Project in Fiji

Investigators:

Naohiro Nakamura, PhD
School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Science (SAGEONS), University of the South Pacific

Sela V. Panapasa, PhD
Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan


Candidates at the Masters and PhD levels are welcome to get involved with one of the two following projects.

Project 1: Multiethnic study of the determinants of environmental and lifestyle factors on chronic disease risk in rural and urban settings/communities

Purpose:

The overall objective of this study is to understand the determinants of health in Taukei (native Fijian) and Indo-Fijian populations residing in rural and urban settings. The project aims to strengthen the literature on public health in the context of Pacific Island countries and has the potential to generate feasible means for prevention. Students may choose to work on one of the following research aims:

  1. To investigate the association of lifestyle factors associated with major chronic diseases
  2. To examine chronic disease—related lifestyle risk factors in rural and urban communities
  3. To create health materials to prevent the onset of chronic disease

The project's research question requires approval between the fellow and the researchers.

Rationale:

Our program creates an environment that supports our students' competitiveness, creative thinking, and innovation. SAGEONS emphasizes innovative projects to promote the holistic personality development of our students, nurturing them as future leaders in their chosen areas. Our emphasis is on preparing our students to become exceptional leaders in their areas of study for solving real-life problems. 

The program's outstanding accomplishments and its students' commitment to service the community make us extremely proud. Our highly talented staff members, supportive stakeholders, and loyal alums, SAGEONS, can enhance the student experience in ways other programs cannot match. Our staff members take preeminence in inspiring and supporting our students. SAGEONS has student learning specialists and a first-year experience coordinator who will ease the transition from high school to university life. Our stimulating, encouraging atmosphere and the safe environment make SAGEONS an excellent choice for students. SAGEONS looks forward to welcoming you and wishes you all the best in choosing your desirable career path.

study Design and Methods:

Mixed-methods research was used to collect both qualitative data and survey responses.

AnticipateD Activities: 

  • Literature review
  • Statistical analyses with data already collected
  • Interpretation of the results according to the rationale, what is known in the field, and public policy implications
  • Develop data products for dissemination in local communities and with local stakeholders.
  • Communication of results (to participants, health authorities, or the scientific community); writing of an abstract for presentation at a scientific meeting and the creation of a manuscript suitable for publication

Techniques/Methods Students Should be familiar with:

  • Data management
  • Basic descriptive statistics
  • Multivariate analyses (preferable)
  • Design infographics and professional posters/presentations
  • Knowledge and experience in EXCEL and any of the following analytical software  R, SPSS, SAS, STATA
  • Systematic review and meta-analysis
  • Writing scientific papers based on data analysis 

SUGGESTED READINGS:

  1. Kessaram T, McKenzie J, Girin N, et al. Noncommunicable diseases and risk factors in adult populations of several Pacific Islands: results from the WHO STEPwise approach to surveillance. Aust N Z J Publ Health. 2015a;39(4):336-343. doi:10.1111/1753-6405.12398
  2. Horsey B, Swanepoel L, Underhill S, Aliakbari J, Burkhart S. Dietary diversity of an adult Solomon Islands population. Nutr. 2019;11(7):1622. doi:10.3390/nu11071622.
  3. Hawea SMC, Singh P, Whiting SJ. Cultural determinants of fruits and vegetable consumption in indigenous (iTaukei) Fijian children: A qualitative study of caregivers. Asia Pac J Publ Health. 2021;33(6-7):747-752. doi:org/10.1177/101053952110384.
  4. Vogliano C, Raneri JE, Maelaua J, Coad J, Wham C, Burlingame B. Assessing diet quality of indigenous food systems in three geographically distinct Solomon Islands sites (Melanesia, Pacific Islands). Nutr. 2021;13(30). doi:org/10.3390/nu13010030. 

FACILITIES AVAILABLE WITH THE HOST:

  • Networking with field sites that have access to Taukei and Indo-Fijian families in the community
  • University of the South Pacific resources and facilities.
  • Data from administrative and current projects for analysis
  • Dedicated assistance is available on subject matter, from experts on local, national, and regional topics on population health and disease burden across the lifespan.
     

Students are also welcome to propose their own ideas for short-term research. However, such proposals should be discussed at least six months in advance to obtain appropriate local approvals.

Project 2: Beyond legislation: women's experiences and the effectiveness of implementing domestic violence laws in Fiji and Vanuatu

Purpose:

This research project will systematically analyze the implementation of two pieces of domestic violence legislation: the Family Protect Act 2008 in Vanuatu and the Domestic Violence Act 2009 in Fiji.

Rationale:

The project aims to provide evidence-based research that can strengthen and improve protections for women experiencing domestic violence. This project will be the first study of its kind in the Pacific region. The project has applicability to other Pacific Island countries through the development of a methodology that will allow for comparisons between countries and over time.

Study Design and Methods:

Using a mixed methods approach of both quantitative and qualitative analysis the research team will examine how the provisions of the domestic violence legislation is being implemented, the multi-dimensional contexts within which implementation is being carried out, and the experiences and viewpoints of  women who experience violence, and those of service providers from whom they seek assistance.  

Anticipated Activities:

  • Literature review
  • Statistical analyses with data already collected
  • Interpretation of the results according to the rationale, what is known in the field and public policy implications
  • Develop data products for dissemination in local communities and with local stakeholders
  • Communication of results (to participants, health authorities, or the scientific community); writing of an abstract to be presented in a scientific meeting or a manuscript

Techniques/Methods Students should be familiar with:

  • Data management
  • Basic descriptive statistics
  • Multivariate analyses (preferable)
  • Design infographics and professional posters/presentations
  • Knowledge and experience in EXCEL and any of the following analytical software  R, SPSS, SAS, STATA
  • Systematic review and meta-analysis
  • Writing scientific papers based on data analysis 

Suggested Readings:

  1. Tonsing, J. 2020. Fijian women’s experiences of domestic violence and mothers’ perceived impact of children’s exposure to abuse in the home. International Social Work, Vol. 63(1) 76–86. 
  2. Chapters 2 and 5, In. Gender Violence and Human Rights (https://press.anu.edu.au/publications/gender-violence-human-rights)

Facilities Available with the host:

  • University of the South Pacific resources and facilities.
  • Data from administrative and current projects for analysis.
  • Assistance of subject matter experts on local, national, and regional topics on population health and disease burden across the lifespan.

Students are also welcome to propose their own ideas for short-term research. However, such proposals should be discussed at least six months in advance in order to obtain appropriate local approvals.

A note about Suva, Fiji:

Fiji, a country in the South Pacific, is an archipelago of more than 300 islands. It is famed for rugged landscapes, palm-lined beaches, and coral reefs with clear lagoons. Its major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, contain most of the population. Viti Levu is home to the capital, Suva, a port city with British colonial architecture. Suva City is the country's largest metropolitan area, with a population of 99,317 people.

A note about the host site:

Founded in 1968, The University of the South Pacific (USP) serves the regional needs of its 12 member Countries. USP is one of the leading tertiary education providers in the South Pacific region.