Study: Chuukese Patients In Hawaii Often Face Discrimination

Chuukese patients in Hawaii often encounter discrimination from health care providers and may not seek necessary medical care for fear of being unable to afford it, according to a new qualitative study by researchers from the University of Hawaii and the College of Micronesia.

The study, based on interviews with eight health care providers and nine Chuukese community members, found that like other immigrant communities, Chuukese patients in Hawaii often struggle with linguistic and cultural barriers when seeking medical care.

But some also believe they face a degree of prejudice when navigating the state’s health care system.

“I can just tell right away that they’re so discriminating on the Chuukese,” the study quoted one provider saying of his or her colleagues. “They say, ‘Oh these Micronesians, they have to learn what to eat.’”

Read more: https://www.civilbeat.org/2018/12/study-chuukese-patients-in-hawaii-often-face-discrimination/