A Qualitative Exploration of Fijian Perceptions of Diabetes: Identifying Opportunities for Prevention and Management

Catherine Dearie, Shamieka Dubois, David Simmons, Freya MacMillan and Kate A. McBride
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Catherine Dearie: School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales Kensington Campus, Randwick, NSW 2052, Australia
Shamieka Dubois: School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2750, Australia
David Simmons: School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2750, Australia
Freya MacMillan: School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2750, Australia
Kate A. McBride: School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2750, Australia

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 7, 1-16

Abstract: Rates of diabetes are high in many communities of Pacific Island peoples, including people from Fiji. This qualitative study explores knowledge and attitudes towards diabetes among i-Taukei Fijians to facilitate the cultural tailoring of diabetes prevention and management programs for this community. Fijians aged 26 to 71 years (n = 15), residing in Australia, participated in semi-structured interviews; 53% (n = 8) were male. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, then thematically analyzed. Diabetes is recognized as an important and increasing health problem requiring action in the i-Taukei Fijian community. Widespread support for culturally appropriate lifestyle interventions utilizing existing societal structures, like family networks and church groups, was apparent. These structures were also seen as a crucial motivator for health action. Intervention content suggestions included diabetes risk awareness and education, as well as skills development to improve lifestyle behaviors. Leveraging existing social structures and both faith and family experiences of diabetes within the Fijian community may help convert increased awareness and understanding into lifestyle change. Ongoing in-community support to prevent and manage diabetes was also regarded as important. We recommend building upon experience from prior community-based interventions in other high-risk populations, alongside our findings, to assist in developing tailored diabetes programs for Fijians.

Keywords: diet; Fijian; lifestyle intervention; physical activity; qualitative; diabetes mellitus (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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