TĀ MĀTOU E TŪHURA ANA
What we are investigating
Take | Issue
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the New Zealand Pacific population is more than double that in the New Zealand European population and is projected to rise steeply over the next 20 years.
The Pacific population has unequal access to resources to support health and wellbeing, and existing health services are not always culturally responsive and acceptable to Pacific communities.
Whāinga | Aim
This project will co-design and implement a family-centred diabetes prevention programme in a Pacific community in Tokoroa. It aims to help families which are supporting members with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes to develop the practical knowledge that will enable them to make healthier food and lifestyle choices, within their own lived experience and cultural context.
It is hoped the project will develop a methodological approach that could be adapted and replicated in other communities.
Huarahi I Whāia | Approach
The project builds on an established research partnership with South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services, which will co- develop a type 2 diabetes prevention programme that is culturally relevant to Pacific families within their community in Tokoroa. Recognising that Pacific families make up the nucleus of their communities and often determine how communities operate collectively, this project will pilot an holistic, family-centred prevention programme with the following elements:
- Vaevae oro oro – identification of, and support for, the person in the family who does important tasks to support the family
- Kai Tari food bags – provision of ingredients and recipes for four healthy Pacific meals for the family each week
- Family physical activity nights – a range of options for three sessions a week
- Whānau Education Days – educational workshops for family members led by Pacific experts (Diabetes Nurse Specialist, Nutritionist, General Practitioner).
