Investigating the cultural context of medication adherence in a Pacific Islander and Maori population with Type 2 Diabetes

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by Pasifika Women's Alliance Inc.

(PhD Research – Tash Taufatofua; Supervisors – Dr Adam La Caze; Associate Professor Neil Cottrell; Dr Heena Akbar)

  • Supporting medication adherence in a Maori and Pacific Islander population with Type 2 Diabetes
  • Resources on medication and diabetes support for Maori and Pacific Islander population with Type 2 Diabetes
  • Pasifika medicines support for diabetes and chronic conditions (FB Page: Pasifika Medicines Support for Diabetes and Chronic Conditions

 

Brief summary of Project:

This project aims to understand the beliefs and perceptions around taking medicines for type 2 diabetes in the Maori and Pacific Islander community in Australia, with the goal to develop strategies to better support medicine use. The project involves collaboration and community engagement through key representatives from the Maori and Pasifika community who will be involved in the design of the project and the development of strategies to assist the community. The project aims to empower and engage people from the Maori and Pacific Islander community to successfully manage type 2 diabetes, prevent complications of diabetes and improve overall quality of life.

Who we are engaging with i.e. community stakeholders or partner groups?

This project partners with multiple Maori and Pacific Islander community organizations including the Pasifika Women’s Alliance Inc (PWA), Pacific Islands Council of Queensland (PICQ), Hosanna Church, Health Equity and Access Unit at the Logan Central Community Health Centre Metro South, Children’s Health Queensland Good Start Program, Pastors and Church Leaders Network, Pacific Mamas and the 4EB Ethnic Radio station.

Desired outcomes of the projects

  • Understand the beliefs, perceptions and behaviours related to medication adherence in the Maori and Pacific Islander community with type 2 diabetes in Australia.
  • Recognize the social and cultural context of medicines use in the Maori and Pacific Islander community and the barriers influencing medication use.
  • Local mapping of the informational resources and programs currently available to the Maori and Pasifika community (in Brisbane and surrounds) to support type 2 diabetes and medication management.
  • Development and implementation of medicines support for Maori and Pacific Islander patients with Type 2 diabetes in partnership with the community.

Vision for research (Long term vision)

The goal is to achieve equal access to healthcare across all cultures and the delivery of health services to the Maori and Pasifika community in ways that are culturally respectful and tailored to the community.

Contact details: Natasha Taufatofua: n.sue@uq.edu.au ; Dr Heena Akbar: h.akbar@hdr.qut.edu ; PWA president: Ms Iree Chow president@pasifikawomensalliance.com

How can you be involved?

Interviews are currently being conducted. If you have type 2 diabetes, have been prescribed a medication and are living in Australia, please contact Natasha to be involved in an interview.

Published by

Pasifika Women's Alliance Inc.

The Pasifika Women’s Alliance is a non-political, nonsectarian, not-for-profit culturally diverse network consisting of women who have migrated to Australia from 22 Pacific Island countries and territories. The alliance seeks to build and strengthen a Queensland sisterhood of Pacific Islander women and to raise the awareness of members as to their rights and responsibilities as citizens and encourages their participation in all aspects of community life.