Micronesians: Who We Are Nia Aitaoto M.P.H, M.S October 13, 2010

Ethnic Identity/History Polynesians  Hawaiians, Samoans, Tongans, Maori, Tahitians, Cook Islanders, etc. Micronesians  Chamorros, Carolinians, Chuukese, Pohnpeians, Yapese, Marshallese, Palauans, Kosraeans, etc. Melanesians  Papuans, Solomon Islanders, Fijians, Vanuatu Islanders, etc.

U.S Pacific Territories (Guam & A.S) Commonwealth (CNMI) Freely Associated States (Republic of Belau, Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia)

Republic of the Marshall Islands Spanish (1500 – 1886) German (1886 – 1914) Japanese ( ) American (1945-Now)  Trust Territory:  Compact Free Association: 1989

Relationship with U.S The Promise  Health  Education  Protection The Reality  High Poverty  Disparity in Health Spending  Migration to the United States

Health Expenditures Per Capita (2006)  United States: $5,711  Palau$791  Marshall Islands$471  FSM$270 Source: Earth Trends

Life Expectancy Infant Mortality Rate Infant Mortality Rate Life Expectancy at birth United States FSM Rep. of Palau RMI Source: CIA Factbook

Health Statistics FSM Citizens RMI Citizens United States Obesity (aged 35-55) 80% 38% Hyper- tension 35%---20% Diabetes20%30%7% Source: Micronesian Seminar 11/2004

Why are we at this Point? The Promise  Health  Education  Protection The Reality  High Poverty  Economic Disparity  Migration to the United States

Pacific Islanders in the U.S (In the 50 States) Hawaii 282,667 California221,458 Washington 47,761 Texas 29,094 New York 28,612 Florida 26,365 Utah 21,367 Nevada 16,234 Source 2000 U.S Censes

Health Concerns Non-Communicable Disease  Heart Disease  Diabetes  Cancer Communicable Disease  Tuberculosis  Measles  Sexually Transmitted Disease

Health Concerns Hansen’s Disease Suicide Alcohol Related Injuries Hepatitis B

Social Concerns Lack “Western” Education Lack Skills  Paying Job Lack Money Lack Food and Shelter

Key Pacific Cultural Concepts Cultivating Relationships Harmony Respect for elders  Parents  Bosses  Authority Figures

Mahalo!