Fonofale Model of Health
Introduction
- Creator: Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann
- Purpose: Developed as a Pacific Island model of health for New Zealand.
- Named After: Karl's maternal grandmother, Fonofale Talauega Pulotu Tivoli McCarthy.
- Need for the Model: Evolved post the Overstayer/Dawn raids of the 1970s and the Politicization of Pacific people.
Development
- Contracted by the Ministry of Health in 1994.
- Consultation Process: Covered 19 regions in NZ to understand Pacific people's health determinants.
- Incorporates Values of: Samoans, Cook Islanders, Tongans, Niueans, Tokelauns, and Fijians.
- Key Components: Family, culture, spirituality, and the metaphor of a Samoan house.
Structure of the Fonofale Model
- Foundation/Floor: Represents the family (Aiga, Kopu Tangata, Kainga, Magafaoa).
- Roof: Symbolizes cultural values and beliefs.
- Four Pou (Posts):
- Spiritual: Well-being related to belief systems, including Christianity.
- Physical: Biological well-being, impacts of diet and environment.
- Mental: Mind health, including emotions and behaviors.
- Other: Includes variables like gender, sexuality, age, socio-economic status.
Enclosing Circle
- Represents the holistic interaction of model components.
- Dimensions:
- Environment: Relationship of Pacific people with their physical environment.
- Time: Historical impact on Pacific people.
- Context: Impact of geographical and cultural contexts.
Further Reading and References
- Reports and Studies:
- Mental Health Commission (2001)
- Ministry of Health publications (1995, 2008)
- Research by Agnew et al. (2004), Pulotu-Endemann & Bush (2000), Bathgate & Pulotu-Endemann (1997)
- Bridgman (1997, 1996), and Tukuitonga & Finau (1997)
These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the Fonofale Model of Health, capturing its key elements, historical context, structure, and functions within Pacific communities in New Zealand.