Social, Cultural and Behavioral Determinants of Health among Hawaii Filipinos

The Filipino Healthy Communities Project

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Filipinos are Hawaii’s largest immigrant group and second largest ethnic group. The Hawaii Filipino Health Communities Project was initiated by the Hawaii State Department of Health, because of the high rates of heart disease and stroke mortality, and other behavioral risks seen among Hawaii’s Filipino population (i.e. high smoking rates among Filipino men). The project sought to gather Filipino community members’ perspectives on why such chronic disease health disparities exist for Filipinos, and identify solutions to address them. Methods: The project gathered information from both immigrant and local Filipinos throughout the state, using community engagement methods of interviews with community leaders (n=20) and community-based focus groups (n=20 groups with 130 participants), Results: Filipino community members were aware of, and community leaders well-versed in, the behavioral, cultural, and social determinants of health in their communities. However, being aware of such determinants of health has yet not resulted in changed behavior in the overall Filipino community (i.e. improved diet, increased physical activity, or better access to healthcare). Conclusion: More outreach is needed with Filipinos, along with interventions to combat health disparities in chronic disease, such as increased smoking cessation and creative ways to eat healthier and increase physical activity