Perceptions of diabetes among rural Maori elders and spokespersons

Aims. To assess knowledge and opinions of diabetes among rural Maori elders and spokespersons. Methods. Interviews were conducted in rural South Auckland. Subjects were identified through their affiliation with one marae (meeting house), residence near the marae and being recognised locally as either male (kaumatua) or female (kuia) elders or spokespersons. The main researcher was a kuia chosen by and from within the local community. Interviews were conducted with 43/44 (98%) subjects identified. Results. While specific diabetes knowledge was low, diabetes was seen, along with cancer, as one of the two major health issues for Maori. Results need to be understood in the context of the holistic understanding of health by Maori. Conclusion. The recognition of diabetes as a major health problem was accompanied by a call for diabetes education in a form that will generate interest and participation by Maori. It is timely for the introduction of marae based diabetes awareness and sustained exercise programmes as part of a diabetes prevention and control strategy among Maori communities where diabetes risk is high.