Fonofale Essay

Culture shapes and define group of individuals sharing common sets of customs, morals and traditions which influences one’s beliefs and perceptions (Culture Matters, 2013). New Zealand is a demographically multicultural society. As of the 2006 census, the Pacific community is the second fastest growing population. There were 265,974 people leaving in New Zealand (Statistics New Zealand, 2013). The Pacific people originated from Cook Islands, Samoa, Fiji, Tuvalu, Tokelau, Niue, Tonga and Rarotonga. The Pacific community is ethnically diverse as they all have their own sets of cultural beliefs, values, traditions and language. The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate an understanding on the model of health used in a clinical setting, to support the assimilation of learning from a Pacific health and wellness perspective. Firstly, a description of the Fonofale Model of Health and its components will be discussed. An explanation on the importance of considering each component in enhancing the delivery of health services to Pacific people is also included. Secondly, a detailed holistic assessment of a chosen client using the model as an assessment tool to identify and to address the holistic needs of the client will be presented. Lastly, an analysis of the client’s health concerns and/or strength factors associated with the client’s cultural beliefs and practices that may influence the current health status is considered.
PART A
Pacific people believe that having behavioural disturbances regarding mental health is a manifestation of a person possessed by an external spiritual force due to a violation of a certain custom that may have offended ancestral spirits. They consider mental health as an intrinsic factor inclusively to health which is indivisible from the general welfare of the body, soul and spirit (Ministry of Health [MOH], 2008). For instance, when a person’s physical and spiritual wellbeing is compromised, the mental and emotional wellbeing will be also