Pacific IslandersBy: Abby Akers

Overview of the Culture

Bora Bora, Polynesia:French Speaking

Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia

As many as 12 languages used.

Values: Family, community, spirituality, life, and health.

Seniority is earned and appreciated. Respect is given by everyone younger.

Family consist of all types; blood, marriage, adoption, living, and deceased.

Deceased member are considered to be active.

Each community is close/ small family.

Overview Cont…

Physical, Social, Mental, and Spiritual Care.

Lack of facilities and inadequate personnel.

They refuse to take on other’s values.

Family is always involved in the care given.

Challenges to Health and Well-Being

Challenges Cont…

Matai Leader

Conflicts are resolved by the Matai.

Critical thinking is discouraged, may bring out dangerous spirits.

Everyone should live in their homeland.

You cannot change the course of a disease. (heart, cancer, diabetes)

Principles for Health Services

A Natural Healing Facility.

They view other health care as uncaring, rude, and patronizing.

Identity’s and cultural pride are positive factors.

No Identity leads to multiple health problems.

It is believed that alcohol/ drug blocks their path’s to spirituality.

The community is also involved.

They make sure it is culturally acceptable.

Storytelling can lead the patients through their life struggles and then through healing.

Principles Cont…

The Providers Guide to Quality and Culture. 28 Jan 2011. Management Sciences for Health. http://erc.msh.org/mainpage.cfm?file=1.0.htm&module=provider&language=English&ggroup=&mgroup=

Works Cited