Managing Diabetes and Obesity in COVID-19 among Maori Adults in New Zealand using Non-Pharmacological Interventions

Authors: Kaur P and Syed M Shahid*

DOI: 10.23880/doij-16000234

Volume 5, Issue 4

Abstract

Background: World Health Organisation estimated that diabetes and obesity are responsible for 1.6 million and 4 million mortalities, globally. Likewise, New Zealanders also face the serious consequences of diabetes and obesity mainly impacted Maori due to existence of various health disparities. Presently, researches showed that people with pre-existing diabesity conditions are more susceptible to acquire COVID-19 and resulted in 48% mortality, globally. Aim: This literature review was aimed to identify the effects of Non-Pharmacological (lifestyle) interventions implemented for managing diabetes and obesity among adult Maori in New Zealand especially during COVID-19. Method: To conduct a comprehensive literature review, the universally acclaimed peer-reviewed electronic databases such as PubMed, ProQuest, EIT online and cross-references of included articles were used to discover the most relevant, recent studies on the present topic. Reviewer screened the articles based on inclusion criteria. Electronically available peer-reviewed journal articles which include the interventions on diabetes and obesity for adult Maori of New Zealand and should be conducted between 2015 to 2020 were included. Results: Reviewer searched 35 articles in total. Out of which 07 articles were selected according to inclusion criteria. From total 07, 02 articles included lifestyle interventions exclusively on adult Maori men and 05 studies included adult Maori and other ethnic groups. Findings of the review revealed that non-pharmacological interventions without incentives showed more retention rate of Maori adults as compared to intervention with incentives. All the included articles use Maori culturally acceptable approach in implementing lifestyle interventions for diabetes and obesity prevention. Conclusion: More research needs to be conducted for diabetes and obesity prevention among Maori adults in New Zealand as there is limited literature available which becomes insufficient during special circumstances such as COVID-19 Pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; Diabetes; Obesity; Maori; Non-Pharmacological; Lifestyle Interventions

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