a qualitative investigation into key cultural factors that support abstinence or responsible drinking amongst some pacific youth living in new zealand定性调查主要文化因素支持节欲或负责任饮酒在一些太平洋青年住在新西兰.pdfVIP

Suaalii-Sauni et al. Harm Reduction Journal 2012, 9:36 /content/9/1/36 RESEARCH Open Access A qualitative investigation into key cultural factors that support abstinence or responsible drinking amongst some Pacific youth living in New Zealand Tamasailau Suaalii-Sauni2*†, Kathleen Seataoai Samu1†, Lucy Dunbar1†, Justin Pulford1† and Amanda Wheeler1† Abstract Background: Abstinence and responsible drinking are not typically associated with youth drinking culture. Amongst Pacific youth in New Zealand there are high numbers, compared to the general New Zealand population, who choose not to consume alcohol. The Pacific youth population is made up of several ethnic groups; their ethno-cultural values are largely Polynesian and heavily influenced by the socio-economic realities of living in New Zealand. This paper explores factors that support abstinence or responsible drinking amongst Pacific youth living in Auckland. Methods: A qualitative study comprised of a series of ethnically-, age-, and gender-matched semi-structured focus group discussions with 69 Pacific youth, aged 15-25 years from a university and selected high-schools. Participants were purposively sampled. Results: Key cultural factors that contributed to whether Pacific youth participants were abstinent or responsible drinkers were: significant experiences within Pacific family environments (e.g. young person directly links their decision about alcohol consumption to a positive or negative role model); awareness of the belief that their actions as children of Pacific parents affects the reputation and standing of their Pacific family and community (e.g. church); awareness of traditional Pacific values of respect, reciprocity and cultural taboos (e.g. male–female socialising); commitment to no-alcohol teachings of church or religious faith; hav