Pacific fathers to discuss matters of the heart

A postgraduate student from the University of Auckland is seeking Pacific dads and their whānau for research exploring psychological well-being of men who have been diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease (CVD). 

Fetuoleaniva (Aniva) Hunkin from the School of Psychology says her father’s experience of CVD two years ago motivated her to conduct research to benefit Pacific peoples. She was the successful recipient of a PMA Knowledge Hub masters scholarship. 

Cardiovascular disease has been identified as one of the leading causes of death for Pacific men in Aotearoa. Hunkin’s experience of working in aged care meant she noticed when her father Henry, a 64-year-old businessman, appeared to display symptoms of angina when he was visiting from Sāmoa two years ago. 

Hunkin senior, (Faleula, Lelata, Vaigaga), a father of seven, was initially sceptical of his daughter’s concerns, despite his continued shortness of breath and physical appearance. 

“I saw the way he looked, and having been around older people with heart-related diseases, I could see my father needed help,” says Hunkin. 

But her businessman father was reluctant, dismissing her concerns and downplaying the severity of his obvious physical distress. Hunkin says he had to be pressured to go into hospital; her mother Ta’u pleading if not for his sake, to think about her and their seven children, worried he could die. 

He was diagnosed with atherosclerosis (three blocked arteries) in 2022 and in that same year underwent angioplasty, a procedure to open blocked arteries.

“First and foremost, this is my testimony how great this God is that I serve, I believe in my faith in the power of prayer. All of this goes with eating healthy, exercising more. I have to do my part, to avoid CVD happening to me again,” says Hunkin senior. 

He now understands the seriousness of his previous condition and the severe threat it posed. 

“I can vouch, God has been great, my children can see what I went through, because of the love of the Lord, it’s all God’s doing that I am here today. He gave me another chance, gave me that commitment. Even mum said: ‘Do you want to live, what about me and the kids?’ 

“I went to the hospital, and I thank God! It’s a family affair and takes the whole family. 

“Men of the Pacific need to be more open and aware. Please, I was there, and I can vouch, don’t wait, it’s so critical when it happens, so many have it, but haven’t made that leap.” 

Aniva Hunkin says it was important to explore the psychological well-being of Pacific fathers and their whānau afflicted with diseases such as CVD, given the relational nature of Pacific cultures, and the important role that men or fathers play as heads of the family. 

“It’s important to explore how Pacific men are affected, that as heads of the family, in that leadership role, what stress do they experience from the condition? How are the rest of the family affected?” 

She echoes her father’s words that there need to be more open discussions and greater awareness among Pacific men about seeking support to maintain good health. Hunkin hopes Pacific fathers and their families who have been affected by cardiovascular disease will come forward to share their invaluable stories.