JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Indigenous communities often have poorer health outcomes and servicing by traditional models of care. Several barriers exist that decrease the likelihood of indigenous communities being able to receive equitable care, including access issues; cost; systemic racism; and a lack of culturally safe and responsive services. Web-based interventions (WBIs) have been shown to be effective for supporting mental health / well-being and can overcome some of the traditional barriers to help-seeking such as those experienced by indigenous communities. However, despite a large number of WBIs being developed, more is needed to know how well they fit with the indigenous worldview and how they meet the needs of indigenous communities.

Objective:

this study sought to understand the views of Māori about WBIs for health and wellbeing.

Methods:

This study used interviews and focus groups with 30 participants to explore the views of Māori (indigenous people of New Zealand) about WBIs. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results:

Key themes emerged indicating that WBIs were generally considered a poor fit for Māori. Specifically, the design of WBIs did not align with the Māori worldview or concepts of wellbeing which centres around people, relationships, spirituality and holistic views of wellbeing. In addition to this, ongoing mistrust in the motives of the creators of WBI also influenced willingness to use and trust a WBI.

Conclusions:

Whilst WBIs are often considered to be a way to reduce barriers to care, they may not meet the needs of Māori when used as a standalone intervention.