Abstract
Relatively little attention has been paid in the literature to strategies promoting the health of Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (NHPI) men. To fill this void, a Native Hawaiian cancer survivor and a Marshallese minister in Orange County, California, founded the Kane Group to promote men's health information and support. This group is comprised of 10 to 15 NHPI men, ages 35 to 83, with a diverse background of experiences in the U.S. healthcare system and health conditions, including multiple site cancer survivors and/or co-morbidity and chronic condition, like high blood pressure, diabetes. The Kane Group provides social support and engages in discussions, using the island tradition of "talk story", to relate a variety of men's health issues from prostate cancer to physical fitness to end-of-life decision making in a supportive and safe environment. The group weaves Pacific Islander culture and values into the process and conduct of the support groups. This community commentary describes the innovative strategies, successes, and challenges that emerged with the development of the group that were designed to celebrate Pacific Islander men's health, provide information, fellowship, and support for the many who are facing health crises.
Highlights
Many successful efforts have been dedicated to addressing Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) women’s health issues, like breast and cervical cancer, in a culturally appropriate manner (Aitaoto et al, 2009; Banner et al, 1995; Mokuau & Braun, 2007; Mokuau et al, 2008); less attention has been placed on their male counterparts
The men were recruited for membership in the Kane Group through their association with group founders and their affiliation with Pacific Islander clubs, NHPIserving community-based organizations, and faith organizations
Sripipatana, A., Pang, V.K., Pang, J.K., & Briand, B. / Californian Journal of Health Promotion 2010, Volume 8, Special Issue (Cancer Control), 96 - 100 of the participants have health insurance and use formal healthcare services regularly, while others are uninsured and their only experience with the healthcare system is through the emergency room
Summary
Many successful efforts have been dedicated to addressing Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) women’s health issues, like breast and cervical cancer, in a culturally appropriate manner (Aitaoto et al, 2009; Banner et al, 1995; Mokuau & Braun, 2007; Mokuau et al, 2008); less attention has been placed on their male counterparts. In response to this void, a Native Hawaiian cancer survivor and a Marshallese minister formed a Pacific Islanders men’s health information and support group, the Kane Group (kane, the Hawaiian term for men).
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