Climate Change, Mental Health, and Well-Being for Pacific Peoples: A Literature Review

In this literature review, we analyze existing research on climate change and its impact on mental health and well-being, primarily among Pacific Islanders. To compensate for a lack of research in this area, we also address some of the projected mental health implications resulting from disasters linked to climate change, such as flooding, hurricanes, and cyclones. This broader scope enables the identification of areas where more research into mental health concerns related to climate change in the Pacific is needed. In closing, we provide recommendations for further research into the mental health and well-being of Pacific peoples and suggest ways to develop resilience to the effects of climate change

Supporting the bereavement needs of Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand following a suicide

On average, at least 60 people are directly impacted by a suicide death (i.e. family, friends, colleagues, school peers). As a result, in most cases, there is a lack of support for the suicide bereaved, mental health issues are intensified, there is increased suicide risk, a strain upon family relationships, there are poor coping skills, and for some, financial difficulties. What is also less known is the culturally relevant support needs of Pacific individuals, families and communities bereaved by suicide in Aotearoa New Zealand. An 18-month mixed methods project was designed to include an online survey, focus groups and fono (a commonly used term by some Pacific groups to refer to a ‘meeting’). This was undertaken among Pacific communities as well as service providers who worked with Pacific peoples bereaved by suicide. The results of the Pacific community survey are presented.The Pacific community survey drew a total of 173 unique responses, 153 conducted online and 20 via hard copy. This study is the first of its kind, both in Aotearoa, New Zealand and abroad, that specifically addresses the suicide postvention needs of Pacific communities.

Young Pacific Male Rugby Players’ Perceptions and Experiences of Mental Wellbeing

Recent studies and increased media reporting across Australasia have linked young Pacific male elite athletes to depression, suicide, and other adverse mental health-related events. Despite these accounts, little is known about the way this group experience emotions and mental wellbeing. The aim of this study was to explore young Pacific male athletes’ perceptions and experiences of emotions and mental wellbeing. This qualitative study involved 20 face-to-face interviews with young Pacific males (16–24 years) engaged in elite rugby union and rugby league programmes in Auckland, New Zealand. The results identified that athletes defined mental wellbeing in a holistic and relational manner and perceived mental wellbeing as the culmination of several interconnected factors, including: Family support, reciprocating family support, living a ‘well-balanced’ life, athletic performance, and personal development away from sports. The maintenance of a well-balanced athletic identity and positive social relations were deemed central to sustaining mental wellbeing for these young men

Climate change, mental health and wellbeing: privileging Pacific peoples’ perspectives – phase one

Impacts of climate change in the Pacific are far reaching and include effects on mental health and wellbeing. Pacific concepts around the interrelation of these global giants are yet to be described. The aim of this study was to seek consensus amongst Pacific mental health and/or climate change experts on key principles underpinning mental health and wellbeing, and climate change, and the intersection of the two, for Pacific peoples. The Delphi method included forming a panel of 70 experts. Two rounds of online questionnaires sought their views on mental health and wellbeing, and climate change and the impact upon Pacific peoples. Of the panel 86% identified with one or more Pacific ethnicities. Six themes emerged, 92% of items reached consensus and 36% reached strong consensus of >95%. Recurring subthemes included culture and spirituality, family and community, connection to ancestors, connection to the environment, resilience, disasters, livelihoods, government, education, workforce, migration and stigma. This is the first time these concepts have been explored and described for, and by Pacific peoples in this format. It is a necessary first step towards development of responses in preparedness of mental health services, in the Pacific region, and Aotearoa New Zealand.</p

Health and wellbeing of Māori secondary school students in New Zealand: Trends between 2001, 2007 and 2012

Abstract Objective: To describe the health status over time of Māori secondary school students in New Zealand compared to European students. Methods: Anonymous representative health surveys of New Zealand secondary school students were conducted in 2001, 2007 and 2012 (total n=27,306 including 5,747 Māori). Results: Compared to 2001, Māori students in 2012 experienced improved health, family and school connections. However, considerable inequity persists with Māori students reporting poorer health, greater exposure to violence and socioeconomic adversity compared to European students. When controlling for socioeconomic deprivation, inequity was substantially reduced, although worse Māori health outcomes remained for general health, mental health, contraceptive use, healthy weight, substance use, access to healthcare and exposure to violence. There was some evidence of convergence between Māori and European students on some indicators. Conclusions: There have been significant improvements for Māori youth in areas of health where there has been investment. Priority areas identified require adequate resourcing alongside addressing systematic discrimination and poverty. Implications for public health: Socioeconomic contexts, discrimination, healthcare access and identified priority health areas must be addressed to improve equity for Māori youth. Building on these gains and hastening action on indicators that have not improved, or have worsened, is required

Regional Research-Practice-Policy Partnerships in Response to Climate-Related Disparities: Promoting Health Equity in the Pacific.

Although climate change poses a threat to health and well-being globally, a regional approach to addressing climate-related health equity may be more suitable, appropriate, and appealing to under-resourced communities and countries. In support of this argument, this commentary describes an approach by a network of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers dedicated to promoting climate-related health equity in Small Island Developing States and low- and middle-income countries in the Pacific. We identify three primary sets of needs related to developing a regional capacity to address physical and mental health disparities through research, training, and assistance in policy and practice implementation: (1) limited healthcare facilities and qualified medical and mental health providers; (2) addressing the social impacts related to the cooccurrence of natural hazards, disease outbreaks, and complex emergencies; and (3) building the response capacity and resilience to climate-related extreme weather events and natural hazards