Ho'ola: Na Mana'o a Haumana Kula Nui. Healthy Living: Perceptions of Native Hawaiian College Students

Abstract

Physical activity has been shown to reduce risks for obesity and leading chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. Hawai'i State health data, 2003, shows: 1) only 54.4% ofNative Hawaiians met national recommendations for physical activity; 2) 72.5% ofNative Hawaiians were overweight; 3) Native Hawaiians are 60 % more likely to die from cardiovascular disease and 50% more likely to die from cancer than other ethnic groups in the State. Since diet and exercise patterns established early in life ultimately influence how young adults in the transitions years between ages 18 - 25 make food purchase and fitness planning choices that impact the later adult years, the purpose of this study was to understand young adult Native Hawaiians' perceptions related to perceived supports and barriers to living a healthy lifestyle. Four focus groups involving 32 Native Hawaiian young adults were held. Findings suggest that similarly to other ethnic groups, Native Hawaiian youth cite lack of access, demanding lifestyle, invincibility and laziness as barriers to healthy living. However, unlike other ethnic groups that define health in terms of individual strength, avoidance, and appearance, Native Hawaiian youth defmed health in terms of being purposefully engaged in life's responsibilities and prefer opportunities to be physically active in group settings. Findings support the need to modify approaches to energy balance that have been used successfully with non-Native Hawaiians for use with Native Hawaiian youth.