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Abstract #154176

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Fahina Pasi, BS¹, Ivoni Nash, BS¹, Sione Kaisa Lui, BS¹, Richard Bullough, PhD², and Brenda Ralls, PhD². (1) National Tongan American Society, 2480 South Main, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, 801 467 8712, fahina36@hotmail.com, (2) Utah Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, Utah Department of Health, PO Box 142107, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2017

The disproportionate prevalence of diabetes and its risk factors among Pacific Islanders is well known. This population has increased dramatically in the U.S., and especially in Utah. Over one in 10 (10.5%) Pacific Islander adults in Utah has diabetes, a rate nearly twice that for the state (5.3%). Three-fourths (74.8%) are overweight or obese. The high prevalence of diabetes and overweight/obesity in the Pacific Islander population, coupled with its rapid growth, can be expected to substantially impact delivery of diabetes care and prevention. Yet, too little is known about the specific issues related to health care in this minority population. Public health efforts, particularly those through the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP), have been well received among Pacific Islanders. However, some interventions may be even more effective if they are developed within the community itself and designed to address its particular challenges. The National Tongan American Society, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, implemented a grassroots community-based program to assist Pacific Islanders in managing diabetes among those diagnosed and in preventing it among those at risk. Culturally specific health education classes have been held since 2004 with materials in Tongan and Samoan. The curriculum, which complements NDEP materials, is taught in native languages at local churches and social centers. A qualitative analysis, based on input from class participants, was used to identify barriers (e.g., family, cultural, health care access) that initially challenged positive lifestyle modifications. Solutions for overcoming barriers, as suggested by participants, are being used to refine the interventions.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Recognize the unique health care needs of Pacific Islanders with diabetes
• 2. Identify barriers to making lifestyle changes faced by Pacific Islanders
• 3. Describe solutions for overcoming barriers suggested by community members

Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander, Health Education

Related Web page: www.ntasutah.org/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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