Health vs attitudes to health in Rarotongan high school students

Mayor Pokino, Karen Tairea, Ina Herrmann, Celeste Barrett-Watson, Neti Herman, Mark Vickers, Jacquie Bay

Background: High rates of overweight, obesity and related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are creating intolerable social and economic burdens for the Cook Islands. Signs of NCD risk are evident in children and adolescents, creating an urgent need to address the issue during this life-stage. Between 2003 and 2015, overweight in 5 to 12 year-olds increased from 12.6% to 21.3%, and in 13 – 18 year-olds, from 28.4% to 43.4%. By age 18-24-years overweight/obesity rates reach 87.2%/68.5%.

The Pacific Science for Health Literacy Project (PSHLP) is a participatory action research project involving the Cook Islands Ministries of Education and Health and the Liggins Institute. Using opportunities within the Cook Islands national curriculum, learning programmes see young people exploring aspects of the NCD epidemic and the socioecological factors that are contributing to this crisis. Phase I demonstrated that this intervention is supporting adolescents to understand more about the issue, and take actions that are within their control. Phase II build on this, adding in assessment of the impact of the programme on metabolic health indicators.

Aim: To investigate associations between NCD risk factors and health/lifestyle related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in Rarotongan adolescents prior to participation in PSHLP learning programmes.

Method: A cross-sectional study protocol will link two anonymised data sets collected via approved studies led by the Cook Islands Ministry of Health and PSHLP. Matched data is available from 163 Rarotongan 13 to 14 year-olds. Individual identity is protected via the use of participant codes, ensuring anonymity. Data analysis will seek to identify associations between NCD risk factors and health/lifestyle related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours prior to the learning intervention.

This study is contributing towards completion of a Masters of Health Science degree for Mayor Pokino, funded by the Health Research Council of NZ.

A follow-up study will compare data pre- and post-intervention.

Pokino, M., Tairua, K., Herrmann, U., Barrett-Watson, C., Yaqona, D., Vickers, M.H., & Bay, J.L. (2017). Health vs. attitudes to health in Rarotongan high school students. The Annual Cook Islands Health Conference 2017, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.