title: Connecting culturally and spiritually to healthy eating: A community assessment with Native Hawaiians.
abstract: Many of the chronic illnesses disproportionately experienced by Native Hawaiians are directly related to poor diets and long-standing obesity beginning in childhood. We report on the findings of in-depth key informant interviews (N=14) that took place in two Native Hawaiian communities as part of a larger, community-based participatory research study that included a community assessment through individual interviews and focused group discussions, and a pilot intervention targeting pregnant women, their infants, and families. Four categories emerged from the qualitative analysis of interview transcripts that described an understanding of "healthy eating": family roles and responsibilities, aspects of community and physical environment, deeper spiritual meaning of food, and ways of operationalizing personal eating choices. The findings revealed previously undocumented intergenerational influences on healthy eating patterns and informed the design of the next study phases and are of significance in targeting nutritional interventions for Native Hawaiians.
authors.affiliation: Waimānalo Health Center, 41-1347 Kalaniana`ole Hwy., Waimānalo, HI 96795; Ph#: (808)954-7107; ; moneha@waimanalohealth.org.
authors.forename: Mary Frances
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Oneha
authors.affiliation: Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.
authors.forename: Joan E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Dodgson
authors.affiliation: Wai`anae Coast Community Mental Health Center, Inc.
authors.forename: Mabel Ho Oipo
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: DeCambra
authors.affiliation: Waimānalo Health Center.
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Titcomb
authors.affiliation: Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.
authors.forename: Rachelle
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Enos
authors.affiliation: Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.
authors.forename: Sandie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morimoto-Ching
keywords: Community-based participatory research; Native Hawaiians; chronic disease; diet; health status disparities