TĀ MĀTOU E TŪHURA ANA
What we are investigating
Take | Issue
There is a lot of research evidence about the impact of chronic conditions, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and mental health disorders, on individuals in middle and later life. However, the indirect effects on the whānau of those with chronic conditions have been less well-studied, and these are likely to have impacts across the entire life-course.
Whāinga | Aim
This project aims to understand how living with a person who has a chronic condition affects their whānau – children, partners, carers, elders and household members. It will specifically investigate what helps some New Zealand communities to thrive despite high rates of chronic conditions.
This research is intended to inform health policy-makers about the wider benefits of chronic disease prevention and ways of improving the lives of whānau who live with people with chronic conditions. It will also develop novel kaupapa Māori resources to enhance future life-course research
Huarahi I Whāia | Approach
Two research studies will be undertaken:
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- A large cohort of individuals and families will be followed over time, using big and linked data sets. The study will compare outcomes for those who live in families which contain a member suffering from a chronic disease or mental health disorder, and those who don’t. A wide range of outcomes will be assessed at different stages of the life-course.
- An in-depth qualitative study of Tokelauan families will assess the family, household and community strengths that allow people in these communities to thrive despite the challenges of living in families with chronic conditions.
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Two further pieces of work will build on previous research to make novel Māori theoretical frameworks for life-course and intergenerational research available for use by others:
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- The conceptual framework and methodology for Te Kura Mai i Tawhiti, a kaupapa Māori early life and whānau programme which aims to transform Māori outcomes throughout the different life stages, will be documented for use in future life-course research.
- The methodology used by Ngati Tiipa to develop their whakapapa database, and the tikanga that will govern its access, use and protection, will be documented as a resource for other Māori collectives wishing to undertake intergenerational wellbeing research.
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Co-Funding
This project is co-funded by:
A Better Start, Healthier Lives, and Ageing Well National Science Challenges.
WHAKAWHITI MŌHIOTANGA
Knowledge Exchange
Puka Rangahau | Academic Publications
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- Loneliness and social isolation is associated with sleep problems among older community dwelling women and men with complex needs. Scientific Reports
- Longitudinal associations of mental disorders with physical diseases and mortality among 2.3 million New Zealanders. JAMA Network Open
- An interRAI-derived frailty index is associated with prior hospitalisations in older adults residing in retirement villages. Australasian Journal on Ageing
- Frailty of Māori, Pasifika, and Non-Māori/Non-Pasifika Older People in New Zealand: A National Population Study of Older People Referred for Home Care Services. The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
- He Piki Raukura: Assessing Ao Māori developmental constructs – Part I: Reliability of novel strengths-based measures among preschool Māori children. New Zealand Journal of Psychology, 50(2), 22-34
- He Piki Raukura: Assessing Ao Māori developmental constructs – Part II: Mapping positive change over 10 months among preschool Māori children. New Zealand Journal of Psychology. 50(2), 35-45
- He Piki Raukura: Understanding Strengths-based Māori Child Development Constructs in Kaupapa Māori Early Years Provision. MAI Journal
- "It's about who they are and what they can do: Māori perspectives on frailty in later life." New Zealand Medical Journal
- Oral Health Among Older Adults With Complex Needs Living in the Community and in Aged Residential Care Facilities within New Zealand. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association
- Intergenerational, integrative and intellectual Pacific properties and pathways for life (IPforLife): a Study Protocol. NZ Journal of Primary Health Care
- Longitudinal Associations of Mental Disorders With Dementia: 30-Year Analysis of 1.7 Million New Zealand Citizens. JAMA Psychiatry, 79(4), 333–340.
- Tawhiti nui, tawhiti roa: tawhiti tūāuriuri, tawhiti tūāhekeheke: a Māori lifecourse framework and its application to longitudinal research. (2023) Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 53:4, 429-445,
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Ngā Rā Nunui | Events
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- Life Course Project Team Hui December 2022 A Better Start National Science Challenge
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