Integrating Pacific Cultural Concepts into the Introductory Nutrition Curriculum: The Children’s Healthy Living Program (CHL)

Abstract

To evaluate online methods for integrating food, culture, and environmental concepts from the U.S. Affiliated Pacific (UAP) into an introductory nutrition course at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) that has a foundation in traditional nutrition curriculum (e.g., concepts in a basic nutrition textbook). Students enrolled in the UHM introductory nutrition course which includes UAP residents. In the UAP there is a lack of nutrition trained professionals to adequately address the high non-communicable (chronic) diseases rates. An introductory nutrition course at UHM that integrates concepts of the UAP may enhance comprehension, applicability, and interest in the course material. Multiple methods for integrating UAP concepts included piloting weekly online discussion questions that address UAP food related issues in a previous semester of the course. Previous students of the introductory nutrition course at UHM as well as informants from across the UAP are being surveyed for their perceptions on the how to integrate UAP concepts into the course. Supplementary materials highlighting a wide range of foods unique to the UAP are also being developed to enhance learning objectives. Student performance evaluations from the first offering of the course (Fall 2013) will be used to evaluate success in learning outcomes and suggest areas for continued cultural adaptation. The online platform of the introductory nutrition class has potential for wide dissemination across the region where there is currently a nutrition education shortage. Course development needs to maintain a focus on sustainability and integration into other efforts in the UAP to enhance nutrition capacity.