Use of the HESPER Web to Assess Perceived Needs Immediately After Multiple Disaster Events in Fiji.

OBJECTIVE: In January 2022, Fiji was hit by multiple natural disasters, including a cyclone causing flooding, an underwater volcanic eruption, and a tsunami. This study aimed to investigate perceived needs among the disaster-affected people in Fiji and to evaluate the feasibility of the Humanitarian Emergency Settings Perceived Needs Scale (HESPER Web) during the early stage after multiple natural disasters. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a self-selected, non-representative study sample was conducted. The HESPER Web was used to collect data. RESULTS: In all, 242 people participated. The number of perceived serious needs ranged between 2 and 14 (out of a possible 26), with a mean of 6 (SD = 3). The top 3 most reported needs were access to toilets (60%), care for people in the community who are on their own (55%), and distress (51%). Volunteers reported fewer needs than the general public. CONCLUSIONS: The top 3 needs reported were related to water and sanitation and psychosocial needs. Such needs should not be underestimated in the emergency phase after natural disasters and may require more attention from responding actors. The HESPER Web was considered a usable tool for needs assessment in a sudden onset disaster.

Bartering as a Form of Resilience During COVID-19: Case Study of Barter for Better Fiji Facebook Page

The economic impact of COVID-19 has caused a global economic slowdown with industries shutting down and massive layoffs worldwide. Governments of the more developed and richer economies have responded to this economic crisis by launching unprecedented stimulus packages aimed at keeping their economy afloat. However, many of the smaller developing economies lack the financial resources to provide such generous welfare packages. Fiji is one such economy that has been particularly affected due to their reliance on tourism, their dependence on international aid, which has also reduced during COVID-19, and Fiji was also affected by a cyclone during the beginning of 2020. The Fiji government's social welfare and social protection system were already weak, and this crisis has highlighted the vulnerability of the economy and of its people. With an ailing economy, lack of liquidity and lack of government support, one would think that this would push Fijians into a situation of economic despair, increased crime and potential mass revolt. However, this has been far from the case. One of the most interesting developments from Fiji during COVID-19 has been the emergence of a barter economy facilitated by social media. The Barter for Better Fiji (BFBF) initiative is a Facebook page that was created by three Fijian women to help individuals in Fiji access essential goods such as groceries by bartering for other goods and services. The page has become a national and regional phenomenon with outgrowths of the page also being created in other Pacific Island countries and in major economies with large Pacific Island communities. This chapter explores the emergence of Fiji's barter economy as an alternative form of community-based and internet-mediated social protection during the COVID-19 crisis. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021.

Ethical-decision making of ‘Flights to Nowhere' passengers in the COVID-19 and climate change era

With international travel halting as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19, several airlines sought to offer Flights to Nowhere as a way to generate revenue and keep their aircrafts flight-ready. Flights to Nowhere are sightseeing flights that start and finish at the same airport without landing elsewhere. These flights have been heavily criticized for creating unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions. This research explores the ethical decision-making process and the subsequent rationalization of taking Flights to Nowhere. Using cognitive dissonance theory and neutralization techniques, we analyse in-depth interviews with passengers that have recently taken a Flight to Nowhere. Passengers did not immediately make the connection between Flights to Nowhere and climate change but on reflection, they justified these flights using a range of neutralization techniques including an appeal to higher loyalties, denial of injury, and justification by comparison.

Loss aversion or hand-to-mouth behaviour in private consumption models

This study empirically tests whether the loss aversion or hand-to-mouth theories of consumption behaviour is present in Fiji. The loss aversion hypothesis implies that consumers would maintain their consumption when income falls. To estimate this model, we apply the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model with annual data from 1981 to 2019. Our findings are in contrast to the predictions of the loss aversion hypothesis and support the hand-to-mouth hypothesis in Fiji. The results are robust to alternative measures of liquidity, and a sample that includes the COVID-19 pandemic. We contribute to the literature by providing evidence of nonlinearity's in the consumption-income association. The findings are useful for policymakers in developing countries for policies on economic growth and stabilization. © 2023 New Zealand Association of Economists Incorporated.

Image Scanning Microscopy to Investigate Polycomb Protein Colocalization onto Chromatin

Super-resolution microscopy has been recently applied to understand the 3D topology of chromatin at an intermediated genomic scale (kilobases to a few megabases), as this corresponds to a sub-diffraction spatial scale crucial for the regulation of gene transcription. In this context, polycomb proteins are very renowned gene repressors that organize into the multiprotein complexes Polycomb Repressor Complex 1 (PRC1) and 2 (PRC2). PRC1 and PRC2 operate onto the chromatin according to a complex mechanism, which was recently recapitulated into a working model. Here, we present a functional colocalization study at 100–140 nm spatial resolution targeting PRC1 and PRC2 as well as the histone mark H3K27me3 by Image Scanning Microscopy (ISM). ISM offers a more flexible alternative to diffraction-unlimited SRMs such as STORM and STED, and it is perfectly suited to investigate the mesoscale of PRC assembly. Our data suggest a partially simultaneous effort of PRC1 and PRC2 in locally shaping the chromatin topology.

Applicable of teledentistry and digital platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic among dentists in Fiji: A qualitative study

Objectives: This research aims to explore the perception of dental officers (DOs) and dental managers (DMs) on the use of teledentistry and digital platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted among 30 DOs and 17 DMs. The study was conducted in private dental clinics, government dental clinics and the School of Dentistry and Oral Health clinic (SDOH), in the Central Division, Fiji that were selected randomly. The participants were selected using the purposive sampling method using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was collected through in-depth interviews via zoom using a self-developed semi-structure open-ended interview questionnaire. Manual thematic analysis of the data was conducted. Results: Five themes emerged from data analysis: utilization of teledentistry and media during the pandemic, usefulness of teledentistry, confidence with teledentistry and digital platforms-associated risks, digital platforms for record keeping, and teledentistry promotion and training. Teledentistry was mostly utilized by private practitioners and the oral surgery department. Practitioners were not in favour of teledentistry as they thought it was putting them at risk. Conclusion: Majority of DOs and DMs were not utilizing teledentistry except for a few private dental practitioners and the oral surgery department. Future research can be conducted in other divisions and include other healthcare professionals. © The Author(s) 2023.

Fiji albinism project: raising awareness and destigmatizing albinism in Fiji

In 2020, there were reports of people with albinism being branded as 'Corona' and 'COVID-19', using individuals as scapegoats and further ostracizing them from communities. People with albinism are vulnerable to human rights' violations and suffer with skin and eye health. Albinism is increasingly recognized in the Pacific Region, particularly in the Polynesian community in Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu and Tuvalu. A register has been created for Fijians with albinism, with the objective of understanding the scale and health needs of the population. In 2014, The Fiji Albinism Project was established through charity funding in partnership with the Fiji Ministry of Health. The aim is to improve the quality of life of people living with albinism in Fiji. Proformas are completed by Fijians with albinism and their details are collated into an Excel spreadsheet, including name, gender, date of birth, ethnicity, contact details, address, nearest health centre, school, date of entry and additional comments. The database currently holds the details of 172 people with albinism (aged 9 months-77 years), with 161 self-reporting as iTaukei. There are 88 females and 82 males registered (two do not have gender documented). Sixty-four participants are < 18 years of age. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas have been seen among adults, with one incidence of clinical Bowen disease in a child. Similar numbers of people attended the national skin clinic in 2020 vs. nonpandemic times. However, uptake of outreach clinics was reduced and fewer people with albinism are collecting free sunscreen. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first virtual International Albinism Awareness Day was held in 2020, with participants from Fiji. In 2020, a 5-year National Strategic Plan for Dermatology, Leprosy and Albinism was submitted and reviewed by the Minister of Health and Permanent Secretary of Health in Fiji. The plan includes proposals for continued free sunscreen and formalizing of referral pathways to Tamavua Twomey Hospital and The Pacific Eye Institute. This incorporation of albinism care within the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education provides a model for other pacific islands and developing countries to follow.

Investigating antecedent constructs affecting potential Australian travellers' destination image of Fiji amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

This study examines six antecedent constructs affecting potential Australian tourists' destination image of Fiji. Data were collected from 416 respondents and analysed using covariance-based structural equation modelling. Results revealed that five constructs–impressions of Fiji, trust in the Fijian government, crisis management, solidarity, and COVID-19 mitigation practices–were positively associated with respondents' cognitive and affective destination image formation. Xenophobia also moderates the positive association between cognitive and conative images. These findings contribute theoretically to understanding salient constructs contributing to destination image formation amidst the pandemic. Study insights will be useful to practitioners in developing effective marketing strategies and tourism recovery. © 2023 Asia Pacific Tourism Association.

Using Q method to investigate the influence of inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) on tourists' hotel choice in Fiji

Consequent to the COVID-19 pandemic and the reopening of international borders, tourists are increasingly concerned about sanitation and hygiene practices in tourism destinations. There is an evident need to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed tourist choices. This paper investigates the perceptions of hotel staff and tourists on the influence of inclusive water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices on tourists' hotel choices in Fiji. This study explores the value of Q-methodology through a case study of Fiji with data collected from 80 hotel staff and 75 tourists. The findings demonstrate that Q-methodology is effective in identifying three tourist types who have a strong interest in WASH impacts and aspects of their safety including concerns about how their visit impacts the local community and environment. Similarly, the Q method was useful in identifying four perspectives of staff understanding on WASH impacts that are significant to tourists' choice of hotel. The findings suggest a significant potential for hotel operators to enact socially inclusive WASH practices to enhance their appeal in the ‘new normal'. © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

'Some of my patients only come to renew their prescriptions. They are not interested in any additional advice or support'. Physicians' perceptions on their roles in cardiovascular diseases risk reduction and management in Fiji.

BACKGROUND: Primary health care (PHC) physicians' perceptions are vital to understand as they are the first-line health care providers in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk assessment and management. This study aims to explore PHC physicians' perceptions on their roles and their perceptions on management and risk reduction approaches on CVD risk reduction and management in Fiji. METHODS: This is a qualitative study conducted in the Suva Medical area among 7 health centers from 1 August to 31 September, 2021. Purposive sampling was used to recruit physicians who worked in the Suva medical area as PHC physicians with at least 6 months' experience in the Special Outpatients Department clinics. In-depth interview were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire over the telephone and recorded on a tablet device application. The interview content was then transcribed, and thematic analysis was done. RESULTS: This study included 25 PHC physicians. From the thematic analysis, 2 major themes emerged with 6 subthemes. Theme 1 was CVD management skills with 3 subthemes including education, experience and trainings, beliefs and attitudes of physicians, self-confidence and effectiveness in CVD risk reduction and management. Theme 2 was roles and expectations with 3 subthemes including perceptions of effective treatment, perceptions of physicians' roles and perceptions of patients' expectations. Physicians generally see their role as central and imperative. They perceive to be important and leading toward combating CVDs. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians' perceptions on their commitment to prevention and management of CVDs through their skills and knowledge, beliefs and motivation should be acknowledged. It is recommended that the physicians are updated on the current evidence-based medicine. Limitations include results that may not be the reflection of the entire physician and multidisciplinary community and the difficulties in face-to-face interviews due to the coronavirus diseases of 2019 pandemic.

Organizational Preventative Strategies Undertaken by Dental Clinics in Fiji during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Aim: This research aims to determine the organizational preventative strategies implemented by dental clinics in Fiji during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): This qualitative study was conducted amongst Dental Officers (Dos) and Dental Managers (DMs) who were working at government dental clinics, private dental clinics, and the School of Dentistry and Oral Health clinic (SDOH), in the Central Division, Fiji. A semi-structured open-ended questionnaire was used for data collection through in-depth interviews via zoom. A manual thematic analysis of the data was conducted. Result(s): Thirty Dos and 17 DMs participated in this study. 16 themes emerged from data analysis: Major Strategies implemented, Staff perception about strategies in place, Triaging and Screening, Hand hygiene, Waiting room changes, Operational Capacity, Universal precautions, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), Disinfection and decontamination protocols, Ventilation, Sterilization, Pre-procedural mouth rinse, Waste management, Vaccination status, Bubbles and Adaptation of Protocols. The Dos were generally satisfied with the strategies implemented by the DMs. The DMs along with other Dos had used various guidance documents to devise tailor-made ones suited for dental clinics in Fiji. Conclusion(s): Various strategies were adopted from several guidelines and tailor-made Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for each workplaces were developed by the various DMs. The majority of Dos were in favor of and satisfied with the protocols in place. Future research can be conducted in other divisions and include other health care professionals as well apart from just Dos and DMs. Copyright © 2023 Kajal and Mohammadnezhad.

Fijian Students' Reactions to Required Fully Online Courses during COVID-19

The recent outbreak of the global pandemic COVID-19 required Fiji National University offer fully online courses, which is a new form of pedagogy for many students. This new form of learning benefitted many students but created obstacles for others. The purpose of this study was to investigate student perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of fully online courses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey in the form of a semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather data from 138 students. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that fully online learning suits students during pandemics, natural disasters (flooding, cyclones), and political upheavals. Fully online learning also helps students who have permanent employment and have difficulty getting time off to attend face-to-face classes. It also helps maritime or remote students who have limited access to the main centre or helps lecturer/facilitator deliver instructions when he/she is out of a country or is far away. The study also confirmed that fully online learning requires robust internet connectivity and a sustainable power supply allowing students to assess course materials from the comfort of their homes at their own pace. The student's safety in terms of travel and transmission of diseases are maintained. Fully online learning classes also assist students in saving fuel costs and rushing to the classes.

Policing the COVID-19 pandemic: Police and public perceptions of enforcement of health protocols in the Fiji Islands

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global health security concern (World Health Organization, 2020), and governments have called upon police agencies to assist control the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This study looks at the new roles performed by police agencies in the context of the Fiji Islands. This study addresses two main research questions. Firstly, what are the issues and challenges faced by police officers when carrying out their COVID-19 duties? Secondly, what is the public perceptions of police officers' effectiveness in enforcing COVID-19 health protocols? This study has utilized a mixed-method approach based on qualitative interviews with police officers and a quantitative survey of the public. The police officers' interviews reveal that police performed new health duties and ground-level police faced several challenges. The public survey findings reveal that most people were happy with police performance. We conclude by discussing the policy implications of our findings on police practice and the agenda for future comparative research in small island countries so that SIDs can learn from each other.

The impact of risk perceptions on tourists' revisit intention: the case of COVID-19 and Fiji

The tourism industry is fragile as it is prone to numerous risks such as the outbreak of deadly viruses, and natural and human-made disasters. These risks have a significant impact on tourists' decisions when choosing a destination and while in a destination. This paper investigates the risks perceived by Australian tourists and how these risks affect their intention to revisit the Pacific Island Country of Fiji. Through a quantitative survey with 301 tourists, augmented by qualitative interviews conducted among management of hotels, as well as the DMO, the results show that tourists continue to perceive Fiji as a relatively safe destination however there are increased in the perceptions of risk concerning disease risk and financial risk.

Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Survey in Central and Western Divisions of Fiji, 2021.

During November-December 2021, we performed a SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence survey in Central and Western Divisions of Fiji. A total of 539 participants 8-70 years of age were 95.5% (95% CI 93.4%-97.1%) seropositive, indicating high community levels of immunity. Seroprevalence studies can inform public health responses to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Exploring the transition challenges of first-year College of Business students in Fiji

Transition challenges (or Trans-C) are perceived as a combination of academic, institutional, socio-cultural and psychological factors which influence a student's ability to transition successfully in their first year at higher education institutions. This paper presents an exploratory study of first-year College of Business students enroled at the Fiji National University (FNU). Using a mixed method approach, the study is aimed at understanding the accounts of first-year students in transition, and that of FNU being a local academic institution mandated to support students facing difficulties. Quantitative data from an online questionnaire collected independent variables related to students' ability to transition successfully. Results showed that despite the establishment of transition hubs and other academic support services, about 30% of the total 183 respondents indicated transition difficulties in their first year. Qualitative data were collected using ‘Talanoa' method to account for students' transition experience. Talanoa or story telling is a culturally appropriate method of data collection in indigenous Pacific Island countries such as Fiji. This approach allows a rich and more open information exchange provided the researcher is embedded in local pedagogy. Several themes emerged from the analysis of the ‘talanoa' transcripts such as academic support, family income, online learning, University environment, and peer influence. Although these themes were consistent with international experience, it would be asymmetrical to address student transition challenges without capturing their needs and expectations. In the final analysis, this paper supports the implementation of a student-centric model if higher education institutions (HEI) were to be successful in integrating first-year students into academic life.

Experiences of online learning and teaching during the second phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: A study of in-service teachers at the Fiji National University

The current study investigated the experiences of in-service teachers' at Fiji National University (FNU) during the second phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research aimed to contribute to the evidence base of factors affecting the effectiveness of online learning for in-service teacher education in Fiji and identify strategies for improving student experiences in Fiji and similar contexts. The study involved an online questionnaire administered to 97 in-service teachers at FNU and a follow-up one-on-one interview with six questionnaire participants. The paper is structured into three sections: outlining the literature, context and methods used to gather the data;presentation of the results about online learning experiences of in-service teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic;discussion of the challenges faced by the in-service teachers in adapting to the online learning process during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main findings indicate that the FNU in-service teachers faced challenges in transitioning from face-to-face to online instruction, but, for at least some, the transition also brought benefits. The four main challenges included poor connectivity issues, unavailability of devices, inadequate technological skills and the demands of multiple roles. The benefits of online learning comprised improving students' technical skills, upskilling higher education staff and systems, staying connected during tough times, saving money and time, flexibility and convenience. The study reveals that adaptation should focus on improving the courses and accommodating the digital gap among in-service teachers by providing mobile-friendly, synchronous and asynchronous activities.

What Helped Support Nurses in the ED at CWM during the COVID-19 Outbreak in Fiji in 2021?

Background/Introduction:Following a quarantine breach in April 2021, Fiji went from no cases of COVID-19 to having the highest number per capita in the world. Fiji was relatively well-prepared to respond to COVID-19 as it has strong emergency management response systems. Nevertheless, due to the rapid increase, the public health system was quickly overwhelmed. The problem was particularly acute at the main tertiary hospital in Suva.Objectives:To describe the effects of an overwhelming COVID-19 outbreak on nurses working in the Emergency Department of Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Fiji, in 2021.To describe the lessons learned and recommendations for the future.Method/Description:Focus Group Discussion with two groups of nurses: (1) ED nurse and (2) nurses seconded to provide a surge workforce in the most acute phase.Results/Outcomes:Preliminary findings show that nurses were lacking in confidence and frightened about the growing epidemic. Resources, material and human, were initially in short supply. The agency of the nurses as result of their post-graduate study and due to the collegial environment in ED resulted in increased supplies of PPE and changes to nursing practice (eg, web-based handover). Final results pending.Conclusion:The preliminary findings of this research illustrate that even in low-resource settings, with the right support and effective nursing leadership, nurses can provide safe and effective care to patients. The research illustrates the benefits of sound, relevant education, the crucial importance of teamwork, the importance of networks, the important benefits of early deployment of the MET, and the need for effective nursing leadership.

Utilizing a Medical Ship in the COVID-19 Response in Fiji

Background/Introduction:Fiji consists of 110 populated islands over an area of 2,600,000 square kilometers and is prone to disasters such as tropical cyclones.1 To increase national capacity to respond to disasters and outbreak, the Fijian government, under the commissioning of Ministry of Transport and with technical guidance from the Ministry of Health, designed a medical ship called the MV Veivueti. During Fiji’s COVID-19 surge, MV Veivueti was utilized to provide operative health services during the surge in COVID-19 patients at other health facilities.2Objectives:To describe FEMAT’s COVID-19 response utilizing the medical ship, MV Veivueti, in Fiji’s Pacific island setting.Method/Description:MV Veivueti has been used on multiple disaster responses, however the COVID-19 surge in mid-2021 was the first time the vessel was used during an outbreak to allow for the continuation of surgeries when other health facilities were overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. The medical ship is staffed with a comprehensive team from Fiji’s EMT - FEMAT - including surgeons, pediatricians, obstetricians, a dentist, nurses, and other medical staff.Results/Outcomes:From May 5 through July 6, 2021, a 12-member medical team staffed the medical ship 24-hours a day, providing primarily operative management of cases that were referred from health facilities. COVID-19 screening and IPC measures were in place and a clear patient flow was designed for patient transferred to health care facilities.Conclusion:The use of the MV Veivueti helped ensure continuity of critical health services during the peak of the Delta VOC outbreak in the Fiji Islands.