Taumafa Kava: a Pacific framework to guide DOHaD-related research in Pacific communities

The developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) framework highlights the link between adverse early-life environments and later risk for non-communicable disease (NCDs). DOHaD research has primarily focused on maternal health and, more recently, paternal health. However, it is increasingly clear that investment in the adolescent window may afford the best opportunity to break the transgenerational cycle of NCDs. Data on DOHaD understanding in adolescents remains limited, and in the context of this article, there remains a paucity of research undertaken with adolescents in Oceania, particularly Pacific adolescents, who experience a disproportionately high NCD burden. NCDs represent a complex health issue and therefore multisectoral approaches and collaborative partnerships across different disciplines, health and social professions and communities is required. Due to the significance of DOHaD research and the importance of investing in our children and adolescents for the future, we developed a framework called Taumafa Kava to guide DOHaD-related research in Pacific communities across Oceania. This framework is based on a Tongan Taumafa Kava ceremony and it is an introduction to the cultural significance of the methysticum plant root (kava) and its relevance in highlighting a shared responsibility to serve Pacific Peoples well in DOHaD research. Furthermore, it is a call to action highlighting the importance of understanding the need to deliver DOHaD research that is inclusive of Pacific knowledges, cultures, languages, identities and contexts. This framework has been applied in a research project to showcase the potential for this approach to be utilised in DOHaD-related research in Pacific communities.