None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The New Zealand population is ageing and numerous studies demonstrate with this increasing age comes increases in non-communicable diseases, injuries and healthcare costs among other issues. Further, there are significant inequities between Maori (Indigenous people of New Zealand) and non-Maori around poor ageing and health outcomes. Most research addressing these issues takes a deficit approach. However, the current research project takes a strengths-based approach that highlights the potential of kaumatua (elders) by asserting mana motuhake (autnomy, identity). We believe that the esteem of elders in Maori culture signals transformative potential. Specifically, this project utilises a ‘tuakana-teina’(older sibling/younger sibling) peer-educator model, where kaumatua work with other kaumatua in relation to health and wellbeing. The objectives of the project are (1) to develop the capacity of kaumatua as peer educators and have positive impacts on their sense of purpose and health and wellbeing; and (2) To enhance the social and health outcomes for kaumatua receiving the intervention.
Interventions
We developed a “Tuakana-teina (older sibling/younger sibling)/peer education orientation programme” for life-transitions of kaumatua (elders). The orientation includes four 4-hour sessions over two-weeks for the peer educator (tuakana) comprised of the following material: (a) Maori values; (b) definitions of tuakana-teina/peer support; (c) four kinds of peer support; (d) forms of Maori communication; and (e) specific communication tools to support the peer educator (tuakana) working with their p
We developed a “Tuakana-teina (older sibling/younger sibling)/peer education orientation programme” for life-transitions of kaumatua (elders). The orientation includes four 4-hour sessions over two-weeks for the peer educator (tuakana) comprised of the following material: (a) Maori values; (b) definitions of tuakana-teina/peer support; (c) four kinds of peer support; (d) forms of Maori communication; and (e) specific communication tools to support the peer educator (tuakana) working with their peers (teina). There will be at least one follow-up orientation session to tuakana progress. After the orientation programme, each tuakana will have a face-to-face semi-structured conversation with six teina at least three times over a four-month period to address relevant life-transitions of their teina. The tuakana will have a checklist to guide the conversations and assess the needs, and interests in learning about resources, around five life transitions (loss of independent living, loss of driver’s licence, loss of spouse, serious change in health condition, and retirement). The tuakana will provide various types of emotional and tangible support including linking to health and social services. Fidelity of the conversations will be assessed through coding of recorded conversations against the checklist. The development of the orientation programme was a collaboration of academic and community researchers working in consultation with advisory boards of experts (medical, social services, ageing) and a board of trustees (i.e., as cultural advisors). The orientation programme is a written manual including instructions, activities, information, and questions for the people delivering the sessions. Including in the manual is a written handouts for participants in the training. Each session is to be delivered face-to-face by members of the academic research team who are experts in Maori communication, Maori worldviews and ageing. and have doctoral degrees supported by community researchers and doctoral students.. The sessions include some didactic information although mostly interactive discussions, reflections and chances to practice the peer education (i.e., role plays with feedback).
Sponsors
University of Waikato
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Other
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
55 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
People aged 55 or above who are registered/receive services at Rauawaawa Kaumatua Charitable Trust
Exclusion criteria
Severe forms of dementia and related cognitive impairment
Outcome results
None listed