Waianae

This research aims to evaluate if a community referral program can improve services for youth with mental health and chronic health conditions, especially within a Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community. It focuses on finding the best way for community health centers to connect youth with programs rooted in cultural traditions and whether these programs help engage youth and improve their mental and physical health outcomes. The study involves participation in culturally based community programs called Kaiona Programs, offered by several community organizations. These programs are delivered either as a summer intensive for 5 hours a day, 4 days a week, over 4 weeks, or during the school year for 2.5 hours a day, 2 days a week, over 16 weeks. Activities promote cultural values important to health and well-being but are not strictly scripted. Participants and an adult family member complete surveys about demographics, well-being, mental health, and chronic health conditions at four times before the program starts, right after it ends, and at 3-4 months and 6-8 months post-program. Researchers measure changes in these surveys and track health outcomes related to asthma, diabetes, obesity, and mental health. The study lasts through these assessments to understand program impact and implementation.