They lost their dignity': Lupus pushing Pacific women out of family and community life
New research indicates that Pasifika women in New Zealand are experiencing high rates of lupus and are increasingly withdrawing from community and family life due to shame and the physical toll of the disease. Experts highlight that late diagnosis is a significant factor in the severity of the condition.
Why it matters
It sheds light on the intersection of chronic illness, cultural expectations, and healthcare disparities affecting Pacific communities in New Zealand.
PMN Play News Radio Podcasts Menu LIVE NOW 531 PI Niu FM Latest bulletin PMN News Pacific women living with lupus are pulling back from family, church and community life out of shame, according to new research.
New research shows Pasifika wāhine have the highest rates of lupus in Aotearoa and warn late diagnosis can lead to serious kidney damage.
Pacific women living with lupus are pulling back from family, church and community life as shame and illness take a toll, a new research has found.
Tuala Dr Aliitasi Su'a-Tavila , Senior Lecturer in Pasifika Health at Victoria University, says interviews with Pacific women in Auckland found many felt isolated after their diagnosis.
"We managed to interview some Pacific women in Auckland and we found out that these women felt really isolated," Su'a-Tavila tells PMN News .
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