Hauora Rangatahi Maaori: Assessing the appropriateness and acceptability of health-related quality of life measures for rangatahi Maaori

Georgia, McCarty (Waikati Tainui, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa), University of Otago

Understanding the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) preferences of rangatahi Maaori and adapting or creating a specific HRQoL measure will contribute knowledge, help improve the efficiency of health funding decision-making and reduce health disparities for Maaori. This study is utilising qualitative methods underpinned by kaupapa Maaori principles to conduct a scoping review of the advantages and disadvantages of existing youth HRQoL measures for rangatahi Maaori. These findings will be used to investigate the acceptability and feasibility of existing youth HRQoL measures through waananga and think aloud sessions with rangatahi Maaori and their whaanau. Findings will be analysed, synthesised and interpreted and will be disseminated in a variety of ways.

The aim of this study is to investigate the advantages, disadvantages, acceptability and feasibility of existing child/youth HRQoL measures for rangatahi Maaori (aged 8-17 years).

The specific objectives of this study are to:

1. Conduct a scoping review of the literature to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of existing child and youth HRQoL measures used in indigenous populations. (completed)
2. Qualitatively investigate the acceptability and feasibility of existing child and youth HRQoL measures for rangatahi Māori.

Synthesise and interpret findings in relation to key Māori models of health and well-being.