Case study #2 – Improving Pacific Islander health through community participation, p.428 in textbook:
Huff, R. M., Klein, M. V., Klein, & Peterson, D. V. (Eds). (2015). Health promotion in multicultural populations: A handbook for practitioners and students. (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage publications Ltd.
Submit 1,350 -1,500 word paper plus a KU title page and reference page in a scholarly format. Post your paper by Sunday.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In the medical field, it is important to recognize the diversity that exists within communities and to understand how it impacts health and wellness. The case study of Improving Pacific Islander Health through Community Participation provides an opportunity to explore how health promotion initiatives can be tailored to meet the unique cultural and social needs of specific populations. This paper will provide an overview of the case study and offer insights into how we can better serve Pacific Islander communities through community-based health initiatives.
Answer:
The case study of Improving Pacific Islander Health through Community Participation highlights the challenges faced by Pacific Islander communities in the United States with respect to accessing healthcare services and addressing health issues. The study identifies the need for culturally appropriate health promotion initiatives that take into account the unique social and cultural factors that impact the health of Pacific Islanders.
One approach that has proven successful in improving the health of Pacific Islander communities is community-based participatory research (CBPR). CBPR empowers community members to take an active role in identifying health priorities and developing strategies and interventions to address them. This approach recognizes the importance of involving community members in the planning and implementation of interventions to ensure their cultural appropriateness and relevance.
The case study also emphasizes the importance of addressing the social determinants of health, such as poverty, housing, and access to education, that have a significant impact on the health outcomes of Pacific Islander populations. Initiatives that address these determinants, through community development and social service programs, can go a long way in improving the health and well-being of Pacific Islanders.
Furthermore, health promotion interventions should also incorporate traditional Pacific Islander practices and beliefs, including the importance of family and community, which have been shown to be effective in promoting health and wellness.
Overall, the Improving Pacific Islander Health through Community Participation case study highlights the need for culturally appropriate and community-based health initiatives that recognize the unique social and cultural factors that impact the health of Pacific Islanders. Through initiatives that involve community members, address social determinants of health, and incorporate traditional practices and beliefs, we can improve the health and well-being of Pacific Islander populations.
