures Institute ($30,000)
Facilitating physical and non-physical connections to Country among older Aboriginal peoples living in urban Australia

2021 – Chief Investigator A, National Health & Medical Research Council Medical Research Future Fund ($560,209)
Understanding how cultural resilience impacts Aboriginal health and quality of life

2021 – Chief Investigator - Centre for Primary Health Care & Equity UNSW research fund ($10,000)
A systematic review of placemaking and its impact on refugee health in high-income contexts

2020 – Associate Investigator - Shanghai Jiao Tong University-UNSW Collaborative Research Fund ($10,000)
Access to social health care among older people in China

2019 – Associate Investigator - Seed Grant, UNSW Ageing Futures Institute ($30,000)
Supporting Aboriginal people to age well in remote settings

2018 – Chief Investigator - Project grant, Fred Hollows Foundation ($69,543)
Understanding non-clinical roles and support in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye care

2017 – Associate Investigator - Project grant, The World Bank Group ($217,916)
A systematic review and qualitative study of child eye health in low- and middle-income countries

2016 – Associate Investigator - Project grant, The World Bank Group ($729,799)
Global situational analysis of child eye health in low- and middle-income countries

(2017) Brian Kirby Prize ($5000) for research excellence

Dr. Yashadhana has had outstanding impact for her early career stage, with examples of research and policy impact in the areas of eye health and cultural competence in clinical education and care. She recently co-designed three modules for undergraduate medical students at UNSW with the goal of improving cultural competency skills when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. She was recently acknowledged for her contributions in the Lancet Global Commission on Global Eye Health where she contributed to co-authoring several parallel articles focused on gender and ethinic diversity in eye health leadership, and access to eye care among racially minoritised groups.

Dr. Yashadhana is Chief Investigator A on the NHMRC funded Gaawaadhi Gadudha Project which aims to develop a model of cultural health that demonstrates how existing walaays (Aboriginal cultural gatherings) carried out on sacred sites impact community and individual wellbeing; and how they can be better linked with regional health systems to improve health outcomes for the Yuwalaraay, Gamilaraay, and Yuin peoples in the Western and South Coast regions of NSW. The project operates under a cultural governance framework that ensures that decisions made are reflective of cultural leaders from the study sites.

My Teaching

Introduction to Global Development (ARTS1750)