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

• Published in: International journal of environmental research and public health Vol. 19; no. 2; p. 924
• Main Authors: Ta Park, Van M, Dougan, Marcelle M, Meyer, Oanh L, Nam, Bora, Tzuang, Marian, Park, Linda G, Vuong, Quyen, Bang, Joon, Tsoh, Janice Y
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 14.01.2022; MDPI
• Subjects: Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander - statistics & numerical data; Asian Americans; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; COVID-19 - psychology; Female; Humans; Pandemics; Polls & surveys; Prevalence; Public health; Regression analysis; SARS-CoV-2; Social Discrimination - statistics & numerical data; Xenophobia; United States > US; California; COVID-19; discrimination; Asian Americans; native Hawaiians and Pacific islanders
• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020924
• ISSN: 1660-4601; 1661-7827

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.