The Vā Between the New Zealand Health System, Pasifika Families and the Church

Research on the health outcomes of Pasifika people in New Zealand has begun to focus on the church’s role as well as that of the Pasifika worldview. This study explores the relationship between the church, Pasifika families and the health system through the concept of vā. Five Pasifika participants, four parishioners and their church minister were interviewed online to facilitate dialogue and gather their voices. Four themes emerged from the interviews and the data analysis: (1) the role of family and close relationships, (2) interactions with healthcare, (3 the role of the church and (4) overarching systemic discussions. It was found that the preconceptions of some medical professionals regarding Pasifika familial, medical or religious values and practices may lead to unfruitful connections with Pasifika. Also, across all contexts, the values of engagement, honesty, respect and accessibility were key contributors to creating healthy relationships. The vā elements can form a framework to help in understanding the complexity of these connections

Focus (optics) · Focus group · Health professionals · Qualitative analysis · Qualitative research · Semi-structured interview · Athletic Training and Education · Island Studies and Pacific Affairs · New Zealand Economic and Social Studies