Keywords

health disparities; healthcare access; cultural competence; levels of prevention; Hawaii

Abstract

The state of Hawaii was annexed by the United States in 1898, and served as a starting point from which the U.S. influenced Hawaii's socioeconomic conditions and healthcare access. The literature review examines healthcare views and outcomes among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander residents, utilizing various tools and resources to investigate how these factors have impacted overall health statistics and the reasons behind these trends. Results found that the western colonization of the island and the disease outbreaks led to an initial mistrust of “western ideas.” Additionally, due to long-standing cultural beliefs, there is a natural preference for traditional cultural healing methods that are not reflected in modern healthcare on the island. Intergenerational health behaviors also play a role in the lack of healthcare utilization, and are now being reflected in newer generations, leading to increasing health problems. Findings indicate a more comprehensive review of the current state’s access to preventive and inpatient health care tools, as well as additional studies to assess the effectiveness of the measures in place, and if new methods can be incorporated to be more culturally competent. Further research is warranted to allow others to examine and create measures to reduce these numbers and improve the health status of Native Hawaiians and Pacific islanders in the population before they become chronic.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Moser, Isaiah

College

College of Nursing

Department

Nursing Practice

Thesis Discipline

Nursing

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

UCF Cocoa

Notes

This degree program is not joint and is only associated with the UCF College of Nursing Traditional BSN program.

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