Addressing the podiatry needs of Pacific matua through community-based service delivery – prioritising collaborative engagement approaches

Abstract

Introduction:

Pacific peoples in Aoteaoroa NZ experience poorer health and greater unmet health needs than the non-Pacific population, often due to financial or language barriers, mono-cultural assumptions, and practices of healthcare professionals. Within the plethora of health and social issues faced by Pacific matua,  podiatric (foot) health is increasingly recognised as a vital component for health and wellbeing for older Pacific people. This study used a co-design approach to investigate podiatric health amongst a cohort of Pacific matua (older Pacific people) based in Auckland, NZ.

Methods:

Seventy-eight Pacific matua, recruited from amongst the four largest Pacific ethnicities in New Zealand, participated as co-researchers in the project. Talanoa and participatory action research methods were used by the team which comprised Pacific matua representatives, university-based podiatry staff and students, and academic researchers, to co-design and deliver sessions on footcare assessment and maintenance.

Results:

Overall, lower limb health was good; however, 13 Pacific matua required follow-up, for thickened toenails and other minor issues such as dry skin. Two Pacific matua were referred to their family physician for further assessment of suspected melanoma underneath the toenail.

Conclusion:

Regular podiatric assessments and maintenance sessions were highlighted as important events for Pacific matua. The fundamental requisites for effective community-academic partnerships with Pacific matua are grounded in collaborative processes, regular consultation, and sustained engagement.