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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Megan Fong, MPH and Nia Aitaoto, MPH. Pacific Diabetes Education Program, Papa Ola Lokahi, 894 Queen Street, Honolulu, HI 96822, 808-597-6555, mfong@papaolalokahi.org

Background: Pacific Islanders experience disproportionately high rates of diabetes morbidity and mortality. Previous research shows that diabetes prevention and control efforts may be enhanced when educational messages are culturally appropriate and relevant. Yet, few educational materials are culturally appropriate or relevant for Native Hawaiians, and many educational materials are developed without input from communities, and fail to account for cultural beliefs, customs, and practices. Description: The Pacific Diabetes Education Program held community discussion groups to guide development and distribution of culturally and linguistically appropriate educational materials for Pacific Islanders. Discussion group participants critiqued existing educational print materials from the National Diabetes Education Program and described ways to make educational materials culturally appropriate, culturally relevant, and effective. The authors completed community discussion groups with members of the general community, health care providers, people with diabetes, and people at risk for diabetes. Several themes emerged from participants' critiques of existing materials, such as: 1) participants wanted print materials to have improved readability (e.g., fewer words, simpler language); 2) participants wanted to see more pictures, especially pictures of Pacific Islanders; and 3) participants wanted print materials that incorporated their culture and lifestyle into the educational message. Conclusion: To ensure that educational materials are culturally appropriate and relevant, it is essential to garner community involvement and account for cultural beliefs, customs, and practices.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Identify key steps in the development of culturally appropriate and relevant materials for Pacific Islanders.
• Identify ways to involve the community at multiple stages of public health practice.
• Apply the knowledge shared to address their community’s health issues and concerns.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation