Open AccessExamining Long-Term Service and Support Needs and Preferences of Native Hawaiian Elders: A Mixed-Method Approach
Author(s) -
Colette V. Browne,
Kathryn L. Braun,
Noreen Mokuau,
Yan Yan Wu,
Shelley Muneoka
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of aging and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1552-6887
pISSN - 0898-2643
DOI - 10.1177/0898264319839903
Subject(s) - psychological resilience , gerontology , active listening , health equity , health care , service (business) , qualitative research , population , medicine , psychology , nursing , public health , environmental health , sociology , social psychology , political science , social science , economy , communication , law , economics
Objective: The Native Hawaiian population experiences numerous disparities in health and income. Using a mixed-method research (MMR) design, we summarize findings from three phases of an MMR approach used to uncover kūpuna (elder) long-term service and support (LTSS) needs and care preferences. Methods: Key informants in Hawaiian health were interviewed, secondary analyses of large state data sets were conducted, and kūpuna and "ohana (family) caregivers were engaged in listening sessions. Results: Quantitative data confirmed numerous health disparities experienced by older Native Hawaiians, whereas qualitative data exposed their limited knowledge of this poor health profile and revealed their historical and contemporary experiences with discrimination in education, employment, and health care. Hawaiian culture was identified as a continued source of resilience in support of elders and family caregiving regardless of geographic setting. Discussion: We suggest three practice, policy, and research directions that offer the potential to respond to and improve kūpuna health and service use.