Background:
Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) remain significant health issues for Māori and Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. Subcutaneous injection of penicillin (SCIP) enables injections every 10 weeks, an alternative to the standard four-weekly intramuscular (IM) injections. As part of a Phase II SCIP trial, we explore treatment adherence, pain management, and quality of life for Māori and Pacific participants and their whānau (family), focusing on culturally responsive care.
Methods:
A Kaupapa Māori and Pacific-centered approach was used, with semi-structured interviews conducted with 10 whānau, including nine participants on SCIP. Data collection occurred between March and August 2024. Thematic analysis was performed to identify key themes from participants’ experiences.
Results:
Six themes emerged: Reduced burden of treatment, emotional impact from reduced injection frequency, whānau-centered care, Whakawhanaungatanga (relationship building), health literacy, and pain management. Participants reported significant improvements in quality of life, valued SCIP's flexibility, allowing injections at home, work, or school, with the added convenience of visits every 10 weeks. Strong relationships with healthcare providers, especially research nurses, were essential for adherence. Emotional burdens, such as stress associated with frequent injections were reduced with SCIP.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the benefits of SCIP in improving treatment adherence, reducing physical and emotional burdens, and enhancing quality of life for Māori and Pacific participants with RHD. The findings emphasise the importance of culturally responsive, whānau-centered care models. SCIP has the potential to be expanded as a standard treatment, improving health outcomes across New Zealand and internationally.