Background Despite the increasing prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in the Kingdom of Tonga, little is known of non-communicable disease experiences among adults living in this location. This investigation aimed to explore the barriers and enablers to healthy lifestyle in a group of men and women living with T2DM residing in this Pacific Island nation. Methods This qualitative study consisted of three semi-structured focus groups (n = 16), conducted at the only Tongan Public Hospital located at Nuku’alofa, capital of Tonga (north coast of the island of Tongatapu). Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, cross-checked for consistency, and entered into a word processing document for analysis. Thematic analysis was employed to synthesise results. Results Four main themes were identified: (1) Knowledge and Support; (2) Fear and Motivation; 3) Physical and Psychological Environment; and (4) Faith and Culture. Conclusions The qualitative findings from this study will assist the future development and information dissemination of culturally appropriate lifestyle-related for men and women living with T2DM in the Kingdom of Tonga. The need for collaboration between practitioners at the hospital, the church, family members, and local traditional healers is important if the lifestyle-related needs and wants of this group of people are to be met.

Background: Despite the increasing prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Kingdom of Tonga little is known of the experiences of adults living with this non-communicable disease. This investigation aimed to explore the barriers and enablers to healthy lifestyles in a group of men and women living with type 2 diabetes mellitus residing in this pacific island nation.Methods: This qualitative study consisted of three semi-structured focus groups (n=16) which were conducted at Tonga’s only Public Hospital located in the capital, Nuku’alofa. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed, cross-checked for consistency, and entered into a word processing document for analysis. Thematic analysis was employed to synthesise results.Results: Four main themes were identified: (1) Knowledge and Support; (2) Fear and Motivation; 3) Physical and Psychological Environment; and (4) Faith and Culture. Conclusion: The qualitative findings from this study may assist the future development and dissemination of culturally appropriate lifestyle-related information for men and women living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Kingdom Tonga. The need for collaboration between practitioners at the hospital, the church, family members and local traditional healers is important if the lifestyle-related needs and wants of this group of people are to be met.

Background and Objectives: Despite the increasing prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Kingdom of Tonga little is known of the experiences of adults living with this non-communicable disease. This investigation aimed to explore the barriers and enablers to healthy lifestyles in a group of men and women living with type 2 diabetes mellitus residing in this pacific island nation.Methods and Study Design: This qualitative study consisted of three semi-structured focus groups (n = 16) which were conducted at Tonga’s only Public Hospital located in the capital, Nuku’alofa. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed, cross-checked for consistency and entered into a word processing document for further scrutiny. Data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. In any phenomenological study the researcher’s objective is to elicit the participant’s views on their lived experiences.Results: Four main themes were identified: (1) Knowledge and Support; (2) Fear and Motivation; 3) Environment; and (4) Faith and Culture.Conclusion: The qualitative findings from this study may assist the future development and dissemination of culturally appropriate lifestyle-related information for men and women living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Kingdom Tonga. The need for collaboration between practitioners at the hospital, the church, family members and local traditional healers is important if the lifestyle-related needs and wants of this group of people are to be met.