Diabetes care in Samoa

Prevention as not-enough-care and the knowledge gaps it produces

Dados Bibliográficos

ID15540858
AutoresJ Hardin (0000-0001-5340-2933, Rochester Institute of Technology, autor correspondente), Saunima’a Ma Fulu-Aiolupotea (National University of Samoa), Tauaitala Lees (National University of Samoa), Uila Laifa Lima, Ramona Boodoosingh (0000-0002-7077-4525, Rochester Institute of Technology), Falelua Maua (National University of Samoa), Tausala Aiavao (National University of Samoa), Sophia Williams (National University of Samoa)
Ano2025
Volume20
Fascículo1
Páginas2482768-2482768
Data de publicação2025-03-28
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoGlobal Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1744-1692 • E-ISSN: 1744-1706
EditoraTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/17441692.2025.2482768
PMID40156173
OpenAlexW4408966983
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas1
Referências citadas65

This study examines diabetes care in Samoa, offering insights into global health challenges where most people with diabetes remain undiagnosed and prevention strategies fall short. Drawing on ethnographic interviews and freelist data from 212 participants, we identified three key themes: limited symptom knowledge delays care, traditional healers play a role in care-seeking, and diabetes is often managed through symptom-focused interventions rather than as a chronic condition. These findings highlight how prevention campaigns emphasising diet and exercise often exclude symptom recognition, leaving families to navigate care within fragmented systems. We propose prevention as not-enough-care to theorise the limitations of strategies prioritising behaviour change while neglecting relational and systemic approaches to chronic illness management. We propose a life-course approach integrating symptom knowledge while recognising the cumulative impact of social, biological, and environmental factors. Integrating traditional healers into formal healthcare systems also offers a culturally responsive pathway for earlier intervention. These suggestions aligns with Indigenous Pacific health models, such as Fonofale and Te Vaka Atafaga, which prioritise relational care. These findings advance a globally relevant critique of prevention frameworks, advocating relational, community-driven strategies to address knowledge gaps and reduce complications

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