JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Climate change-related cataclysmic weather episodes and pandemics are increasing, impacting social connectedness within communities. Digital technology, in addition to being used for communication, education, and business trade, also plays a vital role in maintaining a country's health and well-being and sustaining economic growth.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore Māori kaumātua's experience using digital technology to meet their health needs within Ngāti Kahungunu, North Island of New Zealand, during the COVID-19 pandemic and Cyclone Gabriella.

Methods:

This qualitative study employed Kaupapa Māori methodology, to understand the challenges, resilience, and strategies used by Māori to maintain connectedness and access essential services. An inductive approach to thematic analysis, as recommended by Braun & Clarke, was used to ensure a thorough and robust data analysis.

Results:

Findings highlight the role of digital technology in disaster management and the urgent need to address digital disparities to support vulnerable populations. This study interviewed 14 individuals, of whom 71.4% (n=10) were female and 28.6% (n=4) were male. These participants fell into different age groups: 25% were 55+, 33.3% were 65+, 25% were 85+, and the rest were 40+, 60+, and 75+. Of the total sample, 42.9% (n=6) were limited users, 42.9 % (n=6) comprised confident users, and the rest (14.2%) were normal users. Three themes emerged from the interview data: social connectedness and resilience, digital literacy and access to information, and barriers to telecommunications and digital technology.

Conclusions:

Vulnerable situations like pandemics and natural disasters can have tremendous effects on the Indigenous people's lives who live remotely. The study also focused on the actions that should be taken to mitigate those challenges and overcome difficult circumstances like the pandemic and the cyclone. The strategies include a better health system and improved coordination among care providers, user-friendly digital solutions, ensuring local funding and community services, setting up training processes for basic digital skills, and fostering leadership and partnerships with the indigenous New Zealanders.