Healthcare

Biography

Biography: Jacinta Fa’alili-Fidow

Abstract

Pacific women and infants experience high rates of gestational diabetes, neonatal encephalopathy and perinatal mortality (PMMRC 2014). Pacific women have highest fertility and birth rates in New Zealand (MOH 2013) but low uptake of antenatal care and antenatal education(Dwyer 2009) despite benefiting to successful pregnancy and birthing experiences(Ferguson 2013). Improving health outcomes for Pacific families is the motivation behind the Tapuaki e-media tools. The purpose is improving accessibility for Pacific pregnant women and their families, which assists empowerment for this high risk group to talk about pregnancy and parenting, ask questions, and make informed health choices. Talanoa with Pacific womens groups and Pacific Maternal and Child Health experts. Shaped the content and particularly the presentation methodology used in the E-media tools. At each stage of production, the E-tools content, imagery and messaging was reviewed by focus groups. The new Tapuaki smartphone app and website is unique in New Zealand, allowing Pacific mothers and families to find information leading up to, during and post pregnancy. The website is live and the app free to download. Both tools provide a convenient way of learning about oneself and the development of baby through the duration of pregnancy. The Tapuaki smartphone application and website is the only known programme of its kind for Pacific peoples in New Zealand. It has the potential to improve Pacific women’s access to, and use of, maternity services and antenatal education. Through the use of evidence-based and culturally relevant content and materials.