Authors
Anneka Anderson, Monleigh Ikiua, Rachel Brown, Kim Arrowsmith, Tira Phillipson-Puna, Shannon Leilua, Manawa Rhinds, Julie Cooper, Matire Harwood, Rawiri McKree-Jansen, Alison Ahu, Matua Dave Thompson, Julie Bennett
Published in
The New Zealand medical journal. Volume 139. Issue 1640. Pages 40-50. Aug 14, 2026. Epub Aug 14, 2026.
Abstract
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an autoimmune response to group A Streptococcus (Strep A) infection that can lead to rheumatic heart disease (RHD). To prevent Strep A infection for people with ARF or RHD, clinical guidelines recommend monthly intramuscular penicillin (Bicillin L-A®) injections for at least 10 years. However, multiple barriers to accessing healthcare affect adherence. This research aimed to improve adherence by developing a Māori and Pacific-centred model of care.
Qualitative, Kaupapa Māori and Kakala methodology underpinned the research. Data collection from people in the Waikato region with ARF, their whānau and healthcare providers included interviews, wānanga and fono. Data were analysed using a general inductive approach.
Forty-seven participants were included: nine people with ARF, 10 whānau, eight health professionals and 21 whānau navigators. Three themes were identified: impacts of a colonial health system on Indigenous whānau; life defined by a disease status; and catalysts of healthcare engagement. A community informed, Whānau Ora model of care was also developed.
Indigenous methodologies are effective methods to develop community informed, culturally responsive models of care. Although designed for ARF in Waikato, there is potential to adapt this approach for other health conditions and different regions of Aotearoa New Zealand.
PMID:
42594367
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 14 Aug 2026.
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