Samoan people always believe in prayers as a final solution to a health problem. Language Older Samoans speak limited English. They especially have difficulty in filling out the papers required by the health care system. Although younger Samoans speak English, they often have difficulties in fully comprehending health care terminology. This can be a problem in describing medical history to provide complete information to a health care provider.
Language can also be a barrier in understanding the doctor' s advice and directions.
Even if language is not a problem, a Samoan may still have to translate the cultural perspective when talking with Western health care personnel. Transportation Transportation is a serious problem for accessing health care in the Seattle area. About 90 percent of Samoan families here are considered low income and can afford only one car. They must rely on relatives to take them to health care facilities. They often are afraid to use the bus system because of their limited English language skills, or because the routes and schedules are inconvenient or they have difficulty in locating the health care facility.