Pasifika Prediabetes Youth Empowerment Programme: learnings from a youth-led community-based intervention study

N Z Med J. 2021 Feb 19;134(1530):57-68.

Abstract

Aim: Using a co-design approach, we describe exploratory findings of a community-based intervention to mobilise Pasifika communities into action, with the intent of reducing the risk factors of prediabetes.

Method: A group of 25 Pasifika youth aged 15-24 years from two distinctive Pasifika communities in New Zealand were trained to lead a small-scale, community-based intervention programme (among 29 participants) over the course of eight weeks. The intervention, which targeted adults aged 25-44 years who were overweight or obese, employed both an empowerment-based programme and a co-design approach to motivate community members to participate in a physical-activity-based intervention programme.

Results: Findings show significant reductions in total body weight and waist circumference, as well as improved physical activity.

Conclusions: The strength of this intervention was evident in the innovative approach of utilising Pasifika-youth-led and co-designed approaches to motivate communities into healthier lifestyles. The approaches used in this project could be utilised in a primary healthcare setting as a community-wide strategy to reduce diabetes risk, particularly among Pasifika peoples.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Empowerment
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Health Promotion*
  • Health Services, Indigenous
  • Healthy Lifestyle*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • New Zealand
  • Prediabetic State / prevention & control*
  • Program Development
  • Risk Factors
  • Young Adult