To Better Understand Facilitators, Barriers, and Mental Health Concerns Among NHPI in a Physical Activity Research Study

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders are facing health disparities in obesity and mental health. This study aims to inform the development of health communication strategies and supplemental curriculum, within the context of an on-going fitness study. To address these issues, two focus group interviews were conducted, each group had 6-12 participants that lasted about one hour long. Findings suggest the following recommendation: (1) Incorporate NHPI community members into the planning of physical activity programs, (2) Development of health communication strategies and supplemental curriculum to promote healthy mindset, and (3) Identify and address mental health concerns with fitness group after end of each physical activity session. The potential implications of this project may inform and create appropriate tools and culture-sensitive methods that will lay the framework for the bases of future grants, prevention intervention programs, and research.