Using community based research frameworks to develop and implement a church-based program to prevent diabetes and its complications for Samoan communities in South Western Sydney

Pasifika communities bear a disproportionate burden of diabetes compared to the general Australian population. Community-based participatory research (CBPR), which involves working in partnership with researchers and communities to address local health needs, has gained prominence as a model of working with underserved communities. This paper describes how Le Taeao Afua (LTA) Samoan diabetes prevention program was underpinned by two CBPR frameworks to develop a culturally tailored church-based lifestyle intervention to prevent diabetes and its complications in the Australian Samoan community. The name LTA, which means ‘a new dawn,’ was chosen by the community to signify a new dawn without diabetes in the Australian Samoan community. Strategies for engaging with the Australian Samoan community in South Western Sydney are discussed mapped to the key principles from the CBPR frameworks. In particular, this paper highlights the steps involved in building relationships with Samoan community leaders and the vital role of community activators and peer support facilitators in the success of delivering the program. Lessons learnt, such as the importance of church and maintaining a Samoan way of life in daily activities, and processes to build effective partnerships and maintain long-term relationships with the Australian Samoan community, are also discussed. Our paper, through providing a case example of how to apply CBPR frameworks, will help guide future community-based health promotion programs for underserved communities

Pasifika Communities in Australia: 2021 Census

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Pasifika communities in Australia based on the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census. The Australian Pasifika Educators Network (APEN) define 'Pasifika' as peoples and communities, who are genealogically, spiritually, and culturally connected to the lands, the skies and seas of the Pasifika region (including Aotearoa, New Zealand), and who have chosen to settle in and call Australia home. This analysis seeks to track key trends that have emerged since the 2015 Pacific Communities report published by Professor Jioji Ravulo based on the 2011 Census. In accordance with the intent of the original report, this current version seeks to provide an understanding of the current demographic, and socioeconomic experiences of Pasifika communities with a particular focus on education. This analysis covers population, education levels, employment patterns, as well as family and household characteristics to not only shed light on the unique circumstances faced by Pasifika communities, but also track key trends over the last decade. In addition, an examination of the Western Sydney region has been included, highlighting the significance of place-based insights on Pasifika communities towards informing policy responses and initiatives