Risk and Protective Factors of Micronesian Youth in Hawai\u27i: An Exploratory Study

This exploratory, qualitative study examined the risk and protective factors of Micronesian middle and high school students in Hawai\u27i. Forty one Micronesian youth participated in 9 focus groups that explored their experiences within their schools, families, and communities. The findings describe youths\u27 experiences of ecological stress beginning with their migration to Hawai\u27i, and the potential outcomes of this stress (e.g., fighting, gangs, and drug use). Cultural buffers, such as traditional practices and culturally specific prevention programs, were described as aspects that prevented adverse outcomes. Implications for prevention practice are discussed

Hawai‘i’s Caring Communities Initiative: Mobilizing Rural and Ethnic Minority Communities for Youth Suicide Prevention

Youth suicide is a serious, yet preventable, public health concern for ethnic minorities and rural communities. This paper describes the youth leadership model utilized by Hawai‘i’s Caring Communities Initiative (HCCI) and provides reflections on the important factors for success in implementing a youth and community advocacy project for youth suicide prevention. HCCI partnered with six youth and community organizations who serve ethnic minority and rural communities across the State of Hawai‘i to train youth leaders and community members in suicide prevention, in order to develop community awareness activities that are grounded in each community’s strengths and needs. The work of a youth leadership group on the island of Kaua‘i is provided as an example to demonstrate the positive rippling effects that health promotion activities can have when they are youth-driven. Important factors to consider for similar interventions that aim to engage youth to address health disparities include prioritizing relationships among all partners, building the capacity of community partners, and providing meaningful leadership opportunities for youth to serve as role models in their communities

Brief Report: Puni Ke Ola — Life Flourishes in a Drug-Free Community

Health resources are limited in rural areas, including high quality substance use prevention. Fortunately, rural prevention is becoming a national priority. Emerging federal legislation, such as The Affordable Care Act, has included provisions for enhanced delivery of prevention interventions in rural areas (Frank, 2011), which may make a significant impact on rural health and health disparities. Differences in health risks among adolescents have indicated a consistent pattern with rural students at most risk (Atav & Spencer, 2002). While research on youth drug prevention historically has had an underrepresentation of rural populations in their samples, thereby creating a dearth of knowledge specific to these populations (Tobler & Stratton, 1997); higher prevalence rates of adolescent alcohol and other drug use have been indicated among rural youth (Gilvarry, 2000; Pruit, 2009). Futhermore, in comparative national analyses, a dire substance use problem is evident in rural compared to nonrural areas, especially among youth (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2004