Drinking yaqona, traditional kava, among young Fijians is becoming increasingly associated with unhealthy behaviors, including tobacco usage and poor dietary choices, according to findings from the Fiji 2025 STEPS Survey. The survey, launched by Dr. Devina Nand, Head of Wellness for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, reveals that both sexes consume kava at similar rates, although men tend to drink more than women.
The data indicates that yaqona consumption is most prevalent among adults aged 18 to 59, extending into older demographics, notably those aged 60 to 69. Dr. Nand expressed concern that drinking often pairs with additional risky behaviors. She noted that tobacco use during kava-drinking sessions is particularly high among younger adults, raising significant health risks for cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
The survey also highlights unhealthy snacking habits during these sessions, with women reportedly engaging in more poor dietary practices than men. The combination of these eating habits with sedentary lifestyles—where individuals remain seated while consuming unhealthy snacks and exposed to passive smoke—points to an urgent need for public health interventions aimed at young adults.
Fiji is grappling with a serious health crisis, as nearly all adults reportedly carry at least one risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Minister of Health and Medical Services Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu announced that nearly two in three families have some form of NCD among their members. Alarmingly, research indicates that 98.5 percent of adults aged 18 to 69 exhibit at least one risk factor, prompting calls for the younger generation to heed the health lessons learned from previous generations.
Dr. Lalabalavu warned that failure to adopt healthier behaviors could result in dire consequences, including increased mortality rates among younger populations due to heart disease and other NCDs. He highlighted the critical need for the government to work on strategies informed by the survey data to enhance public health moving forward.
In response to the alarming trends identified in the STEPS 2025 report, the Fiji government is considering higher taxes on unhealthy products as part of a comprehensive policy review. This follows previous budget measures that increased taxes on sugary drinks, with Dr. Lalabalavu stressing the necessity for a holistic approach that addresses various lifestyle factors rather than focusing solely on single aspects.
The insights gained from this survey will guide government action toward improving health outcomes nationwide and combating lifestyle-related diseases through coordinated efforts across various sectors. By prioritizing public health education and awareness, there is hope that Fiji can reverse these concerning trends and promote healthier lifestyles for future generations.