Physical wellbeing of Native Hawaiians, the Indigenous people of Hawai‘i

Abstract

We explore the physical wellbeing of Native Hawaiians compared to the other ethnic groups of Hawai‘i against: (1) prevalence of chronic diseases and recent trends, (2) subjective reports of physical wellbeing; (3) social and cultural determinants of health; and (4) promising health promotion strategies. Findings indicate modest improvements in Native Hawaiian physical health since the enactment of US federal policy designed to improve Native Hawaiian health. Advances have been made in community-based health promotion targeting behavioral, social and cultural determinants of health. Policies aimed at improving the physical wellbeing of Native Hawaiians need to tip the balance of focus from determinants that are biological and behavioral toward those that are social and cultural.