Traditional Medicine Use in the Dunedin Pacific Community in New Zealand

Abstract

Background: Traditional medicine (TM) has been practiced in the Pacific islands over many years, and Pacific peoples continue to use TM after migrating to New Zealand (NZ). There is limited published literature on Pacific TM use in NZ. This study explores the views, use of, and access to TM of Pacific Peoples living in Dunedin, NZ. The information provides a valuable contribution in an important area where there is a paucity of information, and will also inform content development for the Pacific health curriculum for health professional courses at the University of Otago.
 Methods: Cultural processes were used to inform and guide the recruitment of participants and data collection phases. Four focus groups were conducted with 15 Pacific Island community members. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using an inductive approach to identify main themes.
 Results: Three main themes emerged from the data: Firstly, perspectives of TM from Pacific peoples, was varied and included the importance of spirituality, the environment and inherited knowledge. Secondly, the use of TM which incorporated plants, massage, diet, family togetherness and other forms of healing. Reasons for the use and differences in uptake between groups were also identified. The last main theme identified was barriers in accessing TM, that included the scarcity of traditional healers, resources, and cost.
 Conclusion: The findings suggest Pacific peoples’ perspectives of TM encompassed a wide spectrum of views, knowledge and techniques. There were identified barriers in access and substitution where traditional ingredients were not available. Some expressed concern that TM use may decline due to loss of exposure and availability of resources. Other challenges are fewer traditional healers and relevant plants in New Zealand. Assisting Western health professionals to engender discussion and openness to TM use in Pacific Peoples is likely to support patient care.