A Report on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Health and Social Welfare of the Filipino Population in Hawai'i.

Hawai'i's Filipino community has been deeply impacted by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This article reports the findings for the Filipino population from the Hawai'i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) Community Care Outreach Unit (CCO) Unit evaluation assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on the health and social welfare of individuals across the state. The survey was conducted from August-September 2020. We propose recommendations to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on this community, including the following actions: (1) developing linguistically and culturally appropriate support for all COVID-19 related services, especially for the high number of older Filipinos with limited English proficiency, (2) providing support and resource information in locations that are accessible to Filipino communities, and (3) supporting those already doing work to address the deep and diverse needs in the Filipino community with funding. Building partnerships between existing Filipino organizations, health and social service providers, and state agencies will contribute to sustainability over time.

Rates of Current Tobacco and Electronic Smoking Device Use Among Filipinos in Hawai'i.

Tobacco use continues to damage the health of Filipinos. In Hawai'i, Filipinos have the second highest rate of smoking among adults and they are the fastest growing minority population. Electronic smoking devices are becoming popular and accessible. This study explored attitudes and practices of Filipinos in Hawai'i who use electronic smoking devices (ESDs), as well their knowledge of the effect of smoking and/or vaping on health and their awareness and motivations use smoking cessation programs. A convenience sample of 178 Filipinos who reported that they smoked and/or vaped responded to the online survey from January to March 2018. Reasons for starting to use ESDs included liking the different flavors (43%), being curious about vaping (38%), and viewing vaping as healthier than cigarettes (30%). Among respondents, 12% said they would like to quit smoking and 11% wanted to quit vaping, and very few felt that smoking and/or vaping behaviors impacted their health. They also demonstrated limited knowledge of cessation methods and products. Tobacco and vaping cessation programs for the Filipino community in Hawai'i are much needed because this population is at risk of developing smoking-related diseases.

A Survey of Physicians' Attitudes and Practices about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine in Hawai'i.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has the potential to decrease the incidence of several cancers that affect women and men. Despite recommendations by the medical and public health community, and the incorporation of the vaccine into the adolescent immunization schedule, uptake of the vaccine remains well below target goals. To understand potential physician barriers to recommendation and provision of the vaccine, a cross-sectional survey was administered to Hawai'i pediatricians and family physicians from July 2012 to September 2012 on their attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers regarding HPV vaccination. Surveys were mailed to 465 members of the local pediatrics and family medicine professional chapters, and 87 responses were received for a response rate of 19%. After excluding 14 responses, 73 surveys were included in the analysis. Although almost all of the respondents reported stocking and administering the HPV vaccine in their offices, only 71% reported strongly recommending the HPV vaccine to girls 11-12 years, and only 57% strongly recommend the vaccine to boys 11-12 years old. Lack of insurance coverage and other financial considerations were barriers to provision of the vaccine by physicians. Physicians who felt it is necessary to discuss sexuality with patients prior to recommending the vaccine were significantly less likely to strongly recommend the vaccine to boys 11-12 years old. Public health efforts should focus on addressing the financial barriers and encouraging physicians to recommend the HPV vaccine according to the guidelines.