HIGH PREVALENCE OF DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS AMONGST THE ITAUKEI POPULATIONS IN FIJI.

1. HIGH PREVALENCE OF DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS AMONGST THE ITAUKEIPOPULATIONS IN FIJI. PRESENTATIONS MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA PRESENTER: L. MATAITINI.

2. OBJECTIVE • This exploratory study investigated the incidence of diabetic complications amongst the I- Taukei population (Indigenous) in Fiji.

3. RESEARCH METHODS • Data collected from the Diabetic Foot Clinic and also the Fiji MOH Health statistics. • Health statistics in the past decade reported by Fiji's MOH showed an alarming increase of NCD'S and more importantly the complications of Diabetes amongst the I Taukei population.

4. Research Method (Cont) • Data gathered from the Diabetic Foot Clinic shows the high prevalence of diabetic complications amongst the I Taukei (Indigenous Fijians) population compared to other ethnic groups living in Fiji. This is clearly indicated in the figures shown in the table below:

5. SUMMARY OF DIABETIC CASES FROM 2008 – 2011 (Source: National Diabetic Center) (Source: National Diabetic Center) Figure 1 Summary Bar Graph from 2008-2011 Diabetes Cases

6. SUMMARY OF DIABETIC CASES FROM 2008 – 2011 (Source: National Diabetic Center)

7. Research Method (Cont) According to Dr.Parshu Ram, a survey was done by Dr Cassidy in 1964-1965 shows that: • SURVEY RESULT ON 1000 ADULT INDIANS AND 1000 ADULT FIJIANS (20 -40years ETHNIC GROUP • Indians- 9.7% (97) Fijians -1.3% (13)

8. REASONS: • About 30 – 40 years ago there were less Fijians/I Taukei population suffering from Diabetes and NCDs. • More Fijians live in the community (villages) and are encouraged to plant root crops/subsistence farming

9. Research Method (Cont) • The reason being that most of the I Taukei families plant and maintain specific numbers of taro, coconut and other crops for their source of economy and also to maintain healthy way of living. • Due to the increasing rural to urban drift, more I Taukei are moving out from their villages and communities to seek employment and education in urban centers.

10. Research Method (Cont) • This has seen a change in lifestyle and diet, with the consumption of more processed food leading to diabetes. • Figures provided demonstrate there was less Diabetes among the I Taukei community as it’s more prevalent in Indians at that time.

11. Research Method (Cont) • From my personal experience over the years, I have seen that more I Taukei are only seeking medical attention when their disease are into the late stages. • This has also seen an increase in amputations

12. Amputations due to Diabetes(Source :CWM Hospital)

13. Poor Attitudes • Denial and belief that it is a curse in the family. • Ignorance • Opted to use herbal medicine • Use of traditional and spiritual healers • Seek medical attention at a very late stage.

14. Lack Of Knowledge • Education on diabetes are done through the media outlets • Brochures are distributed to all health facilities around the nation. • Still patients are presenting themselves very late to the nearest health centers for treatment. • This is identified in the figures highlighted on the next slide.

15. Suva Sub Division

16. Conclusion • The results of this study should assist in the development of health promotional guidelines for nurses and other primary health care providers in teaching the I Taukei population on the prevention of diabetes and its complications and also support the development of NCD policies for Fiji’s multiethnic population.

17. RECOMMENDATIONS • More research on the prevalence of Diabetic complication amongst the Itaukei POPULATION IN FIJI. • Continuing Education. • Traditional medicine.

18. ANY QUESTIONS?? VINAKA AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION….