Perceptions of Health and Well-Being Held by Native Hawaiian Migrants

Keywords

holistic health, transcultural health, qualitative descriptive, migration, well-being, health perception, Native Hawaiian

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Migration is often a challenging process. Native Hawaiians migrate from Hawaii to Las Vegas at an impressive rate, but no research has explored how migration affects their health and well-being. The purpose was to describe how Native Hawaiians in Las Vegas perceive their health and well-being and any changes therein since migrating. Design: Using a qualitative descriptive design, 27 participants took part in semistructured interviews. Findings/Results: Most participants perceived no changes in health and minor changes in well-being. Many maintained their well-being by adapting valued activities to their new circumstances. However, 5 participants were deeply burdened by life in Las Vegas or longing for Hawaii, and their well-being suffered. They tended to identify barriers to well-being rather than ways to foster it. Conclusion: Health care providers can help Native Hawaiian migrants by encouraging early access to the health care system in their new location and facilitating participation in helpful, adaptive behaviors.

Original Publication Citation

Lassetter, J. H., Callister, L. C., & Miyamoto, S. Z. (2012). Perceptions of health and well-being held by Native Hawaiian migrants. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 23(1), 5-13.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2011-11-03

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7920

Publisher

Journal of Transcultural Nursing

Language

English

College

Nursing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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