New Report Suggests Framework to Improve Native Hawaiians Health Disparities

December 16, 2021

A new report from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) suggests the need for a culturally-responsive framework to achieve social and health equity among Native Hawaiians. For decades, this population has been plagued with disproportionately higher rates of chronic diseases and higher mortality rates than the general population in Hawaiʻi.

Nā Pou Kihi, the framework developed by Native Hawaiian Health Chair Joseph Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula, proposes systemic changes in political, educational, economic, and social systems needed in order for Native Hawaiian health to improve.

“Nā Pou Kihi provides a culturally relevant means of aligning our diverse efforts toward the common goal of achieving optimal Mauli Ola, or health and well-being, for our communities. They are guideposts to what needs to be in place or strengthened if we are to be successful in this endeavor,” said Kaholokula.

Mele Look, director of community engagement in JABSOM’s Department of Native Hawaiian Health and one of the authors of the report, said the framework goes beyond health interventions. “It shows how policy needs to be developed more comprehensively to improve health,” she said.

In addition, the report provides evidence-based research that further supports the idea that the health of Native Hawaiians will thrive when their health care is rooted in Native Hawaiian culture.

“Because culture is such a significant part of what distinguishes a population, especially Indigenous communities, disease prevention, treatment, and management programs must be culturally-responsive at their core and the cornerstone of health promotion,” said Kaholokula.

The report stated that the development of more culturally-relevant programs like these are necessary and that “health equity will be achieved in part with effective, sustainable and culturally responsive health intervention programs—which also help to revitalize cultural practices and empower communities.”

Read more at Hawaii.edu.