Pasifika perspectives key to national prevalence study

It’s essential that Pasifika are involved from the outset of any study about our experiences.

With a new Child and Youth Mental Health and Addiction Prevalence survey on the horizon for Aotearoa, Le Va has put together guidelines to ensure the experiences of Pasifika peoples are accurately and respectfully captured, alongside other priority groups.

In Aotearoa, there is a longstanding data deficit around youth mental health and addiction, which means a prevalence study of this kind is long overdue. We know our Pacific young people experience higher rates of mental health distress and barriers to accessing culturally appropriate mental health care.

Addressing existing gaps in understanding by collecting and analysing comprehensive and up-to-date data is vital to informing policy development and driving improved wellbeing outcomes for all families and communities in Aotearoa.

Le Va welcomes the government’s commitment to ongoing funding for measuring mental health and addiction challenges among children and young people to help determine what supports are needed. We also know it is important to further our understanding of the causes of mental health challenges to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Le Va’s general manager, Mati Dr Elizabeth Mati, says, “It’s essential that Pasifika are involved from the outset of any study about our experiences. From study design and measurement tools to interpreting findings, cultural, clinical and lived Pasifika expertise must be included to ensure accuracy and cultural integrity.”

Le Va’s report calls on the New Zealand Government to ensure the inclusion of Pasifika peoples in this important national prevalence study is done in a culturally relevant and meaningful way.

Many thanks to those who contributed to our comprehensive report: Moana Connect, PwC New Zealand, Le Va’s clinical governance group and Pasifikology. Together we share the goal of enhanced outcomes for Pasifika communities, with early intervention, evidence-informed decision making and equitable resource allocation.

Download the report