The social drivers of health for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander youth in the United States

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the social drivers of health and health status of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) youth in the US. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the 2014 NHPI National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) which surveyed about 3,000 NHPI households, including 1,428 NHPI youth (884 0–12 yo, 421 13–17 yo, and 123 18–21 yo). We described domains of social drivers of health (SDoH), health conditions, and associations of income and food insecurity with body mass index (BMI) for NHPI youth. Results: NHPI youth come from households with a wide range in income. Approximately 20% of the cohort were food insecure. Among 18–21 yo, 10% report chronic medical conditions (5% with prediabetes). 33% of 13–17 yo and 52% of 18–21 yo were overweight/ obese. For 13–17 yo, lower income was associated with higher BMI. There was no association between food insecurity and BMI for any age group. Conclusions: Overweight/ obesity are highly prevalent among NHPI youth which is concerning for development of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular and kidney disease. Health efforts should focus on SDoH, obesity prevention and management for NHPI youth.

Keywords

• Indigenous
• Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander
• Social determinants of health
• Food insecurity
• Overweight
• Obesity