{"title":"Health and culture: A critical analysis based on studies conducted on older Asian-New Zealanders","authors":"J. Montayre","doi":"10.24135/PACIFICHEALTH.V2I0.37","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24135/PACIFICHEALTH.V2I0.37","url":null,"abstract":"New Zealand is an ethnically diverse nation. The number of overseas-born New Zealanders are increasing and migration pathways have added to the cultural diversity of New Zealand’s population. Acknowledging the health complexities experienced by older adults belonging to diverse cultural backgrounds is a growing research interest. This article aims to discuss the specific overlays between health and culture in the case of older Asian-New Zealanders by unpacking, presenting and critically analysing selected New Zealand studies. Based on this critical analysis, health-seeking behaviours and engagement with the healthcare system in New Zealand were influenced by cultural beliefs, traditional family values and the use of mainstream language. Understanding the overlaps between health and culture of the ageing ethnic groups is complex yet useful for health institutions. Furthermore, understanding the perspectives of ageing among ethnic and migrant groups within the context of cultural diversity is enhanced by considering an ethno-specific approach. \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":82251,"journal":{"name":"Pacific health dialog","volume":"42 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86508192","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Conn, Losi Sa'ulilo, D. Fernández, Kaisa Wilson
{"title":"Perceptions of Vanuatu seasonal workers on conducting oral health promotion in their community","authors":"C. Conn, Losi Sa'ulilo, D. Fernández, Kaisa Wilson","doi":"10.24135/PACIFICHEALTH.V2I0.40","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24135/PACIFICHEALTH.V2I0.40","url":null,"abstract":"Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlJd_Mv2ApU \u0000Introduction: Poor oral health is a significant public health problem in Vanuatu, and in Melanesia more generally. It has a negative impact on overall health and well-being and is linked to heart disease and diabetes. Determinants of health such as poverty, poor diet, geographical remoteness, and limited oral health care are some of the contributing factors of poor oral health in Vanuatu. Vanuatu seasonal workers visit Aotearoa New Zealand annually under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme, for the purposes of fruit processing. Fruit of the Pacific (FOP), a charitable trust, has collaborated with Oral Health at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) to provide oral health care to seasonal workers since 2010. Emerging from these relationships, a community-led initiative was undertaken by returning workers to Vanuatu in collaboration with FOP involving good oral health, especially tooth-brushing. \u0000Method: In 2016, a small-scale study was undertaken of the perceptions of Vanuatu seasonal workers’ of oral health promotion in their community. An exploratory focus group discussion with seasonal workers and a contextual review of sources was undertaken. This paper discusses oral health in Vanuatu and presents the findings of the study. \u0000Results/Discussion: The seasonal workers are well aware of the poor oral health of their communities, describing important gains from community-led sharing of oral health messages, including cultural knowledge, empathy, and appropriate forms of communication. They noted that stakeholders and funders are needed on an ongoing basis to support such mechanisms. \u0000Conclusion: The study presents and discusses a positive case of Pacific community leaders from migrant diaspora taking action on oral health. This can inform similar actions in Vanuatu, Melanesia, and other Pacific island communities. Further research would be valuable to explore community oral health messaging in Vanuatu and in other settings. Given the potential of the ‘digital dividend’ for greater access to the internet in future, ehealth promotion tools alongside appropriate community programming, might provide a low cost and sustainable model of Pacific oral health promotion.","PeriodicalId":82251,"journal":{"name":"Pacific health dialog","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89412154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Health related quality of life following injury in low-and middle-income countries","authors":"I. Wainiqolo, B. Kool, V. Nosa, S. Ameratunga","doi":"10.26635/PHD.2019.606","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26635/PHD.2019.606","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important aspect to consider when assessing the non-fatal impact of injuries. The aim of this review was to critically appraise the range of generic instruments employed in the assessment of HRQoL following injury in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). As a prelude to subsequent research examining longer-term outcomes following motor vehicle crash injuries in Fiji, we also examined how commonly used measures align with the List of All Deficits (LOAD) framework for injury and the Fonofale model of Pacific health and well-being. \u0000Methods: A systematic search of four databases was conducted to identify injury outcome studies undertaken in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) that used a generic health status outcome measure(s). Two separate content analyses were undertaken, to assess how identified HRQoL measures aligned with the LOAD framework and the Fonofale model. \u0000Findings: Thirty two studies from thirteen LMICs examined variably defined aspects of HRQoL following a range of traumatic injuries (e.g. spinal cord, brain). The measures most commonly focused on the ‘impact on individual’ aspect of the LOAD framework and the ‘physical and mental’ aspects of the Fonofale model. While the emerging literature from LMICs provides valuable information about the HRQoL of trauma patients, the commonly used generic measures provided limited insights regarding societal impacts, culture and spirituality, domains of relevance to injury research and Pacific health and well-being. \u0000Conclusion: Theoretical frameworks relevant to Pacific contexts should be considered when selecting appropriate outcome measures for injury studies in the region.","PeriodicalId":82251,"journal":{"name":"Pacific health dialog","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42152272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Traditional Medicine and Western Medicine, Coexisting Systems and Practices. A Perspective on the way forward","authors":"Frances Brebner, F. Sopoaga","doi":"10.26635/PHD.2019.609","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26635/PHD.2019.609","url":null,"abstract":"This article looks at Western Medicine and Traditional Medicine and explores the implications of these coexisting but very diverse systems of healthcare. We have sourced information from the World Health Organisations, Strategy and Guidelines in Traditional Medicine Use and, Guidelines for assessing quality of herbal medicines with reference to contaminates and residues and a Study on Traditional Medicine use in Dunedin by final year Otago University Medical students. We offer a perspective on the roles of academic institutions and Traditional Medicine/Traditional Healers in the provision of universal healthcare coverage in the Pacific.","PeriodicalId":82251,"journal":{"name":"Pacific health dialog","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45161313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Integrating Health Navigation and Interpreting Services for Patients with Limited English Proficiency","authors":"Jo Hilder, B. Gray, M. Stubbe","doi":"10.26635/PHD.2019.602","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26635/PHD.2019.602","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction \u0000Pacific people and other communities with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD) face barriers to receiving good healthcare. Community health workers and health navigator roles have developed in recent years internationally and in New Zealand to address these barriers. Interpreters are also increasingly used to address language barriers. The interface between navigator and interpreter roles is explored in this study through the experiences and views of Pacific health navigators. \u0000Methods \u0000Qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted with managers and staff of two health organisations catering for Pacific people: a community-based Pacific Navigation Service and a hospital based Pacific Health Unit. Interviews and focus groups were recorded, transcribed and analysed using a framework approach. \u0000Findings \u0000Participants identified a wide range of barriers to healthcare, and the various skills required in a navigator team. Navigators also perform a wide range of roles, something that can lead to difficulties in managing role boundaries. Overcoming language barriers is a major part of the navigator role, but their approach differs from that of professional interpreters. The concept of an explicitly combined navigator/interpreter role was supported, acknowledging the need for specific training in interpreting for navigators. \u0000Conclusion \u0000Pacific people working in health navigation roles (or similar) support in principle the idea of a combined health navigator/interpreter role, based on providing interpreter training to health navigators. Perceived benefits include greater role clarity if interpreting is an official part of the role, and greater continuity of care with a single person in both roles. A combined health navigator/interpreter role would be likely to lead to better health outcomes for Pacific people, and other cultural groups.","PeriodicalId":82251,"journal":{"name":"Pacific health dialog","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42181376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Our collective response to racism and intolerance","authors":"A. Ekeroma","doi":"10.26635/PHD.2019.600","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26635/PHD.2019.600","url":null,"abstract":"Within the context of our Pacific communities in New Zealand, this heart-wrenching atrocity has caused serious soul-searching and reflection. There are a few themes that come to mind. Of immediate concern are issues with institutional racism and cultural competence in health care and the impact on our Pacific communities, and what leaders and all those who work in health, can and should do to help address these matters.","PeriodicalId":82251,"journal":{"name":"Pacific health dialog","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44959087","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
F. Sopoaga, P. Crampton, T. Wilkinson, Tony Zaharic
{"title":"Two decades in the making : reflecting on an approach to increase the participation and success of Pacific students at the Otago Medical School in New Zealand.","authors":"F. Sopoaga, P. Crampton, T. Wilkinson, Tony Zaharic","doi":"10.26635/PHD.2019.608","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26635/PHD.2019.608","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Health professional institutions are required to train a health workforce to meet the needs of their increasingly diverse communities. One approach is to increase the diversity of their student cohorts. This article provides some reflections on the approach from one institution to increase the participation and success of Pacific students, an under-represented group in its medical programme. \u0000Methods: A review of the University’s strategic documents and initiatives to improve the participation and success of Pacific students in the medical programme was conducted. The total number of Pacific students enrolled in medicine and their completion rates from 1996 to 2016 was requested from central university administration. The academic performance of Pacific students for the same period was requested from the medical school administration. The two extracts were merged and the annual performance for all Pacific students was analysed using Microsoft Excel. Interpretation of the results and perspectives discussed are shaped by the authors’ institutional knowledge. \u0000Results: The earliest recorded efforts to increase the participation of Pacific students in the medical programme was through an affirmative action approach in 1951. Pacific student numbers, however, did not increase over subsequent years, until a more strategic approach was taken through the establishment of a Pacific Strategic Framework in 2011. The Framework coordinated a University-wide approach, engaged senior University leaders in the process, empowered Pacific staff, enabled targeted support for students and meaningful engagements with Pacific communities. These coordinated efforts coincided with positive outcomes for Pacific students’ in the medical programme. \u0000Conclusions: The building of capacity and capability for under-represented groups require patience, persistence, advocacy, diplomacy and risk-taking. Having a university-wide strategic approach that is endorsed at the highest levels, supported well through appropriate resourcing, including the empowerment of minority leadership within the institution is required. It is important also for senior institutional leadership to be consciously aware of institutional racism and the historical, economic and social forces that lie behind it. Last by not least, building genuine and meaningful engagements with these minority communities is vital, and will support institutional efforts to meet the needs of their diverse communities.","PeriodicalId":82251,"journal":{"name":"Pacific health dialog","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42525318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Getahun, Anaseini Batikawai, Sabiha Khan, D. Nand, R. Naidu, Renata Ram, Shivnay Naidu
{"title":"Factors associated with dengue fatality in Fiji: a hospital-based case control study","authors":"A. Getahun, Anaseini Batikawai, Sabiha Khan, D. Nand, R. Naidu, Renata Ram, Shivnay Naidu","doi":"10.26635/PHD.2019.603","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26635/PHD.2019.603","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Fiji experienced a dengue serotype 3 outbreak in 2013-14 with a higher number of fatalities compared to an earlier outbreak of similar intensity. This study was conducted to determine the factors associated with dengue mortality during the 2014 outbreak. \u0000Methods: A matched case control study was conducted. Cases were patients who died of dengue (n=30) and controls were patients with laboratory confirmed dengue who were hospitalized and survived (n=90). A standardized data collection form was used to extract information from medical folders. \u0000Findings: In this study predictors of dengue death included, haemorrhagic manifestations (odds ratio(OR) 2.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09,6.36), abdominal tenderness (OR 4.32, 95%CI 1.10,17.03), leucocytosis (OR 2.92, 95%CI 1.29,29.74) and serum creatinine > 150mg/dl (OR 6.19, 95%CI 1.29,29.74) at admission and development of shock (OR 40.05, 95%CI 5.26,305.19) during hospital stay. Living in urban location was also associated with dengue fatality (OR 5.78, 95%CI 1.57,21.22). \u0000Conclusion: Findings of this study should be used by clinicians for prompt identification and appropriate treatment of dengue as well as for public health measures to reduce dengue related mortality in Fiji.","PeriodicalId":82251,"journal":{"name":"Pacific health dialog","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46617177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Engaging Dunedin New Zealand Pacific People in Falls Prevention","authors":"Troy Tararo-Ruhe, D. Waters, R. Richards","doi":"10.26635/PHD.2018.917","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26635/PHD.2018.917","url":null,"abstract":" \u0000Introduction: \u0000Falls are a common cause of injury in New Zealand. However, falls risk and prevalence have not been investigated in Pacific peoples. To address this knowledge gap, a literature review, falls risk screening, and attitudes towards exercise as falls prevention questionnaires were conducted in a Pacific population in the southern regional town of Dunedin. \u0000Aims: \u0000To identify the attitudes towards strength and balance exercise as falls prevention within Pacific Islands peoples in Dunedin, New Zealand. \u0000Methods: \u0000Participants aged 55+ were recruited from Pacific Trust Otago, flyers, at church groups and existing exercise classes. Falls screening was assessed by the New Zealand Health Quality and Safety Commission’s Ask, Assess, Act questionnaire. Attitudes towards exercise as falls prevention intervention, was assessed using a culturally adapted version of the Attitudes to Falls-Related Intervention Scales (AFRIS). Both questionnaires were verbally administered in the participants’ native tongue. \u0000Results: \u0000Fifty respondents (mean age: 68.69, males: 39.58%, females: 60.42%) completed the questionnaires. Just over 56% indicated falls risk (62.07% female and 52.63% male) and 30% reported a fall in the last 12 months (31.03% females and 21.05% males). AFRIS highest mean score, was 6.69 (out of 7) for readiness to engage in strength and balance exercise to prevent falls. The lowest score (6.4) was ease of exercise participation. The total mean AFRIS score was 38.96 out of a possible 42. \u0000Conclusions: \u0000Self-reported falls in the past year and risk within this population was comparable to other groups and highlights the need for falls prevention that caters to cultural needs. The positive response to adding strength and balance exercise provides supporting evidence of incorporating strength and balance exercises into existing programmes \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":82251,"journal":{"name":"Pacific health dialog","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48199633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jemaima Tiatia-Seath, Y. Underhill-Sem, A. Woodward
{"title":"The Nexus between Climate Change, Mental Health and Wellbeing and Pacific Peoples","authors":"Jemaima Tiatia-Seath, Y. Underhill-Sem, A. Woodward","doi":"10.26635/phd.2018.911","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26635/phd.2018.911","url":null,"abstract":"An estimated 75 million people from the Asia-Pacific region will be forced to migrate by 2050 as a result of climate change. Moreover, New Zealand and Australia will become a potential relocation destination for many Pacific peoples.This call to action is timely, as New Zealand's current government is proposing to provide climate migration visas for Pacific peoples displaced by rising sea levels. The post-migration experience of recent migrants is important in the resettlement process and the sociocultural conditions of a host country can have powerful influence on their mental health and wellbeing. ","PeriodicalId":82251,"journal":{"name":"Pacific health dialog","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49644005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}