Building Native Hawaiian capacity in cancer research and programming

Using a Participatory Four-Step Protocol to Develop Culturally Targeted Cancer Education Brochures

“…'Imi Hale's work is guided by principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR), which require that activities follow community-set priorities, build on community strengths, and provide tangible benefits (Matsunaga et al, 1996;Minkler & Wallerstein, 2003). In 'Imi Hale's first year (2000), more than 900 individuals in the state (50+ Native Hawaiian cancer survivors, 500+ Native Hawaiian Health Care System clients, 200+ primary care physicians and oncologists, and 150+ nonphysician providers of health and social services in Hawaiian communities) participated in surveys, interviews, and focus groups to identify program priorities (Braun, Tsark, Santos, Aitaoto, & Chong, 2006). The need for culturally targeted cancer education materials was identified as one of five priorities for the project.…”

Institutionalizing a Comprehensive Tobacco-Cessation Protocol in an Indigenous Health System: Lessons Learned

“…Movement has been facilitated by adhering to the principles of community-based participatory programming, which rely on faceto-face meetings that support open communication, the exchange of information, and sharing of lessons learned. 6,10,[24][25] Still, helping an organization reach agreement to change and then helping facilitate the change takes time, and discussions have had to consider the individual NHHCS's organizational culture, structure, and community.…”

“…During the first year, priority-setting activities were conducted state-wide that resulted in five communityidentified areas for cancer education, programming and research; the foremost was lifestyle issues, specifically, smoking, diet and exercise. 6 Subsequent research with Native Hawaiian former and current smokers suggested need and preference for a multi-component cessation program to address the social, psychological, and physical factors that impeded their tobacco cessation efforts. 7,8 Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems-The five Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems (NHHCS) are significant partners in `Imi Hale's cancer prevention and control efforts, particularly in tobacco cessation.…”

Community-Based Research Should Be Based in the Community

“…Imi Hale's work is guided by CBPR principles and empowerment theory, both aimed at strengthening the capacity of Native Hawaiian individuals and communities to identify their own problems and advocate for their own solutions. 2 Since 2000, Native Hawaiian Nā Liko Noelo (Hawaiian for budding researchers) have completed more than 35 research projects, developed more than 20 new educational curricula and products, and published more than 80 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals. We could identify only three Native Hawaiian researchers in 2000; since then, more than 14 Native Hawaiians have completed or enrolled in doctoral degree programs and are pursuing research, and 30 more have completed or enrolled in medical school or masters degree programs.…”