Thesis
Exploring the role of connection to place and traditional food in the health of five multigenerational Pacific Islander families
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
05/2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000006966
Abstract
As the population of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPIs) migrating to the continent continues to grow, there is great need to more deeply understand their diverse experiences and needs. To address NHPIs’ health disparities, Pacific Islander health practitioners and community leaders have worked together to create preventative interventions and health programs that are more culturally-aligned. Although this is an important and exciting step forward, the centering of culturally-significant protective factors in healthcare and preventative health programs is still an emerging field, particularly regarding protective factors of connection to place and traditional food. This qualitative study explored the role of connection to place and traditional food in health and well-being through a secondary analysis of interviews with five multigenerational Pacific Islander families (14 participants total) around experiences with the healthcare and education systems. Using thematic analysis of the interviews, two major themes emerged around health and well-being: the importance of education and awareness to improve care for NHPIs, and the right to self-determination. Findings also revealed two themes around connection to place and traditional food: disconnection to place and traditional food are risk factors, and traditional food strengthens family relationships and cultural connectedness. The implications for future research in prevention science are discussed.
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Details
- Title
- Exploring the role of connection to place and traditional food in the health of five multigenerational Pacific Islander families
- Creators
- Sooyoun Park
- Contributors
- Sara Florence Waters (Chair)Lisa Colón (Committee Member)Yoshie Sano (Committee Member)Nicole lee Kamakahiolani Ellison (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Department of Human Development
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 96
- Identifiers
- 99901125939601842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis