Insights from Pacific Islander and Māori community members: talanoa on medication adherence and type 2 diabetes management in Queensland

The Pacific Islander and Māori (Indigenous peoples of New Zealand) community in Queensland are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus and suboptimal diabetes outcomes have been attributed to medication nonadherence. The study explored how Pacific Islander and Māori peoples with type 2 diabetes mellitus approach medication adherence. Talanoa (Indigenous Pacific form of communicating through storytelling) methods supported discussions that focused on exploration of beliefs about medication management. Discussions were analysed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Eighteen participants were involved in discussions. Themes included (1) cultural identity influences how participants approached medication management, (2) emotional response to diabetes: expressing stigma, shame and embarrassment in relation to diabetes, and (3) participant beliefs and perceptions about diabetes and medications that differed with health care professionals. Overall, the research gives insight into the importance of considering cultural identity, beliefs and emotions in Pacific Islander and Māori community members with type 2 diabetes mellitus to better support medication adherence.