Tertiary institution's duty of care for the health and well-being of Pacific students during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross sectional survey.

Abstract

Introduction There is increasing concern about the wellbeing of tertiary students, and this is likely to be further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. There is minimal information about what support is being provided. In New Zealand, there is even less information available on Pacific students in the tertiary environment. Aim This study explored the role of one tertiary institution in the provision of support for Pacific tertiary students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Pacific students' perceptions of all the support they received from the University of Otago during the COVID-19 pandemic were obtained from a cross-sectional survey between April to June 2022. All Pacific students attending the University in 2022 were eligible to participate. An online survey was emailed to all students. Results There were 1277 Pacific students enrolled at the University in 2022. Of all eligible Pacific students, 358 (28%) completed the survey. Three quarters of students had to isolate since the start of the academic year, either because they had COVID-19, or they were a close contact of someone with the disease. Of all participants, 356 (99%) received a health pack. At least two-thirds (67.6%) had accessed other support from the University. A third (32.4%) accessed support through the Otago University Students' Association and some from the community and local Pacific health provider. The support was highly valued by students who utilised these services. Discussion Institutions can provide effective leadership in the coordination of support for their students through working together with student-led, government and non-governmental organisations in the community.