Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards COVID-19 amongst Pacific communities

Understanding how we can prevent and manage COVID-19 and other infectious diseases through improved policy and practice for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa

The Need
Ethnic minority groups throughout the world were more affected by COVID-19 than dominant populations. In New Zealand, Pacific comprised the majority of locally acquired cases and were more likely to experience a severe outcome compared to European/other ethnic groups. The New Zealand response to COVID-19 involved targeted communication and tailored interventions to Pacific communities to improve access to services and engagement with preventive measures, testing and contact tracing. However, there is limited specific information about the knowledge gaps and the needs of diverse Pacific population groups in New Zealand to guide health interventions and improve outcomes.

Approach
This mixed-method co-designed study uses knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) survey methods and interviews, moderating factors such as sociodemographic variables, health status, access to technology, internet/smartphone access and preferred sources of information will be explored. Gaps in understanding how government and community-sector-led COVID-19 Pacific initiatives were received by diverse Pacific communities and who was not reached by these interventions will be explored. To achieve the objectives, the project has three phases:

• Phase 1: A cross-sectional study with Pacific people in the Auckland region using a structured, standardised questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions based on Knowledge Attitudes and Practices survey methods.
• Phase 2: A talanoa-interview study with a subset of 40 participants. Interviews will explore in-depth issues that emerge from the survey and identify the barriers and enablers to access services.
• Phase 3: The development of implementable recommendations for policy and practice with respect to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, prevention and management for Pacific people in NZ.

The KAP study is currently completing Phase1 and are preparing to commence with talanoa interviews, phase 2.

Research Aims

• Examine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Pacific populations in New Zealand
• Seek information about determinants for barriers and enablers to care
• Develop evidence-based, implementable recommendations for changes in policy and practice for infectious disease surveillance prevention and control.

Photo: NZ Herald

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