Search

The purpose of this study was to examine whether school experiences, school performance, and other risk-protective factors were related to violence among Hawaiian, Filipino, and Samoan youths residing in Hawai'i. This study analyzed survey data (N = 325) collected in three high schools having concentrations of Filipino, Hawaiian, and Samoan youths, as well as a smaller number of Japanese students, which served as a comparison group. The analyses consisted of bivariate and multivariate analyses of risk protection for violence. Two- and three-way interactions were tested to examine whether there were specific gender and/or ethnic effects. The final model explained 29.3% of the variance in violent behavior. Five variables were significant: grade point average, pressure to choose between school and friends, favorable school attitude, feeling safe, and importance of college. Schools serving these populations should focus on fostering positive bonds between teachers and students and building bridges to families and neighborhoods. (Contains 3 tables.)

The article discusses the recommendations for more effective health care in the state of Hawaii. Health care services can help to protect ethnic groups in Hawaii from disease and to reduce the negative effects of illness. Native Hawaiians suffer disproportionately from the most significant chronic diseases which underlie disability and mortality in later life, such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and cancer. The pursuit of better health necessitates social changes which would improve the life situation of the Native Hawaiian. In this sense, any steps taken to empower this group, to increase the level of self-efficacy, and to improve their economic situation, must be regarded as important to the promotion of health.

The article features a discussion on hypertension and heart disease in the state of Hawaii. Mortality statistics show that in the early twentieth century, heart disease was insignificant in Hawaii as a cause of death compared to infectious diseases for all ethnic groups. Native Hawaiians have significantly higher rates of heart disease than other ethnic groups. In 1920 the mortality rate from arteriosclerotic disease among Native Hawaiians was 3.4 per 100,000 population, but by 1960 it was 287.2 per 100,000, twice as high as the combined rate for other racial groups.

The article features a framework for assessing the health needs of Hawaiians. Systematic medical information on the population of Hawaii is available since the early 20th century. A report from the US Office of Technology Assessment in 1987 showed that the overall death rate of Native Hawaiians is 34% higher than for the total US population, with higher rates for diseases of the heart, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus. Thus, epidemiological data provide clear evidence that Native Hawaiians are a high risk population for many serious health problems.