A narrative review of noncommunicable diseases in the Pacific region: A case study of the island of Niue

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONThis literature review takes a strengths-based approach to explore and contextualise noncommunicable diseases in the Pacific region. It compares the noncommunicable disease profile of Niue to that of the Pacific region. METHODSThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework was used to search for and screen literature published from 2010 to 2020 pertaining to noncommunicable diseases in the Pacific region. Twenty-five pieces of literature were included in the final data synthesis. RESULTSNoncommunicable diseases are a burgeoning issue for the Pacific region. The literature revealed that the risk factors arise from a complex set of socio-political and historical factors, including poverty, colonisation, globalisation, urbanisation, climate change, and poor health system infrastructure. The literature indicated that the noncommunicable disease trends of Niue do not differ greatly from those of the Pacific region. Where Niue does differ is in factors related to its relationship with Aotearoa New Zealand, and issues related to outmigration and the subsequently small population size. CONCLUSIONThis literature review was conducted in a way that endeavoured to avoid victim-blaming, by drawing attention to the broader social, political, and historical contexts in which the Pacific exists. Solutions to the noncommunicable disease crisis must take these contexts into consideration and focus on supporting local capacity and self-determination.