Oral Presentation ESA-SRB-APEG-NZSE 2022

Pacific youth, sexuality and reproduction: A Pacific approach towards tapu (forbidden) research topics  (#23)

Cameron Young 1
  1. University of Otago, Dunedin

Research involving Pacific peoples must be culturally responsive to participants’ needs, especially if the research topic is tapu (forbidden, sacred) like sexuality and reproduction. This can be achieved by employing Pacific research epistemologies, methods and methodologies. I present our study, Te Tīpani Project, to illustrate the use of multiple Pacific epistemologies when investigating Pacific youth knowledges of sexuality and reproduction. We revitalised a popular Pacific research paradigm (Fonofale) and used the Kakala research methodology to guide our steps. First, we consulted with community experts to understand the needs of our cohort. Second, we constructed a preliminary online survey, completed by eighty-one Pacific tertiary students, and interviewed eight respondents using the Talanoa method. Third, we committed to disseminating our findings back to the community through various initiatives. This study highlighted strengths previously unidentified: Participants had complex understandings of sexuality and reproduction; Formal and non-formal learning environments both played vital roles in participants’ knowledge acquisition; Participants demonstrated help-seeking behaviours when faced with sexual and reproductive challenges. Using Pacific research epistemologies enabled us to approach our cohort with cultural consideration and responsiveness. This study initiated a relationship with our local Pacific community and supports ongoing research improving teaching pedagogies within anatomical science education.