Johnston, Karen, Qaloewai, Sefanaia, Rasavuka, Taniela, Preston, Robyn, Strivens, Edward, and Larkins, Sarah (2024) 'Letting it be': a grounded theory about dementia care in Fiji. Aging & Mental Health, 28 (10). pp. 1390-1400.

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Abstract

Objectives: This research study aimed to discover how dementia affecting older people was perceived, experienced, and managed by stakeholders in the Pacific Island country of Fiji.

Method: A transformational grounded theory approach was used. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders in the major towns of Suva, Lautoka, and Nadi were carried out. Transcripts were analysed in line with transformational grounded theory methods.

Results: A total of 50 participants (40 service providers, eight family caregivers, one person with dementia, and one village elder) shared their views and experiences about dementia. A grounded theory about dementia care management was constructed. ‘Letting it be’ is the grounding socio-cultural construct that interweaves and binds together the processes of dementia care management. It expresses a compassionate approach to caring for older people with dementia that involves searching for knowledge and support, and application of traditional care practices within the strength of family and community networks.

Conclusion: In Fiji, support for dementia centres on the integration of community understandings, and promotion of cultural values of wellbeing and care, with service provision. It also focuses on support for families and communities through social welfare, community networks, and education.

Item ID:	84756
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1364-6915
Keywords:	Dementia, low and middle income countries, older adults, Pacific peoples’ health, caregiving
Copyright Information:	This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The terms on which this article has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent.
Date Deposited:	26 Feb 2025 23:14
FoR Codes:	42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4203 Health services and systems > 420301 Aged health care @ 50% 45 INDIGENOUS STUDIES > 4516 Pacific Peoples health and wellbeing > 451699 Pacific Peoples health and wellbeing not elsewhere classified @ 50%
SEO Codes:	20 HEALTH > 2005 Specific population health (excl. Indigenous health) > 200502 Health related to ageing @ 50% 21 INDIGENOUS > 2111 Pacific Peoples health > 211101 Pacific Peoples determinants of health @ 50%
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