Pac Health Dialog. 2002 Mar; 9(1): 40-7.

New Zealand resident Tongan peoples' health and illness beliefs and utilisation of the health care system.

Bassett SF, Holt EA.

Department of Sport and Exercise Science, The University of Auckland, New Zealand. s.bassett@auckland.ac.nz

This study investigated the perceptions of health and illness, and the utilisation of the health care system, over the last five years, of Tongan people who reside in New Zealand. A descriptive qualitative approach was used, with the study being implemented by networking with representatives of the Tongan community and health care workers. Twenty adult Tongan people volunteered and were given the interview questions in advance. The individual face to face semi-structured interviews took approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Participants verified the transcription of their interviews. Answers were analysed by identifying themes in response to each interview question. Most participants considered health to be a state of physical, mental, social and spiritual well being. Illness beliefs were predominantly either a biological malfunction of the body, or a breakdown of the holistic state of well being. All participants had used the western orthodox medical system, with the general practitioner being consulted more than other services. A high level of satisfaction was expressed with this service. Traditional Tongan healing was utilised by about half the participants, and most were happy with its outcomes. A lesser number of participants had used alternative health care, but the levels of satisfaction with it were mixed.