‘Every strategy needs to be contributing to erasing the stigma’: Māori and Pacific young people talk about overcoming barriers to testing for sexually transmitted infections

Making Education Easy

Authors:

Rose SB et al.

May 17, 2024

Summary:

Free services, along with education and health promotion to improve inter-generational sexual health knowledge, are needed to improve access to sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing among Māori and Pasifika young people. These were the findings of four wānanga held with 38 Māori and Pasifika participants aged 15-24 years in Wellington between November 2022 and May 2023. Five themes were identified as barriers to STI testing: (1) differences in cultural values and expression; (2) family/friends; (3) educational gaps; (4) psychological factors; and (5) structural obstacles. Participants noted that approaches to overcome these barriers must be community based and delivered by trusted individuals using culturally appropriate messages. Participation in STI testing was regarded as beneficial for whānau and communities.

Comment:

Have included this to alert/remind us about the increasing issue of STIs for Māori and Pacific peoples. Patients tell me that the structural barriers to care (cost, time off work, getting an appointment) are the biggest barrier followed closely by ‘feeling judged by health professionals’ – we can do better on all fronts.

Reference: Sex Health. 2024;21:SH23186.

Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

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‘Every strategy needs to be contributing to erasing the stigma’: Māori and Pacific young people talk about overcoming barriers to testing for sexually transmitted infections

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