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Knowledge, attitudes and practices of COVID-19 among Pacific people in Aotearoa

Year:
2021
Duration:
36 months
Approved budget:
$1,199,482.35
Researchers:
Associate Dean Collin Tukuitonga
,
Dr Sam Manuela
,
Dr Gerard Sonder
,
Dr Debbie Ryan
,
Dr Corina Grey
,
Dr Apisalome Talemaitoga
,
Dr Tamasin Taylor
Health issue:
Infectious disease
Proposal type:
Pacific Health Project
Lay summary
Ethnic minority groups throughout the world were more affected by COVID-19 than dominant populations. In New Zealand, Pacific comprised the majority of locally acquired cases and were more likely to experience a severe outcome compared to European/other ethnic groups. The New Zealand response to COVID-19 involved targeted communication and tailored interventions to Pacific communities to improve access to services and engagement with preventive measures, testing and contact tracing. However, there is limited specific information about the knowledge gaps and the needs of diverse Pacific population groups in New Zealand to guide health interventions and improve outcomes. Now that New Zealand has returned to Level 1 status, this study will examine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Pacific populations in New Zealand, seek information about determinants for barriers and enablers to care, and develop evidence-based, implementable recommendations for changes in policy and practice for infectious disease surveillance prevention and control.