A Community Assessment of Psychological Distress in Pacific Islanders Across San Francisco Bay Area Churches During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health and social disparities among US Pacific Islanders (PI). Historically, PIs have experienced a high burden of mental illness yet have underutilized mental health services. These already large treatment gaps in mental health care among PIs may worsen during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of pre-existing challenges, little is known about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health outcomes among PIs. METHODS: A community-based, cross-sectional survey was administered to members of 13 PI churches across the San Francisco Bay Area. We assessed the burden of psychological distress among PIs and its associations with demographic, sociocultural, and health factors. KEY RESULTS: Among 439 PI respondents, nearly half reported moderate or severe psychological distress. Only about one-tenth took prescription medication for mental health and less than half utilized a mental health provider in the past year. Most trusted PI churches to provide health and social services. Respondents reporting moderate or severe psychological distress were less likely to utilize a mental health provider in the past year and more likely to feel marginalized, excluded, isolated, or alienated from society "most of the time" or "always." Psychological distress was also associated with "fair" or "poor" health status, female gender, older adults, low trust in PI churches to provide health and social services, and concern over household finances. CONCLUSION: Partnerships with faith-based and community-based organizations are essential to address unmet mental health needs and promote support-seeking behaviors among PIs during this ongoing pandemic and beyond.

Hepatitis B prevention and care for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders at community health centers.

INTRODUCTION: A needs assessment was conducted of hepatitis B education, screening, vaccination, and care within community health centers (CHCs) serving Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. METHODS: Written surveys were administered to health education directors from 13 CHCs and 75 medical providers from 14 CHCs in the U.S. and affiliated Pacific Islands. RESULTS: Although hepatitis B is within the mission of CHCs and clients are screened regardless of insurance status, little financial or staffing resources are dedicated to hepatitis B services. Lack of funding is considered the greatest barrier. Better coordination between HBV prevention and primary and specialty medical services is needed. DISCUSSION: HBV cross-training for providers and allied staff, particularly around identification and screening of high risk groups and case management, would greatly enhance services along with additional funding. Findings support national hepatitis B strategy recommendations made by the Institute of Medicine and Office of Minority Health.