Alana Vang
Pronouns: She/Her
Research Mentor(s): Tsu-Yin Wu
Co-Presenter: Shinohara, Anna
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Eastern Michigan University School of Nursing / Other
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: Session 6 – 4:40pm – 5:30 pm
Room: League Ballroom
Authors: Alana Vang, Anna Shinohara, Tsu-Yin Wu
Presenter: 57
Abstract
Despite accessible COVID-19 vaccines and COVID-19 testing centers, the African American, Asian American, and Latino communities in Michigan continue to face health disparities which must be reduced in order for equitable health. This study collects some of the African American, Asian American, and Latino community’s perspectives and experiences with the COVID-19 vaccine and testing. The qualitative data collected through “Listening Sessions†with 18 community health navigators from African American, Asian American, and Latino communities aims to examine health disparities among these racial groups regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Our preliminary narrative analysis and comparison of perspectives from the “Listening Sessions†yields the following themes related to the challenges and complications their communities face about the COVID-19 vaccine: 1) language barriers while attempting to access vaccine schedules or information; 2) transportation issues and knowing where and when the vaccine clinics are; 3) a lack of trust, information, and resources regarding the vaccine efficacy and side effects; 4) concern about rumors or misinformation about the vaccine on the internet or from other community members. This study is part of the growing research on health disparities amongst Asian Americans and other racial minority groups. The findings add to the understanding of the health disparities racially marginalized communities in Michigan face surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine. This information can be used towards developing specific resources tailored to these communities which aims to reduce the existing health disparities.
Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary, Social Sciences
