Teolosia ‘oe Kili pokua (Caring for skin infections): an emerging grounded theory on how Tongan mothers care for children with skin infections

INTRODUCTION: Pacific children in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), are four times more likely than non-Pacific and non-Māori children to be hospitalised for a skin infection. The Auckland region has the highest hospitalisation rates for skin infections in NZ. Tongan peopleare the second largest group of the Pacific diaspora in the Auckland region, yet they are underrepresented in research. AIM: The study aimed to understand how Tongan mothers living in Auckland care for skin infections affecting their children. METHODS: A focus group with seven Tongan mothers was held. Constructivist Grounded Theory and the Kakala Framework informed the collection and analysis of the qualitative data. RESULTS: The emerging theory, Teolosia 'oe Kili pokua (Caring for Skin Infections), posits that Tongan mothers rely on three key resources: their Community, their past Experiences, and Awareness of skin infections when making decisions concerning how to care for skin infections affecting their children. Caring for skin infections is a collective endeavour underpinned by cultural mainstays such as tauhi vā, in which many Tongan people participate. DISCUSSION: Health systems can more effectively meet the needs of Tongan mothers and reduce health inequities by providing the Tongan community with culturally appropriate resources to prevent, recognise, and address skin infections.