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Jin Young Choi, MS, MA, MPH, Department of Sociology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2424 Maile way, Saunders Hall 247, Honolulu, HI 96822, 808-956-7693, jbyon@hawaii.edu
Along with the large influx of Micronesians to the U.S., beginning in earnest in the late 1980s, much attention has been paid on this population and their health needs. In particular, their issues surrounding access to health care services remain questionable even though Micronesians have been in the best position to access to public services and resources, compared to other immigrant groups due to the Compact of Free Association. This study addresses factors associated with access to health care in Hawaii for Micronesian migrants. It provides an understanding of how the collective characteristics of the Micronesian community, in combination with the migrants’ individual characteristics, influence their access to the Hawaii health care system. Focus group interviews and individual in-depth interviews with Micronesian community leaders and health care providers as well as with migrants themselves formed the basis of this study. The results provide an array of potential factors that influence the ways in which Micronesians have chosen to solve their access issues in the U.S. health care system. In addition to the individual characteristics, the community characteristics, based on their dense networks and the strength of Micronesian culture, contributed to migrants’ access to health care in both a positive and a negative manner. Furthermore, Micronesians often used the traditional healers and practices in their community before seeking professional care or in combining with professional care. In spite of a shortage of traditional Micronesian healers in Hawaii, that pattern persists in their behavior in their new country.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation the audience should be able to
Keywords: Access to Care, Asian and Pacific Islander
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.