Culturally Based Solutions to Preserve the Health of Native Hawaiians

Abstract

Health is that quality of life in which there is an absence of disease, and a presence of general well-being. For many Native Hawaiians, health encompasses a holistic perspective whereby all parts of the individual (biological, psychological, cognitive, social, spiritual) and world (individual, family, community, environment) are considered. Culturally based solutions for Native Hawaiians draw upon the strengths of the culture, with core elements including spirituality, and cultural values and practices, and the inclusion of Native Hawaiians in the design, implementation, and evaluation of interventions. The promotion of culturally based solutions does not imply the abandonment of all Western interventions of health care; rather, it suggests a need to expand our repertoire of knowledge on health and to learn from many sources. Examples such as Aloha ‘Āina (caring for the land) and ‘Ohana Intervention (working with families) illustrate new possibilities to complement Western interventions of health care. This article examines culturally based solutions to preserve the health of Native Hawaiians. Specifically, the discussion focuses on (1) cultural competence, (2) elements of culturally based solutions for Native Hawaiians, and (3) illustrations of culturally based solutions for Native Hawaiians.