Barriers to older Pacific peoples’ participation in the health-care system in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Introduction Participation in the health-care system is a key component of healthy ageing strategies. The number of Pacific people aged ≥65 years in Aotearoa New Zealand will increase significantly over the next decade. Addressing the considerable health inequities and unmet need for care Pacific Island people experience when compared to other ethnicities in Aotearoa New Zealand should be a priority. Aim To identify barriers to older Pacific people’s participation in the health-care system in Aotearoa New Zealand. Methods A participatory action research design was utilised. In total, 104 Pacific co-researchers contributed to focus groups using Talanoa, a traditional method of conversational dialogue deeply rooted in Pacific Island culture. Data were collected in Pacific Island languages from storytelling and conversations shared within the focus groups. Data were translated into English and analysed using a collaborative approach. Results Three main themes captured older Pacific peoples’ barriers to participation in the health-care system: accessing health care; relationships with health-care providers; and understanding the health-care system. Discussion Older Pacific people have the capacity to influence locally driven programmes to be more responsive to their needs and aspirations. Improving older Pacific peoples’ participation in health care will require a commitment to partnership and inter-sectoral collaboration identified in recent ageing strategies. The findings will inform local communities, and policy and practice aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Pacific peoples who are ageing in Aotearoa New Zealand.