Publication Date
6-1-2022
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
Volume
9
Issue
3
DOI
10.1007/s40615-021-01037-0
First Page
979
Last Page
991
Abstract
Background: Understanding concerns for receiving COVID-19 vaccines is key to ensuring appropriately tailored health communications to increase vaccine uptake. However, limited data exists about vaccine concerns among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Methods: Data from the COVID-19 Effects on the Mental and Physical Health of AAPI Survey Study (COMPASS), a cross-sectional, national survey for AAPI adults in the U.S. were used (N=1,646). Descriptive statistics were used to assess sample characteristics including proportions of AAPI with various COVID-19 vaccine concerns, categorized as none, side-effects only, unsafe only, and multiple reasons, and differences in vaccine concerns by socio-demographics. Ordinary multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between a characteristic and having any vaccine concerns. Results: Overall, 76% of the respondents reported having at ≥1 concerns about the vaccine. The most common concern was side effects (65%). Vietnamese Americans reported less concerns (vs. Chinese Americans). Those who were 30-39 and 40-49 years old (vs. <30), females (vs. males), and experienced mild negative impacts from COVID-19 on family income/employment (vs. no change) reported more concerns about the vaccine. Those who had less vaccine concerns were those who reported higher (vs. low) health status, ≥60 years old (vs. <30), and separated/divorced/widowed (vs. single). Discussion: AAPI is a diverse population and this study revealed differences in vaccine concerns across AAPI groups. Findings revealed potential targets for patient education needs. Effective strategies to address various vaccine concerns across subgroups of AAPI will be crucial to ensure equity in vaccination uptake.
Funding Number
R24AG063718
Funding Sponsor
National Institutes of Health
Keywords
Asian Americans, COVID-19, Pacific Islanders, vaccine concerns
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Department
Information; Public Health and Recreation
Recommended Citation
Van Ta Park, Marcelle Dougan, Oanh Meyer, Bora Nam, Marian Tzuang, Linda Park, Quyen Vuong, and Janice Tsoh. "Differences in COVID-19 Vaccine Concerns Among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders: The COMPASS Survey" Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities (2022): 979-991. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-021-01037-0
