Pacific health
Research into understanding the issues, challenges and opportunities in pacific health.
Pacific patients' perspectives of treatment of chronic conditions
A two-year project funded by the Health Research Council Pacific Project fund
Funded by
Health Research Council
Start date
July 2017
Research team
Led by Debbie Ryan, Pacific Perspectives Ltd, with Dr Ausaga Fa'asalele Tanuvasa, HSRC; and researchers from the University of Auckland, the University of Otago, and clinical partners
Emerging pacific researchers
The aim of this project is to strengthen a Pacific health workforce of skilled Pacific health researchers at Health Services Research Centre, and the Public Health Services, University of Otago, Wellington (UOW). This funding has funded one PhD and three Masters students’ at the HSRC, as well as three Masters students at UOW. The PhD candidate is completing her thesis in April 2010, while the Masters students will be completing their theses or dissertations in July or November 2010.
Funding
Ministry of Health
HSRC Researchers
Ausaga Fa’asalele Tanuvasa, Aliitasi Tavila, Mili Burnette, Hana Tuisano, Tua Sua
Strategies to address cultural barriers in order to promote healthy eating within the church environment
The debate around Pacific people’s health issues is an ongoing feature within the New Zealand health system. The consensus amongst Pacific and non-Pacific health professionals, researchers and educators is that Pacific people’s health is at risk. Aliitasi Tavila’s PhD research views the health issues from a non-medical perspective as opposed to the usual perception of medical research. The focus is on a holistic view with the intention of identifying underlying issues pertaining to the health problems amongst the Pacific peoples. To address cultural barriers around food, Sāmoan paramount leaders in Sāmoa and New Zealand were consulted. Traditionally, they are decision and policy makers.
In addition, Aliitasi has won a post-doctoral award from the Health Research Council that allows her to continue her study around other Pacific nations like Tonga, the Cook Islands, Fiji and Sāmoa by examining her PhD findings in depth. Her intention is to talanoa (dialogue) with the Pacific leaders in order to develop a community based strategy to promote healthy eating around the Pacific communities. This project will commence in mid 2010.
Funding
Ministry of Health
Researcher
Aliitasi Tavila
Factors affecting the health and wellbeing of Sāmoan women living in New Zealand during late pregnancy and post-birth
Marianna Churchward’s MA (Applied) research is exploring factors that contribute to the health and wellbeing of Aotearoa/New Zealand born Sāmoan women during pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood. The qualitative research involved a two phase interview process with each woman:
- in their last trimester of their first pregnancy; and
- up to 12 months after they gave birth.
The study will explore the expectations and experiences of pregnancy and motherhood of first-time mothers who reside in Wellington. The findings will contribute to the understanding of why Sāmoan women have low rates of postnatal depression when exposed to adverse circumstances.
Funding
Health Services Research Centre
Researcher
Marianna Churchward
Exploring Sāmoan women’s attitudes towards antenatal and midwifery care
The aim of this project is to look at the reasons why Pacific women present late for antenatal care when midwifery/maternity care services are free and available, to avoid difficulties in the run up to and during birth. Forty in depth interviews have been completed with 20 New Zealand-born Sāmoan women and 20 Sāmoan-born women, as well as 10 interviews with midwives and other key health professionals. This project will be completed in September 2010.
Funding
Health Research Council of New Zealand
Researchers
Ausaga Fa’asalele Tanuvasa, Marianna Churchward, Mili Burnette, Hana Tuisano
Sāmoan women’s experiences of traditional midwifery healing practices: An exploratory study
This pilot study describes the experiences of six Sāmoan women, seeking and receiving care from traditional birth attendants, alongside medical and midwifery interventions during pregnancy.
Funding
Victoria University of Wellington New Research Grant
Researchers
Ausaga Fa’asalele Tanuvasa, Kima Fa’asalele
Your health is in your hands: Factors that influence Sāmoan women’s food choices within a church context
This research is Aliitasi Tavila’s MA thesis. The intent of this study is to formulate strategies to help promote healthy eating within the Sāmoan church environment by exploring the opinions and attitudes of a selected group of women from a Sāmoan women’s fellowship in one of the biggest Congregational Christian Churches of Sāmoa in New Zealand.
Funding
Ministry of Health, 2005–2006.
Researcher
Aliitasi Tavila
Knowledge and use of antibiotics amongst Sāmoan people in New Zealand and Sāmoa
The aim of this project is to explore Sāmoan people's understanding and use of antibiotics in order to develop strategies to reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics. Interviews with Sāmoan people took place in 2005-2006 and analysis and publication of the results is ongoing.
Funding
Health Research Council of New Zealand, 2005–2006
Researchers
Dr Pauline Norris (School of Pharmacy, University of Otago), Marianna Churchward, Cecilia Va’ai, Fuafiva Fa’alau
Your life is in your hands: the impact of food choices on health—from a Sāmoan womens’ perspective
In late 2005 the HSRC won funding from the Ministry of Health to work with the Ministry to develop the Pacific research workforce. Aliitasi Tavila is working on a project exploring the perspectives of Sāmoan women about food choices and the impact of these choices on health. The project forms part of her study towards an MA (Applied) Social Science Research.
Funding
Ministry of Health, 2005–2006.
Researcher
Aliitasi Tavila