Ang Kalusugan at Kayamanan : The Health and Wealth of Hawai‘i Filipinos

Ang Kalusugan at Kayamanan: The Health and Wealth of Hawai‘i Filipinos Stephanie L. Cacal, MPH, Denise C. Nelson-Hurwitz, PhD, Jane J. Chung-Do, DrPH, Uday Patil, MA, MLIS, and Jeffrey T. Miguel Acido, PhD What Is the Purpose of this Study/Review? • To understand how health may be improved among Filipinos in Hawai‘i using self-identified community strengths and assets. • To apply culture circles and applied methodology from the Nakem (soul consciousness) pedagogy. • To empower Filipino residents by acknowledging their views on health and wealth that may not be reflected in conventional health care models. What Is the Problem? • Filipinos suffer from high rates of chronic diseases, while systemic and cultural barriers make it challenging for them to access health care. • Community perspectives and values, and associated culturally relevant programs reflecting these, are needed to improve Filipino health. What Are the Findings? • Participants shared diverse perspectives of Filipino community health and wealth, which were used to develop a new holistic health framework, Filipino Health and Wealth framework. • Health as a holistic concept that goes beyond physical health. • Health programs that are relational, strength-based, and rooted in collective values are deeply needed. • Cultural circles with trusted facilitators have the power to critically raise the social consciousness and transform community narratives to be grounded in strengths and resiliency. Who Should Care Most? • Community-based agencies that conduct community-engaged programs focused on health among peoples of color. • Local governments and public health coordinators concerned about health disparities and health equity among Filipino communities. • Academics and other educators interested in a strengths-based approach to promoting health and working collaboratively to decrease health disparities and improve access to care among Filipino communities. Recommendations for Action • Using the proposed framework to inform the development of effective health programs rooted in extant community assets. [End Page e1] • Community health programs should embrace and address health holistically, as well as encourage community dialogue to counter negative community stereotypes that have been internalized. • Further research is needed to deepen the understanding of the complex cultural relationships between health and wealth in communities of color. [End Page e2] Stephanie L. Cacal Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Denise C. Nelson-Hurwitz Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Jane J. Chung-Do Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Uday Patil Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Jeffrey T. Miguel Acido Kōkua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services Copyright © 2023 Johns Hopkins University Press