NCJ Number
199154
Journal
Public Health Reports Volume: 117 Issue: 1 Dated: 2002 Pages: S82-S87
Date Published
2002
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article presents an overview of child abuse, substance abuse, and culturally based interventions for preventing these problems among culturally diverse populations in Hawaii.
Abstract
The author explains that among the culturally diverse populations in Hawaii, Native Hawaiian families have accounted for the greatest number of child maltreatment cases in Hawaii between 1996 and 1998. Child maltreatment in these families has been increasingly linked with alcohol and substance abuse. Additionally, Native Hawaiian youth reported the highest percentage of substance abuse in Hawaii. In order to combat these problems, the author contends that culturally appropriate interventions that promote spirituality and cultural identification and pride are the most effective for Native Hawaiians. The author describes two such intervention programs and provides data on evaluations of these programs. Programs that combine culturally appropriate interventions with more mainstream treatments are most effective in combating family violence and substance abuse problems. In conclusion, the author suggests areas for future research that concentrate on the cultural heritage of Native Hawaiians. Tables, references