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Antonio MCK, Keaulana S, Keli‘iholokai L, Felipe K, Vegas JK, Pono Research Hui W, Limu Hui W, Ho-Lastimosa I. A Report on the Ke Ola O Ka 'Āina: 'Āina Connectedness Scale. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:3302. [PMID: 36833999 PMCID: PMC9960334 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Optimal health from a Native Hawaiian worldview is achieved by being pono (righteous) and maintaining lōkahi (balance) with all our relations, including our relationships as Kānaka (humankind) with 'Āina (land, nature, environment, that which feeds) and Akua (spiritual realm). The purpose of this study is to explore the role of 'Āina connectedness in Native Hawaiian health and resilience to inform the development of the 'Āina Connectedness Scale. Qualitative methods were conducted with 40 Native Hawaiian adults throughout Hawai'i. Three themes emerged: (1) 'Āina is everything; (2) Connection to 'Āina is imperative to health; and (3) Intergenerational health, healing, and resilience are reflected through intergenerational connectedness with 'Āina. Qualitative findings, supplemented with a scoping review of land, nature, and cultural connectedness scales, led to the development of the 'Āina Connectedness Scale, which examined the degree to which people feel connected to 'Āina, with implications for future research. 'Āina connectedness may address concerns related to health disparities that stem from colonization, historical trauma, and environmental changes and better our understanding of Native Hawaiian health by fostering stronger ties to land. Resilience- and 'Āina-based approaches are critically important to health equity and interventions that aim to improve Native Hawaiian health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mapuana C. K. Antonio
- Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Health, Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
- Office of Public Health Studies, Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Samantha Keaulana
- Office of Public Health Studies, Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | | | - Kaitlynn Felipe
- Department of Social Work, Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Jetney Kahaulahilahi Vegas
- Office of Public Health Studies, Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ilima Ho-Lastimosa
- Ke Kula Nui O Waimānalo, Waimānalo, HI 96795, USA
- College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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Uchima OK, Harrison GM, Hwang PW, Ho-Lastimosa I, Chung-Do JJ. Psychometric Evidence of the Attitudes Toward Food Scale for Native Hawaiians. Hawaii J Health Soc Welf 2021; 80:251-256. [PMID: 34661120 PMCID: PMC8504297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Many efforts are being made to promote healthy eating habits and nutrition among Native Hawaiian communities by cultivating positive attitudes toward healthy foods. However, there are limited quantitative scales that have been psychometrically validated with Native Hawaiian communities. This paper examines evidence on the reliability and validity of the Attitudes Toward Food (ATF) scale used with 68 Native Hawaiian adults from Waimānalo who are participating in a backyard aquaponics intervention called Mini Ahupua'a for Lifestyle and Mea'ai through Aquaponics (MALAMA). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and internal consistency reliability analysis were conducted to examine the underlying constructs of the ATF scale. Cognitive interviews with 3 MALAMA participants were also conducted to analyze how participants understood, processed, and responded to the scale. Findings from the cognitive interviews provided response-process evidence of validity and acceptability. Findings from the EFA revealed 2 factors. Factor 1 contained items that discussed confidence in preparing and using healthy foods. Factor 2 contained items that involved the consumption of healthy foods. The reliability analysis suggested that the 2 factors of the ATF scale are internally consistent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.79 and 0.71, respectively). Taken together, the evidence provides provisional support for the validity and reliability of the instrument for measuring attitudes among Native Hawaiians from Waimānalo. The ATF scale may be useful for similar health and nutritional programs for Native Hawaiians in Hawai'i. Future studies with larger samples and diverse sources of validity evidence may provide additional support of the scale's validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia K. Uchima
- Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI (OKU, PWH, IH, JJC)
| | - George M. Harrison
- College of Education, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI (GMH)
| | - Phoebe W. Hwang
- Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI (OKU, PWH, IH, JJC)
| | - Ilima Ho-Lastimosa
- Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI (OKU, PWH, IH, JJC)
| | - Jane J. Chung-Do
- Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI (OKU, PWH, IH, JJC)
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Chung-Do JJ, Ho-Lastimosa I, Keaulana S, Ho K, Hwang PW, Radovich T, Albinio L, Rogerson I, Keli'iholokai L, Deitschman K, Spencer MS. Waimānalo Pono Research Hui: A Community-Academic Partnership to Promote Native Hawaiian Wellness through Culturally Grounded and Community-Driven Research and Programming. Am J Community Psychol 2019; 64:107-117. [PMID: 31322733 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Although Hawai'i is often portrayed as an idyllic paradise and is recognized as one of the healthiest States in the United States, pervasive health disparities exist among Native Hawaiians. Similar to other indigenous populations across the globe, these disparities are linked to unjust social and economic policies rooted in colonization and historical trauma. Western-centric efforts to address these disparities have yielded limited results. Consequently, indigenous frameworks to decolonize western-centric research processes have emerged. The Waimānalo Pono Research Hui is an example of a community-academic partnership that uses indigenous methodologies and principles of community-based participatory research as the foundation to engage Native Hawaiian community members in research. Monthly gatherings are held where community members and academic researchers share a meal and discuss community priorities with the goal of shaping research and programming that are rooted in Native Hawaiian values. A mission for the group has been created as well as protocols for community engagement to ensure all projects that work with the Waimānalo Pono Research Hui are ethically sound and grounded in the community's preferences, cultural knowledge, and lived experiences. Our community members continually report that the Waimānalo Pono Research Hui has positively transformed their perception of and willingness to engage in research. Similarly, university students and academic researchers express how much their knowledge about working with communities has grown and inspired them. Creating spaces for communities and researchers to build authentic relationships and engage in ongoing conversations can promote culturally grounded and community-driven research and programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane J Chung-Do
- Waimānalo Pono Research Hui, Waimānalo, HI, USA
- University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Ilima Ho-Lastimosa
- Waimānalo Pono Research Hui, Waimānalo, HI, USA
- University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Samantha Keaulana
- Waimānalo Pono Research Hui, Waimānalo, HI, USA
- University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Kenneth Ho
- Waimānalo Pono Research Hui, Waimānalo, HI, USA
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Phoebe W Hwang
- Waimānalo Pono Research Hui, Waimānalo, HI, USA
- University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Theodore Radovich
- Waimānalo Pono Research Hui, Waimānalo, HI, USA
- University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael S Spencer
- Waimānalo Pono Research Hui, Waimānalo, HI, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Ho-Lastimosa I, Chung-Do JJ, Hwang PW, Radovich T, Rogerson I, Ho K, Keaulana S, Keawe'aimoku Kaholokula J, Spencer MS. Integrating Native Hawaiian tradition with the modern technology of aquaponics. Glob Health Promot 2019; 26:87-92. [PMID: 30964410 DOI: 10.1177/1757975919831241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Prior to western arrival in 1778, Native Hawaiians possessed a sophisticated culture and resource management system conducive to an island ecosystem. However, disenfranchisement from ancestral lands and traditional food sources as a result of colonization led to Native Hawaiians being forced to abandon many of their traditional practices. Today, many Native Hawaiians experience food insecurity, placing them at further risk for obesity and other nutrition-related chronic diseases. Consequently, there is a growing need for place-based and culturally relevant strategies rooted in Hawaiian epistemology to address these issues. This paper describes the history and development of one such intervention - the MALAMA study - in the community of Waimānalo that innovatively merges the modern technology of aquaponics with traditional Native Hawaiian practices and values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilima Ho-Lastimosa
- 1 College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA.,3 God's Country Waimānalo. Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA.,4 Ke Kula Nui O Waimānalo, Waimānalo, Hawai'i, USA
| | - Jane J Chung-Do
- 2 Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA.,3 God's Country Waimānalo. Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA.,4 Ke Kula Nui O Waimānalo, Waimānalo, Hawai'i, USA
| | - Phoebe W Hwang
- 2 Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA.,3 God's Country Waimānalo. Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA
| | - Theodore Radovich
- 1 College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA.,3 God's Country Waimānalo. Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA.,4 Ke Kula Nui O Waimānalo, Waimānalo, Hawai'i, USA
| | - Ikaika Rogerson
- 3 God's Country Waimānalo. Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA.,4 Ke Kula Nui O Waimānalo, Waimānalo, Hawai'i, USA
| | - Kenneth Ho
- 3 God's Country Waimānalo. Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA.,4 Ke Kula Nui O Waimānalo, Waimānalo, Hawai'i, USA.,5 University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Samantha Keaulana
- 2 Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA.,3 God's Country Waimānalo. Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA
| | | | - Michael S Spencer
- 7 School of Social Work and Indigenous Wellness Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Ho-Lastimosa I, Hwang PW, Lastimosa B. Insights in public health: Community strengthening through canoe culture: Ho'omana'o Mau as method and metaphor. Hawaii J Med Public Health 2014; 73:397-399. [PMID: 25628973 PMCID: PMC4300550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Historical trauma occurs across generations and is evidenced by indigenous disparities. Efforts made to address this issue commonly utilize European ethnocentric methods. Rather, a community-based approach should be used to empower indigenous communities. God's Country Waimanalo (GCW) is a grassroots organization developed by Native Hawaiians for Native Hawaiians. Its wa'a (canoe) project, Ho'omana'o Mau (everlasting memories; abbreviated Ho'o) is meant to perpetuate pre-colonial Hawaiian practices by educating Native Hawaiian communities and its partners through hands on experience. Since 2012, GCW has opened its wa'a curricula to educators, counselors, and students from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center, Alu Like, Hina Mauka, and the Youth Correctional Facility and contributed to Waimanalo based events such as funeral ash scattering and the papio fishing tournament. As metaphor, Ho'o is viewed as the catalyst to engage the next generation of Hawaiians to remember where they descend from, the lineage of chiefs and royalty, while establishing a solid foundation of independence and enhancing their ability to become self-sustaining. As a method, Ho'o is viewed as a classroom, a hands-on learning environment, and an ocean vessel, assembled according to traditional Hawaiian knowledge. Through this knowledge and practice, both indigenous and non-indigenous communities can work together in empowering Native Hawaiians to overcome historical trauma and reduce health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilima Ho-Lastimosa
- University of Hawai'i at Manoa Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work, Honolulu, HI (IH-L)
| | - Phoebe W Hwang
- University of Hawai'i at Manoa Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work, Honolulu, HI (IH-L)
| | - Bob Lastimosa
- University of Hawai'i at Manoa Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work, Honolulu, HI (IH-L)
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