Primary Submission Category: Methodological approaches to studying public health
Community Engagement for Data Collection, Reporting, and Translation: Lessons Learned from the CAlifornia Pacific Islander Well-Being And COVID-19 Economic Survey (CAPIWAVES)
Authors: Brittany Morey, Sora Tanjasiri, Andrew Subica, Corina Penaia, Cynthia Fok, Shreya Paul, Richard Chang, Christen Marquez, Melenaite Fifita, ‘Alisi Tulua, Royce Park, Ninez Ponce,
Presenting Author: Brittany Morey*
Background: Challenges often arise when relatively small, minoritized, and indigenous communities rely on data to demonstrate and address health inequities, but they are not represented by existing data. Even when data do exist, these data are often not reported back to communities for their use and translation into policies and practices that would address their health needs. We provide a case study of a community engaged data collection and reporting effort to address mental health inequities among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NHPIs)—a population that is often not represented in existing mental health and social determinants of health data.
Methods: The CAlifornia Pacific Islander Well-Being And COVID-19 Economic Survey (CAPIWAVES) applied community engagement to respondent-driven sampling—a systematic method collecting data on relatively small populations through referrals. Through equitable engagement with community partners in the preparation and data collection processes, CAPIWAVES was successful in collecting a relatively large dataset (n=929) to represent the mental health needs and socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on NHPI adults in California.
Results: Partnering with CHamoru, Fijian, Marshallese, Native Hawaiian, Samoan, and Tongan communities leaders throughout California was essential to the success of CAPIWAVES. Community members were involved in data collection, analysis, interpretation, application, and reporting. Dissemination of findings occurred through webinars, in-person meetings, and a published report. Community engagement continues through efforts to implement the recommendations and translate the findings for future community-based health interventions.
Discussion: Our efforts show that the collection, reporting, and application of data on highly minoritized populations to address health disparities is feasible and successful through authentic community engagement.