Contact Details
University Links
- Position
- PhD Student
- Department
- Department of Medicine (Christchurch)
- Qualifications
- BBiomed Sc (Hons), Graduate Diploma in Lifestyle Medicine, Master in Clinical Immunology
- Research summary
- Culturally Tailored Health Coaching for Cardiometabolic Health in Pacific Communities
Research
Urijah is a PhD student in the Department of Medicine at the University of Otago, Christchurch, supervised by Professor Richard Gearry, Professor Jeremy Krebs (University of Otago, Wellington), and Dr Allamanda Faatoese. His research investigates the effectiveness of culturally tailored health coaching in improving cardiometabolic outcomes among Pacific populations, with particular attention to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), hypertension, and obesity. Urijah is analysing both clinical and community-based data from Pacific Islanders residing in New Zealand and the Solomon Islands. The research aims to evaluate the extent to which health coaching—either independently or in conjunction with lifestyle interventions—can facilitate sustained behavioural change and reduce NCD risk among Pacific Islander communities. This research addresses a critical health equity issue, as Pacific populations continue to experience disproportionately high rates of NCDs compared to other ethnic groups.