CULTURAL THEMES IN HEALTH, ILLNESS, AND REHABILITATION FOR NATIVE HAWAIIANS - OBSERVATIONS OF REHABILITATION STAFF AND PHYSICIANS

Increasing the cultural competency of health care providers requires a n understanding of the cultural group being served. For Native Hawaiia ns, however, little is known about their participation in and views of rehabilitation. In this study, focus groups were conducted in which N ative Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian rehabilitation professionals were aske d to interpret utilization data and offer their perceptions of the reh abilitation experience of Native Hawaiians. Consistently noted were cu ltural values and traditions reflecting the importance of 'aina (envir onment), `ohana (family), kuleana (specific responsibilities of family members), and kokua (mutual support and interdependence). Findings de monstrate the link between cultural values and health behaviors and pr ovide guidelines that inform practice, policy, and research.