Discrimination Experiences during COVID-19 among a National, Multi-Lingual, Community-Based Sample of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders: COMPASS Findings

Park Van M. Ta, Marcelle M. Dougan, Oanh L. Meyer, Bora Nam, Marian Tzuang, Linda G. Park, Quyen Vuong, Joon Bang and Janice Y. Tsoh
Additional contact information
Park Van M. Ta: Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
Marcelle M. Dougan: Department of Public Health and Recreation, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA 95192, USA
Oanh L. Meyer: Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis (UCD), Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
Bora Nam: Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
Marian Tzuang: Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
Linda G. Park: Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
Quyen Vuong: International Children Assistance Network (ICAN), 532 Valley Way, Milpitas, CA 95035, USA
Joon Bang: Iona Senior Services, 4125 Albemarle Street NW, Washington, DC 20015, USA
Janice Y. Tsoh: Asian American Research Center on Health (ARCH), University of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 2, 1-16

Abstract: Reports of escalated discrimination among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) due to COVID-19 are alarming, making this a public health priority. However, there are limited empirical studies on the scope and impact of COVID-19-related discrimination among AAPIs. Using the COVID-19 Effects on the Mental and Physical Health of AAPI Survey Study (COMPASS) data (N = 4971; survey period: October 2020–February 2021), which is a U.S.-wide multi-lingual survey, we examined the prevalence of, and factors associated with discrimination experiences attributable to being an AAPI during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, 60.7% reported experiencing discrimination; the group prevalence ranged from 80.0% (Hmong) to 40.5% (Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders). Multivariable logistic regression models revealed that COVID-19-related factors were associated with many discrimination experiences: having a shelter-in-place order of ≥1 month, living in areas with perceived similar/higher COVID-19 severity, and negative impact in family income/employment due to COVID-19. Additionally, being Asian American (versus Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders), females, non-heterosexuals, younger, more severe effect on family income, living in the non-West, and poorer health were significantly correlated with discrimination experiences. Findings may assist in formulating anti-AAPI-discrimination policies and programs at the local, state, and federal levels. Culturally appropriate programs and policies to combat this are urgently needed.

Keywords: COVID-19; discrimination; Asian Americans; native Hawaiians and Pacific islanders (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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