Creating Project Talanoa: a culturally based community health program for U.S. Pacific Islander adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
This is an evaluation of the process and outcome of a research study to determine a culturally targeted health promotion program for U.S. Pacific Islander youth who are at risk for co-occurring problem behaviors, including risky sexual behavior, substance abuse, and interpersonal violence.


METHODS
An exploratory design was used and included qualitative interviews (N=54), focus groups (N=16), participant observation (over 3 years), and surveys (N=24) with Pacific Islander adults and youth. After identifying key cultural values and reviewing existing evidence-based prevention interventions, "Project Talanoa" was developed around 4 constructs: (1) cultural identity and pride, (2) teen health, (3) peer relations, and (4) family ties. The program was pilot tested and evaluated by 24 Pacific Islander adolescents (ages 12-15 years).


RESULTS
Results indicate it was culturally appropriate, well liked by the participants, supported by parents and others in the community, and found to be feasible.


CONCLUSIONS
Additional research is needed to test it for effectiveness. Project Talanoa provides a model for applying cultural concepts in the development of a risk reduction intervention for adolescents.
McGrath
Barbara Burns
BB
Psychosocial and Community Health, School of Nursing, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA. bbmcgrat@u.washington.edu
Ka'ili
Tevita O
TO
D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D054521:Cultural Competency / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003479:Curriculum; D006254:Hawaii; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D044468:Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander / Q000193:education / Q000208:ethnology*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D036301:Qualitative Research; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior