Pacific Islands Families Study turns 25
AUT’s Director of the Pacific Health Research Centre, Professor El-Shadan Tautolo, has given an inaugural professional lecture at the university’s South Campus in celebration of the Pacific Islands Families (PIF) Study reaching a 25-year milestone.
The unique, longitudinal study has followed nearly 1400 Pacific children and their parents since the children were born at Middlemore Hospital in South Auckland in the year 2000.
In recognition of the importance of this ongoing Pasifika-led research, Professor Tautolo was interviewed on the PMN’s Pacific Morning Show.
Along with celebrating Professor Tautolo’s work and the 25-year milestone, the AUT event recognised all those who contribute to the study, including research participants who are regularly interviewed and assessed by AUT’s Pacific Health Research Centre team.
Professor Tautolo says the interaction with research participants is what he enjoys most about his work.
“Working on a longitudinal study, we’re fortunate to establish long-term relationships with our cohort families, and it’s a privilege to be allowed to see and share what is happening in the lives of these families over the last 25 years.
“Because AUT is a relatively young university, we have the opportunity to contribute to building and shaping an institution that can make a real difference for our communities in South Auckland, which is both extremely valuable and rewarding.
“AUT’s South Campus is based in the heart of South Auckland which is where the vast majority of our research participants reside, allowing us to work alongside the communities we’re interested in supporting through our research.”
The next phase of the study will increasingly focus on adulthood and parenting and ageing, including the early collection of data related to brain health.