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Creating Project Talanoa: A Culturally Based Community Health Program for U.S. Pacific Islander Adolescents
Author(s) -
McGrath Barbara Burns,
Ka'ili Tevita O.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
public health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1525-1446
pISSN - 0737-1209
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1446.2009.00822.x
Subject(s) - pacific islanders , focus group , indigenous , psychological intervention , health promotion , psychology , poison control , community based participatory research , program evaluation , intervention (counseling) , suicide prevention , exploratory research , medicine , public health , nursing , participatory action research , population , sociology , environmental health , ecology , public administration , anthropology , political science , biology
Objective: This is an evaluation of the process and outcome of a research study to determine a culturally targeted health promotion program for U.S. Pacific Islander youth who are at risk for co‐occurring problem behaviors, including risky sexual behavior, substance abuse, and interpersonal violence. Design and Sample: An exploratory design was used and included qualitative interviews ( N =54), focus groups ( N =16), participant observation (over 3 years), and surveys ( N =24) with Pacific Islander adults and youth. After identifying key cultural values and reviewing existing evidence‐based prevention interventions, “Project Talanoa” was developed around 4 constructs: (1) cultural identity and pride, (2) teen health, (3) peer relations, and (4) family ties. The program was pilot tested and evaluated by 24 Pacific Islander adolescents (ages 12–15 years). Results: Results indicate it was culturally appropriate, well liked by the participants, supported by parents and others in the community, and found to be feasible. Conclusions: Additional research is needed to test it for effectiveness. Project Talanoa provides a model for applying cultural concepts in the development of a risk reduction intervention for adolescents.