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Understanding the worldview of health from a Samoan New Zealander's perspective

Year:
2023
Duration:
36 months
Approved budget:
$168,411.00
Researchers:
Mr Suli Tuitaupe
,
Associate Professor Annabel Ahuriri-Driscoll
Health issue:
Wellbeing (autonomy self-determination)
Proposal type:
Pacific Health Clinical Training Fellowship
Lay summary
I am passionate about improving health outcomes and achieving health equity for Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. My goals in this research project are inspired by two themes: (1) the health status of Pacific people is inferior to that of non-Pacific people because their needs are not met by the current health system; and (2) while Pacific health models promote holistic well-being, limited research makes it impossible to determine whether these measures are effective in practice. I will employ the Talanoa Pasifika research methodology in a focus group setting to fully comprehend the health and worldview of Pacific communities, particularly Samoans born in Aotearoa New Zealand. These research findings will inform changes in practice and in the health system regarding the significance of recognising Pacific worldviews, identity, culture, and ethnicity as essential to health and well-being, consequently fostering a sense of belonging for Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.