Effective interventions for Māori with bipolar disorder: A qualitative study

Abstract

This study explores the perspectives of clinicians and others knowledgeable in hauora Māori in describing effective interventions when caring for Māori diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Māori, who are the indigenous people of New Zealand, experience higher rates of mental disorder in comparison to non-Māori, and the focus on bipolar disorder was chosen because of the prevalence within Māori. A kaupapa Māori research and qualitative research methodology was utilised for this study. Participants were sampled from Otautahi (Canterbury), and one other participant lived in Te Whanga-nui-a-Tara (Wellington). Data collection was gathered by way of individual interviews and focus groups. Transcriptions were thematically analysed for the individual interviews, and nominal group technique was used to collate data from the two focus groups. Three themes were identified through thematic analysis: Māori worldview (te ao Māori), tikanga Māori and whānau. Nominal group technique consensus further identified whakawhanaungatanga, Māori models of care, identity of tangata whaiora, whakarongo, powhiri process, open communication and clear boundaries. This study identified that interventions for Māori with bipolar disorder need to incorporate Māori world view, tikanga Māori and whānau. The process of providing these interventions needs to involve whakawhanaungatanga, Māori models of care, identity of tangata whaiora, whakarongo, powhiri process, open communication and clear boundaries. This study emphasises the importance of clinicians having an understanding of the relevance of te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, and whānau for Māori diagnosed with bipolar disorder.