PRESENTATIONS MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA

PRESENTER: L. MATAITINI.

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

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.

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:

ETHNICITY 

2008 2009 2010 2011

FIJIAN 

480 779 302 595

INDIAN 

475 805 364 814

OTHERS 

86 114 40 105

TOTAL 

1041 1698 704 1514

(Source: National Diabetic Center)Figure 1 Summary Bar Graph from 2008-2011 Diabetes Cases

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

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)

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

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.

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.

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

2003 2004 2005 2006 2010

Below Knee

119 118 118 110 107

Above Knee

30 29 30 28 40

Toe 71 119 110 94 143

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.

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.

Health Centre

Population No of cases % of cases per population

SubdivisionSuva

Suva 14342 137 0.96

Raiwaqa 30594 512 1.67Samabula 15952 522 3.27Nuffield 42415 855 2.02Valelevu 47323 642 1.36Lami 24562 331 1.35Makoi 23679 566 2.39

TOTALS 198867 3565 1.79Source-2007 CMR reports – Health Information Unit MoH HQ

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.

More research on the prevalence of Diabetic complication amongst the Itaukei POPULATION IN FIJI.

Continuing Education. Traditional medicine.

VINAKA AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION….