Intimate partner violence: perceptions of Samoan women.
The purpose of this study was to examine cultural perceptions, awareness, responses, and actions recommended about IPV by Samoan women served by a Community Health Center (CHC). THEORETICAL FOUNDATION: This investigation is a part of a series of exploratory community based participatory research (CBPR) studies based on critical social theory.


METHODS
This qualitative study was conducted using focus groups with Samoan women served by a health center. Analysis of qualitative data was accomplished using content analysis. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive methods.


METHODS
Eight Samoan women, 18 years and older participated in the focus groups.


METHODS
The instruments were translated from English to Samoan and back translated into English. The facilitators conducted an initial focus group and a validation group with the same participants. Sessions were taped and transcribed in Samoan and back translated into English.


RESULTS
The women clearly identified IPV and were aware that it occurs in their cultural group. They identified multiple responses of individual women, families, and communities to IPV. In Samoa there was a formalized process for addressing this problem that has been changed in Hawai'i. The CHCs are viewed as an important resource for the families and can be a source of interventions.


CONCLUSIONS
Health care providers should be aware of differences between Western notions of independence and the ideals of interdependence held by specific cultural groups. The CHC personnel have raised questions about the appropriateness of using tools that were developed for use with Western women with immigrant women.
Magnussen
Lois
L
Department of Nursing, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96744, USA. magnusse@hawaii.edu
Shoultz
Jan
J
Hansen
Kay
K
Sapolu
Merina
M
Samifua
Mili
M
D000328:Adult; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006254:Hawaii / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D044468:Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011114:Polynesia / Q000208:ethnology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012307:Risk Factors; D018947:Samoa / Q000208:ethnology; D012938:Social Perception; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data