Massey University Departments

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Has files: YesSubject: search.filters.subject.451821 Pacific Peoples social impact and program evaluation

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    Sia Tō’onga Mo’ui study : New Zealand Pacific lifestyle programme : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024-11-21) Faeamani, Gavin
    Objective and Rationale: Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) have the highest rates of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) compared to other population groups (1). There is a paucity in the design and implementation of culturally tailored approaches in New Zealand focused on targeting major long-term conditions and particularly in reducing the T2DM epidemic among high-risk population groups. This doctoral study investigates a culturally tailored approach focused on reducing the risk of developing T2DM. The objective of this study was to implement a culturally relevant lifestyle change programme by adapting the efficacious Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP) for use specifically amongst Tongans living in New Zealand. It also seeks to explore and understand the uptake and acceptability of the adapted prevention programme, including identifying the enablers and barriers of the programme in reducing the progression of prediabetes to T2DM in Tongan adults, aged 18-74 years old. Methods: The Sia Tō’onga Mo’ui Diabetes Prevention Programme (STM-DPP) uses a mixed-method approach and includes three phases. Phase 1: uses a citizen’s panel approach, composed of three panel groups made up of community members, (ii) health experts, and (iii) representatives from the first two panels to adapt the Pacific Island Diabetes Prevention Programme (PI-DPP). Phase 2 involves the implementation of the newly adapted, now known as the STM-DPP, by improving diet via weekly Zoom sessions and doing 150 minutes of physical activity every week, aiming to reduce 5% or more of total body weight. Data on clinical markers at baseline and post-programme were collected and analysed to determine the impact of the STM-DPP. Phase 3 included an evaluation of the STM-DPP using focus groups aimed at examining successful processes, benefits, practical applications, behavioural, cultural, and motivational drivers of change. Setting: The study was conducted in Auckland, NZ. Focus group discussions on Zoom were employed due to the restrictions of COVID-19 at the time and associated lockdowns that restricted any face-to-face or in-person meetings. The PI-DPP modules were also being presented weekly on Zoom, with exercise sessions held at the two study site venues. Results: The citizen panels guided the adaptation of the PI-DPP to reflect the Tongan culture and way of life; duration of the programme; consolidate and adapt the contents of the modules; appropriateness of programme delivery and approach; and incentives for participants. The implementation of the STM-DPP included 41 Tongan participants (males = 25, females = 16), of whom 95.2% had BMI≥30.0 and 75.6% had a Prediabetes Risk Test (PRT) score of baseline PRT≥5, indicating a high risk. At the conclusion of the intervention, post-programme data revealed significant changes across all areas for participants in weight, waist-to-height ratio, physical activity capability, and blood pressure. The evaluation of the STM-DPP also reports that the program’s feasibility and acceptability among the Tongan communities were positive, which explained the high uptake of the programme. Conclusions: These results provide evidence-based research affirming that the culturally adapted T2DM prevention programme, STM-DPP, is feasible and acceptable amongst Tongans in NZ. The positive impact of the prevention programme among the Tongan population in Auckland could be made available and adapted to other Pacific populations across NZ.
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    Tongan indigenous approaches in the prevention and restoration of family violence : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2023) Havea (née Taufa), Sesimani
    Substantive literature exists on intimate partner violence and the efficacy of various response programmes. There is only limited knowledge of Pacific-indigenous understandings of and responses to violence within the kainga (families). This thesis explores aspects of the inaugural application of the Tongan conceptual framework of Fofola e fala ka e talanoa e kainga (laying out the mat so families can dialogue) as part of the faith-based Kainga Tu’umalie (prosperous families) family violence intervention and prevention programme in Aotearoa New Zealand. The programme is centred around weekend retreats involving Tongan households experiencing family violence. I was culturally immersed in observing, actively engaging in, and evaluating this programme during the retreats that involved 49 Tongan church kainga (families). Additionally, formal talanoa (a Pacific-indigenous way of engaging families in research) were conducted post retreat with seven faith-based community leaders to draw out their depth of cultural knowledge and how it was applied to the development and conduct of the programme. As well as drawing on the evaluative materials, talanoa were conducted with three participating families to further consider their experiences of the programme. Overall, this study found that Tongan indigenous cultural ways infused with faith-based values can be effective, transformational, and restorative for individuals and families experiencing violence. Core findings are encapsulated by three intersecting Tongan-Indigenous cultural concepts of: Ko e makatu’unga mo’ui mo e malohi (a powerful and living platform); Koe kolo malu mo e hufanga (a place of safety & refuge), and Fa’utaha (unity/harmony/peace). These concepts not only represent the interweaving of Christian faith and Tongan indigenous knowledge as symbolised by the Fofola e fala (laying out the mat) framework, but also inform our shared understanding of the intent and impacts of the Kainga Tu’umalie programme. These concepts also enlighten my analysis of the positive impacts of the programme on participating families’ and their commitments to engaging in efforts to transform their everyday interactions to create more harmonious relationships within which they can thrive together. Participant accounts foreground the importance and potential of working with key faith-based and cultural values to address patterns of violence collectively within Tongan kainga (families), and with support from wider community members. This research also speaks to the significance of leveraging collaborative partnerships between community-based agencies and faith-based communities in addressing social issues.
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    Exploring the unique Brown Buttabean Motivation’s (BBM) approach to obesity intervention and prevention in South Auckland : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024) Finau, Gloria Katokakala
    This research explores the impact of a South Auckland community-led health innovation From the Couch (FTC) programme developed by Buttabean Motivation (BBM) for Pacific people living with obesity. It examines the unique ways in which BBM engages, motivates and connects with underserved Pacific people living with obesity in South Auckland. Pacific peoples residing in South Auckland experience economic and societal challenges directly affecting access to health-related essential services, resources and opportunities. As marginalised communities, these disparities persist particularly in comparison to the broader New Zealand population. Talanoa with three groups of FTC participants was used for data collection, a Pacific method suitable for working with Māori and Pacific participants. Reflexive thematic analysis was then used for data analysis coupled with Fa’afaletui-dialectical analysis, a Pacific cultural analysis that ensures a culturally safe and relevant research process. The results highlighted the success of BBM FTC, which stemmed from embodying Pacific values in their approach including family, collectivism, social connection, reciprocity and respect. Four overarching themes were discovered: ‘A space visible and invisible’; ‘Impact of improved overall wellbeing’; ‘Family by blood and by choice’ and ‘Utilising cultural knowledge’. These themes showcase the prioritisation of Pacific ways of knowing, being, and doing that are exemplified inherently through the BBM programme. This approach allows participants to engage and feel reassured in a space that supports their lived experience. It is a model for success that other lifestyle intervention programmes can learn from for effective Pacific community-led engagement.