Pacific Islanders Case Study

Pacific Islander Health Disparities and Barriers to Health Care
Jean Giddens (2013) defines culture as “a pattern of shared attitudes, beliefs, self-definitions, norms, roles, and values that can occur among those who speak a particular language, or live in a defined geographical region.” (Giddens, 2013). A person’s culture influences every aspect that person’s life. Beliefs affected by culture include how someone interacts within the family, how to raise children, the types of foods eaten, the style of clothes chosen, which religion is practiced, and the style of communication (including verbal, and body language, slang used etc.) (Giddens, 2013). In addition to these beliefs, health care practices are also affected by culture. The cause

However, some generalizations can be made to help provide culturally competent care to this group of people. One of the most significant factors of culture for Pacific Islanders is family. Family help care for each other and the family should be included in health care decisions. Health is viewed as being in balance and harmony, and illness viewed as an imbalance. Prayer is important aspect of health and healing. Traditionally, in the Pacific Islander culture having a very large body was a sign of health, wealth, and prestige. Just like many cultures food is used in ceremonies and social function. Certain foods are associated with the ethnic identity of the Pacific Islander cultures, these include: breadfruit, green bananas, yams, fruit, fish and coconuts to name a few (Sobralske, 2006, p.

Deficient community health is related to lack of access to public health providers and limited resources (Ackley & Ladwig, 2014). According to the Center for Disease Control ‘the absence of health insurance coverage and distrust of Western medicine may contribute to low testing rates for Hepatitis B amount the Pacific Islanders. These same factors influence testing rates for other disparities too. Studies have shown health insurance coverage has increased compliance to medical treatment plans by making services, devices and medications more affordable (NHPI Affairs,