Work

Empowering 'Ōpio (Next Generation): Student Centered, Community Engaged, School Based Health Education.

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: (family). Unfortunately, since westernization, Native Hawaiians have significant health disparities that begin in early childhood and often continue throughout their lifetime. Native Hawaiians also have a history of educational disparities, such as lower high school an college graduation rates compared to other ethnic groups. Social and economic determinants, such as poverty, homelessness, and drug addiction, often contribute to these educational disparities. In rural O'ahu, the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center recently established two school-based health centers at the community's high and intermediate schools to improve student access to comprehensive health services. Recognizing the need to improve student health literacy and address specific health issues impacting the community and students, two health educators were added to the school-based health team. This article describes: 1) the initial steps taken by the health educators to engage and empower students as a means to assess their needs, interests and facilitate student lokahi, ola, and wellness and; 2) the results of this initial needs assessment.

Source: Europe PMC (PubMed Central)

Authors: Blane K Garcia, Malia L Agustin, May M Okihiro, Vija M Sehgal

Institution: Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center

Language: English

Topic: School Health and Nursing Education

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities

Award: RCMI Multidisciplinary And Translational Research Infrastructure EXpansion (RAMAT