Pacific Gout Knowledge in Auckland, New Zealand: A Cross‐Sectional Survey

Objective: Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand experience the highest burden of gout and increased understanding is associated with improved adherence and management. The objective of this study is to assess gout knowledge and identify its associated predictors among Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was guided by the Tongan Kakala research framework. Data were collected using a culturally adapted online survey of adults aged 18 years and over living in Auckland, New Zealand. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analysis were used to show distributions and identify predictors of gout knowledge. Results: A total of 408 Pacific participants were included in this study. Most participants identified as Tongan (43%) or Samoan (36%) and were aged between 18 and 39 years (75.5%). The mean gout knowledge of participants was 4.6 (SD 2.6). Participants demonstrated greater understanding of causes and symptoms of gout, but showed limited knowledge of urate‐lowering therapy, target serum urate levels and the life‐long treatment of gout. The multivariable linear regression analysis found a significant association between increased gout knowledge and age ( p < 0.0001), education ( p < 0.0001), total house‐hold income ( p = 0.03), gout diagnosis ( p < 0.0001) and obtaining gout information from health professionals ( p = 0.0003). Conclusion: Our results highlight a significant gap in gout knowledge among Pacific adults in New Zealand, particularly in relation to long‐term management. There is a need to develop culturally appropriate and relevant educational approaches co‐designed with health professionals, communities and families to improve Pacific peoples' understanding of gout and support adherence and management.