Engaging Native Hawaiian men in health care: A cultural approach

Background/significance: Native Hawaiian (NH) men have higher cancer mortality and morbidity than men of other ethnic groups. Focus groups among NH men were conducted by the NH Committee of the American Cancer Society to identify health-seeking behaviors, attitudes, and preferred practices. They identified that NH men had unique cultural values/practices that affected their health. Thus, the Kāne (men) Initiative was formed to develop a statewide health promotion program.

Objective/purpose: The purpose of the Kāne Initiative is to engage NH men in identifying strategies consistent with their cultural values and practices to increase their participation in preventive health care.

Methods: The methods include: 1) Recruit NH male community leaders and/or cancer survivors to the Kāne Initiative. 2) Solicit input for strategies, projects, and activities to promote preventive health care. 3) Engage NH men in helping other NH men. 4) Develop/implement cancer prevention activities focused on NH men.

Results: The Kāne Initiative involves NH men of various ages, professions, and backgrounds. They completed an informational DVD and a culturally-informed cancer brochure disseminated statewide to health projects/organizations. A project underway is the development of an educational tool to lead NH men in discussing their health concerns and to promote health care. Educational tools/strategies have been developed to include the training of NH men as group facilitators.

Discussion/conclusion: NH men have taken the lead in a public health initiative addressing cancer disparities. The cultural process of NH men addressing shared health issues has led to several culturally-relevant health promotion materials and community activities.