DEVELOPMENT, IMPLEMENTATION, AND EVALUATION OF A NATIVE HAWAIIAN CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE TYPE 2 DIABETES INFORMATIONAL POSTER

Abstract

Native Hawaiians are disproportionately diagnosed with diabetes and have higher rates of diabetes-related morbidity and mortality compared to the rest of Hawai’i and the United States at large. Waianae Coast Comprehensive Healthcare Center (WCCHC) is a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) in the largest predominantly native Hawaiian community in Hawaii. WCCHC also serves surrounding underserved communities such as Nanakuli, Waiola, Waipahu and Kapolei. Health literacy is low among native Hawaiians in the Waianae and surrounding communities. Previous studies have demonstrated the improved effectiveness of tailoring native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander health initiatives to be culturally relevant. Culturally relevant interventions include aspects such as native and traditional foods, imagery, and language. The purpose of this Practice Inquiry Project (PIP) was to develop a culturally appropriate diabetes informational tool, or poster. The poster was then evaluated to determine if it helped participants gain a better understanding of diabetes recommendations and goals, and to determine if it increased intention for improved diabetes self-care behaviors. The Social Cognitive Learning Theory was instrumental in shaping the expected outcomes of this intervention, because it describes the relationship an individual has with environmental and cognitive factors in predicting behavior. The Logic Model was used as a planning and evaluation tool for this project, and addressed the potential impacts that the results of this project could have. Ultimately, the poster tool was found to be effective in promoting diabetes self-care knowledge and intention towards behavior. Furthermore, participants expressed gratitude that an informational tool was tailored to their traditional foods, culture and language.