Lucas Sun
Pronouns: He/Him
Research Mentor(s): Tsu-Yin Wu
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Eastern Michigan University School of Nursing / Other
Program:
Authors: Lucas Sun, Tsu-Yin Wu
Session: Session 4: 1:40 pm – 2:30 pm
Poster: 62
Abstract
Throughout the United States, many communities, especially Asian Americans, suffer from medical, educational, and socioeconomic disparities. Usually, these inequalities result from the view of Asian Americans as “model minorities” that can stay above the struggles that plague underserved communities, yet in reality, they suffer the same if not more in some cases. The main purpose of this project is to study and resolve these disparities in marginalized communities with a secondary focus on reducing local firearm violence. We mainly collect data by hosting outreach events, making health infographics, and surveys. In addition, firearm violence data is collected from online databases and photovoice (a special technique that utilizes photography and qualitative data from participants) results. Photovoice results consist of two types: shields and root causes of firearm violence. After the data is collected, it is usually compiled into a spreadsheet. Analysis typically consists of devising recommendations on educational services/programs for every collected category of concern (health insurance, vaccine skepticism, etc). For analyzing firearm violence, the data is visualized and correlations are drawn between different data layers to form conclusions/connections. Through analysis, we have found that many communities suffer from a drastic lack of health literacy. However, we have also seen an increasing number of community members who are getting vaccinated at CHDIS community events, showing that health literacy is on an upward trend. Furthermore, there seems to be a positive correlation between elements considered root causes of firearm violence and the quantity of firearm incidents. Our research project is an ongoing process and conclusions are holistically and qualitatively reached rather than having a set endpoint. Thus, we have a few constant goals: eventual policy change promoting healthcare resources among underserved communities and the self-sustainability of these communities in their health literacy and resources through education and research.
