Winston Tseng | University of California, Berkeley (original) (raw)
Papers by Winston Tseng
The Community Empowered Research Training (CERT) program is an academic-community partnership who... more The Community Empowered Research Training (CERT) program is an academic-community partnership whose aim is to strengthen the capacity of community groups to participate in and develop community-focused research initiatives through free educational workshops and on-line webinars. The Research Capacity Assessment survey was designed to inform the development of the CERT program. The on-line survey assessed research training gaps, needs, and resources among community organizations and clinical providers and was administered nationally to community organization staff (N=50). Survey results and input from community leaders guided the development of the research-training curriculum relevant to the needs and resources of community organizations. CERT was piloted in May 2011 as a 2-day workshop with 21 individuals representing 13 community groups. Pre and post evaluations measured agency and individual motivation and attitudes towards research, research knowledge, and confidence to carry ou...
Populations with functional and access needs have higher risks of injury, death, and property los... more Populations with functional and access needs have higher risks of injury, death, and property loss in emergencies. Although their higher risk can be attributed to many factors, what is striking is that a majority of studies and federal reports following disasters cite a core problem: unmet communication needs. An estimated 32 million Americans are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (Deaf/HH), including late-deafened and deaf-blind persons. This is one of the most neglected groups in national planning for emergency communication. A national report concluded that Deaf/HH groups are rarely involved in the planning and implementation of national, state, and local disaster preparedness policies. As a result, Deaf/HH groups are often categorized in the general group of people with disabilities despite their unique needs for emergency communication during disasters. This presentation will summarize the CDC-funded UC Berkeley Preparedness and Emergency Response Research Center's All-Hazards Commun...
Journal of health care for the poor and underserved, 2014
Working in small businesses has been identified as a key factor for low coverage rates in immigra... more Working in small businesses has been identified as a key factor for low coverage rates in immigrant communities. In this study, we identify specific cultural and socioeconomic predictors of Asian Americans who work in small businesses to identify subgroups at a greater disadvantage than others in obtaining health insurance. Logistic regression models were fitted using a sample of 3,819 Asian American small business owners and employers extracted from pooled 2005–2012 California Health Interview Survey data. We found that individuals with low income levels, Korean Americans, U.S.-born South Asian and Southeast Asian (other than Vietnamese) Americans, immigrants without citizenship (particularly those lacking a green card), and individuals with limited English proficiency had higher odds of lacking coverage. The odds of being uninsured did not differ between small business owners and employees. Based upon these key findings, we propose several strategies to expand coverage for Asian A...
Public Health Reports
Substantial evidence exists that emergency preparedness and response efforts are not effectively ... more Substantial evidence exists that emergency preparedness and response efforts are not effectively reaching populations with functional and access needs, especially barriers related to literacy, language, culture, or disabilities. More than 36 million Americans are Deaf or hard of hearing (Deaf/HH). These groups experienced higher risks of injury, death, and property loss in recent disasters than the general public. We conducted a participatory research study to examine national recommendations on preparedness communication for the Deaf/HH. We assessed whether previous recommendations regarding the Deaf/HH have been incorporated into state- and territorial-level emergency operations plans (EOPs), interviewed state- and territorial-level preparedness directors about capacity to serve the Deaf/HH, and proposed strategies to benefit Deaf/HH populations during emergencies. We analyzed 55 EOPs and 50 key informant (KI) interviews with state directors. Fifty-five percent of EOPs mentioned v...
BMC Health Services Research
Background Deaf and hard-of-hearing (Deaf/HH) individuals have been underserved before and during... more Background Deaf and hard-of-hearing (Deaf/HH) individuals have been underserved before and during emergencies. This paper will assess Deaf/HH related emergency preparedness training needs for state emergency management agencies and deaf-serving community-based organizations (CBOs). Methods Four approaches were used: 1) a literature review; 2) results from 50 key informant (KI) interviews from state and territorial-level emergency management and public health agencies; 3) results from 14 KI interviews with deaf-serving CBOs in the San Francisco Bay Area; and 4) a pilot program evaluation of an emergency responder training serving the Deaf/HH in one urban community. Results Results from literature review and state and territorial level KIs indicate that there is a substantive gap in emergency preparedness training on serving Deaf/HH provided by state agencies. In addition, local KI interviews with 14 deaf-serving CBOs found gaps in training within deaf-serving CBOs. These gaps have im...
Diabetes Spectrum
Background. Type 2 diabetes is a growing concern among medically underserved Chinese Americans. H... more Background. Type 2 diabetes is a growing concern among medically underserved Chinese Americans. However, very few interventions have been developed or adapted for Chinese Americans with diabetes. Objective. To use a participatory research approach to evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally tailored, linguistically appropriate model for diabetes care employing health coaches to improve A1C levels among Chinese-American patients in a federally qualified health center setting. Methods. We compared change in A1C between intervention participants (n = 46), who received a health coaching intervention, and control participants (n = 46), who received usual care over a period of ~ 6 months. Results. Intervention participants showed a decrease in mean A1C at follow-up (−0.40%) compared to control subjects (+0.04%), although this difference was not statistically significant. At the 6-month follow-up, a significantly higher percentage of intervention participants (45.7%) had well-controlled ...
Dementia
We examined experiences and concerns among caregivers of community-dwelling people with dementia ... more We examined experiences and concerns among caregivers of community-dwelling people with dementia from two ethnic groups. We conducted a thematic analysis of responses to the question, 'What is your life like as a caregiver?' in nine focus groups (n = 75) with Filipino and non-Hispanic White caregivers. Constant comparison methods identified themes by ethnicity. Experiences and concerns expressed across groups were related to care recipient symptoms commonly associated with dementia, including severe memory loss and behavioral changes. Participants in both ethnic groups described strategies that help them cope, such as receiving help from family and friends, receiving respite support, and participating in support groups. Filipino caregivers more often emphasized positive aspects of caregiving, whereas Whites often expressed that others do not understand the daily experiences of caregiving. Filipinos more commonly described caregivers as a 'good person' or 'saint&#...
PLoS ONE
A major public health challenge is to communicate effectively with vulnerable populations about p... more A major public health challenge is to communicate effectively with vulnerable populations about preparing for disasters and other health emergencies. People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (Deaf/HH) and older adults are particularly vulnerable during health emergencies and require communications that are accessible and understandable. Although health literacy studies indicate that the readability of health communication materials often exceeds people's literacy levels, we could find no research about the readability of emergency preparedness materials (EPM) intended for Deaf/HH and older adult populations. The objective of this study was to explore issues related to EPM for Deaf/HH and older adult populations, to assess the availability and readability of materials for these populations, and to recommend improvements. In two California counties, we interviewed staff at 14 community-based organizations (CBOs) serving Deaf/HH clients and 20 CBOs serving older adults selected from ...
Substantial evidence exists that all-hazards emergency preparedness are not effectively reaching ... more Substantial evidence exists that all-hazards emergency preparedness are not effectively reaching vulnerable populations, especially those who have barriers related to literacy, language, culture, age, or disability90 million Americans have low literacy, 22 million are limited English-proficient, 35.6 million Americans are over age 65, and 32 million are Deaf or hard of hearing (Deaf/HH). There is little information about how community-based organizations (CBOs) contribute to emergency preparedness. We assessed all-hazards preparedness communication for selected vulnerable populations by CBOs. We conducted key informant (KI) interviews with leaders of CBOs in Alameda County that serve older adult populations, and CBOs in the San Francisco Bay Area that serve Deaf/HH populations. The entire universe of Deaf/HH serving organizations identified in the Bay Area were invited to participate in KI interviews, and 14 interviews were completed. Senior-serving organizations in Alameda County w...
Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) historically have faced multiple social and racial/e... more Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) historically have faced multiple social and racial/ethnic health disparities in the United States. We gathered national-level health-care data on AAPIs and examined medically underserved health service areas for them. We used 2000 U.S. Census data and the Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) 2004 dataset for primary care physician full-time equivalents per 1000 population, as well as AAPI population, AAPI poverty, and AAPI limited English proficiency, to develop an index of medically underserved AAPI counties (MUACs). The index identifies U.S. counties that do not adequately serve AAPIs. We identified 266 counties of medically underserved health service areas for AAPIs across the nation, representing 12% of all U.S. counties. One hundred thirty-eight (52%) MUACs were not designated as BPHC medically underserved counties. Of these counties, 20 (14%) had an AAPI population of at least 10,000, and 29 (21%) had an AAPI population of at least ...
This study evaluated quality of life (QOL) in people with epilepsy (PWE) in the San Francisco Bay... more This study evaluated quality of life (QOL) in people with epilepsy (PWE) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Methods: This was a qualitative study examining QOL through the use of focus groups and of the QOLIE-31-P survey instrument. Six focus groups were conducted to examine self-reported challenges due to epilepsy. Focus groups were conducted for individuals who did and did not attend support groups. Results: Individuals with epilepsy reported substantial difficulties with finances, physical and psychosocial functioning. Also, limited knowledge about services and relatively negative feelings toward self were common among newly diagnosed participants. Conclusion: Many of the issues surrounding QOL and challenges were shared across groups. Epilepsy-related social services appeared to be useful in helping PWE cope and in increasing PWE's awareness of key enabling services. Although many individuals with epilepsy reported poor QOL and other challenges, epilepsy-related services may be under-utilized due to a lack of awareness.
Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action, 2012
C alifornia is a trendsetter both demographically and legislatively. Legislatively, California is... more C alifornia is a trendsetter both demographically and legislatively. Legislatively, California is uniquely known for its widespread use of the initiative process, yet is often also the bellwether for legislative reform. 1 Demographically speaking, one in seven Californians are AA and NHPI, making California the state with the largest, most diverse AA and NHPI population in the nation. 2 Despite its large size in the aggregate, the diversity of health needs and inequities facing ethnic subgroups within the larger categorization of AA and NHPI is often overlooked, primarily because of data collection processes that aggregate AAs and NHPIs into one or two AA or NHPI ethnic/racial groups while ignoring or overshadowing the many needs of smaller groups. 3 As a result, many policymakers are unaware of the varied health needs and inequities across diverse AA and NHPI communities. 4 Abstract Problem: This paper argues that it is necessary to strengthen Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) community-based participatory research (CBPR) models that integrate a health policy agenda through dynamic legislative partnerships.
Progress in community health partnerships : research, education, and action, 2012
Health promotion practice research conducted by or in partnership with community-based organizati... more Health promotion practice research conducted by or in partnership with community-based organizations (CBOs) serving Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AA and NHPI) can address health disparities. Few CBOs have the tools to integrate or initiate research into their programmatic agenda. The New York University (NYU) Center for the Study of Asian American Health (CSAAH) and the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) created a partnership with the goal to support CBO research infrastructure development by creating the Community Empowered Research Training (CERT) program. A survey was conducted and discussions held with CBO leaders representing AA and NHPI communities to inform the development of the CERT program. The majority of participants are engaged in service-related research and reported interest in building their research capacity. CBOs may require help reframing how data can be collected and used to better inform programmatic activities an...
Progress in community health partnerships : research, education, and action, 2012
Considerable progress in Asian American health research has occurred over the last two decades. H... more Considerable progress in Asian American health research has occurred over the last two decades. However, greater and sustained federal support is needed for reducing health disparities in Asian American communities. PURPOSE OF THE ARTICLE: This paper reviews federal policies that support infrastructure to conduct minority health research and highlights one model for strengthening research capacity and infrastructure in Asian American communities. Research center infrastructures can play a significant role in addressing pipeline/workforce challenges, fostering campus-community research collaborations, engaging communities in health, disseminating evidence-based strategies and health information, and policy development. Research centers provide the capacity needed for academic institutions and communities to work together synergistically in achieving the goal to reduce health disparities in the Asian American community. Policies that support the development of concentrated and targete...
Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
Substantial evidence exists that emergency preparedness and response efforts are not effectively ... more Substantial evidence exists that emergency preparedness and response efforts are not effectively reaching populations with functional and access needs, especially barriers related to literacy, language, culture, or disabilities. More than 36 million Americans are Deaf or hard of hearing (Deaf/HH). These groups experienced higher risks of injury, death, and property loss in recent disasters than the general public. We conducted a participatory research study to examine national recommendations on preparedness communication for the Deaf/HH. We assessed whether previous recommendations regarding the Deaf/HH have been incorporated into state- and territorial-level emergency operations plans (EOPs), interviewed state- and territorial-level preparedness directors about capacity to serve the Deaf/HH, and proposed strategies to benefit Deaf/HH populations during emergencies. We analyzed 55 EOPs and 50 key informant (KI) interviews with state directors. Fifty-five percent of EOPs mentioned v...
Preventive Medicine, 2014
Asian Americans have low prevalence of overweight/obesity based on standard BMI cut points yet ha... more Asian Americans have low prevalence of overweight/obesity based on standard BMI cut points yet have higher rates of diabetes. We examined the prevalence of overweight/obesity, using lower BMI cut points recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for Asians, and diabetes in Asian American subgroups in California. Secondary analysis of the 2009 adult California Health Interview Survey (n=45,946) of non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), African Americans, Hispanics and Asians (Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, South Asian and Japanese). WHO Asian BMI cut points (overweight=23-27.5kg/m(2); obese≥27.5kg/m(2)) were used for Asian subgroups. Standard BMI cut points (overweight=25-29.9kg/m(2); obese≥30kg/m(2)) were applied for other groups. Among Asian subgroups, overweight/obesity was highest among Filipinos (78.6%), which was higher than NHWs (p<0.001) but similar to African Americans and Hispanics. Compared to NHW, diabetes prevalence was higher for Vietnamese, Koreans, Filipinos and South Asians with BMI=23-24.9kg/m(2) and Koreans, Filipinos and Japanese with BMI=27.5-29.9kg/m(2), the ranges WHO recommends as overweight or obese for Asians but not for other groups. Filipinos should be a priority population for overweight/obesity screening. Filipinos, Vietnamese, Korean, South Asians and Japanese have higher diabetes prevalence at lower BMI cut points. WHO Asian BMI cut points may have clinical utility to identify at-risk Asian Americans.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2009
This study identified perceived physical activity (PA) enablers and barriers among a racially/eth... more This study identified perceived physical activity (PA) enablers and barriers among a racially/ethnically and geographically diverse group of older adults. Data were from 42 focus groups conducted with African Americans, American Indians, Latinos, Chinese, Vietnamese, and non-Hispanic Whites (hereafter Whites). Constant-comparison methods were used to analyze the data. Common barriers were health problems, fear of falling, and inconvenience. Common enablers were positive outcome expectations, social support, and PA program access. American Indians mentioned the built environment and lack of knowledge about PA as barriers and health benefits as an enabler more than participants in other groups. Whites and American Indians emphasized the importance of PA programs specifically designed for older adults. Findings suggest several ways to promote PA among older people, including developing exercise programs designed for older adults and health messages promoting existing places and programs older adults can use to engage in PA.
The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 2012
We examined beliefs about promoting cognitive health among Filipino Americans who care for person... more We examined beliefs about promoting cognitive health among Filipino Americans who care for persons with dementia, their awareness of media information about cognitive health, and their suggestions for communicating such information to other caregivers. We conducted three focus groups (25 participants). The constant comparison method compared themes across focus groups. Caregivers most frequently described cognitive health benefits of social engagement and leisure; next in emphasis were benefits of healthy diets. There was less emphasis on physical activity. Participants had heard from television that avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs might promote cognitive health. Ways to inform others about cognitive health included information in Filipino newspapers, and handouts in Filipino languages, distributed in Filipino stores, workplaces, community organizations, and health care facilities. Findings suggest an opportunity to develop public health messages promoting cognitive health that are in-language, published in ethnic-specific media, and that are culturally appropriate for Filipino and other Asian Americans.
The Community Empowered Research Training (CERT) program is an academic-community partnership who... more The Community Empowered Research Training (CERT) program is an academic-community partnership whose aim is to strengthen the capacity of community groups to participate in and develop community-focused research initiatives through free educational workshops and on-line webinars. The Research Capacity Assessment survey was designed to inform the development of the CERT program. The on-line survey assessed research training gaps, needs, and resources among community organizations and clinical providers and was administered nationally to community organization staff (N=50). Survey results and input from community leaders guided the development of the research-training curriculum relevant to the needs and resources of community organizations. CERT was piloted in May 2011 as a 2-day workshop with 21 individuals representing 13 community groups. Pre and post evaluations measured agency and individual motivation and attitudes towards research, research knowledge, and confidence to carry ou...
Populations with functional and access needs have higher risks of injury, death, and property los... more Populations with functional and access needs have higher risks of injury, death, and property loss in emergencies. Although their higher risk can be attributed to many factors, what is striking is that a majority of studies and federal reports following disasters cite a core problem: unmet communication needs. An estimated 32 million Americans are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (Deaf/HH), including late-deafened and deaf-blind persons. This is one of the most neglected groups in national planning for emergency communication. A national report concluded that Deaf/HH groups are rarely involved in the planning and implementation of national, state, and local disaster preparedness policies. As a result, Deaf/HH groups are often categorized in the general group of people with disabilities despite their unique needs for emergency communication during disasters. This presentation will summarize the CDC-funded UC Berkeley Preparedness and Emergency Response Research Center's All-Hazards Commun...
Journal of health care for the poor and underserved, 2014
Working in small businesses has been identified as a key factor for low coverage rates in immigra... more Working in small businesses has been identified as a key factor for low coverage rates in immigrant communities. In this study, we identify specific cultural and socioeconomic predictors of Asian Americans who work in small businesses to identify subgroups at a greater disadvantage than others in obtaining health insurance. Logistic regression models were fitted using a sample of 3,819 Asian American small business owners and employers extracted from pooled 2005–2012 California Health Interview Survey data. We found that individuals with low income levels, Korean Americans, U.S.-born South Asian and Southeast Asian (other than Vietnamese) Americans, immigrants without citizenship (particularly those lacking a green card), and individuals with limited English proficiency had higher odds of lacking coverage. The odds of being uninsured did not differ between small business owners and employees. Based upon these key findings, we propose several strategies to expand coverage for Asian A...
Public Health Reports
Substantial evidence exists that emergency preparedness and response efforts are not effectively ... more Substantial evidence exists that emergency preparedness and response efforts are not effectively reaching populations with functional and access needs, especially barriers related to literacy, language, culture, or disabilities. More than 36 million Americans are Deaf or hard of hearing (Deaf/HH). These groups experienced higher risks of injury, death, and property loss in recent disasters than the general public. We conducted a participatory research study to examine national recommendations on preparedness communication for the Deaf/HH. We assessed whether previous recommendations regarding the Deaf/HH have been incorporated into state- and territorial-level emergency operations plans (EOPs), interviewed state- and territorial-level preparedness directors about capacity to serve the Deaf/HH, and proposed strategies to benefit Deaf/HH populations during emergencies. We analyzed 55 EOPs and 50 key informant (KI) interviews with state directors. Fifty-five percent of EOPs mentioned v...
BMC Health Services Research
Background Deaf and hard-of-hearing (Deaf/HH) individuals have been underserved before and during... more Background Deaf and hard-of-hearing (Deaf/HH) individuals have been underserved before and during emergencies. This paper will assess Deaf/HH related emergency preparedness training needs for state emergency management agencies and deaf-serving community-based organizations (CBOs). Methods Four approaches were used: 1) a literature review; 2) results from 50 key informant (KI) interviews from state and territorial-level emergency management and public health agencies; 3) results from 14 KI interviews with deaf-serving CBOs in the San Francisco Bay Area; and 4) a pilot program evaluation of an emergency responder training serving the Deaf/HH in one urban community. Results Results from literature review and state and territorial level KIs indicate that there is a substantive gap in emergency preparedness training on serving Deaf/HH provided by state agencies. In addition, local KI interviews with 14 deaf-serving CBOs found gaps in training within deaf-serving CBOs. These gaps have im...
Diabetes Spectrum
Background. Type 2 diabetes is a growing concern among medically underserved Chinese Americans. H... more Background. Type 2 diabetes is a growing concern among medically underserved Chinese Americans. However, very few interventions have been developed or adapted for Chinese Americans with diabetes. Objective. To use a participatory research approach to evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally tailored, linguistically appropriate model for diabetes care employing health coaches to improve A1C levels among Chinese-American patients in a federally qualified health center setting. Methods. We compared change in A1C between intervention participants (n = 46), who received a health coaching intervention, and control participants (n = 46), who received usual care over a period of ~ 6 months. Results. Intervention participants showed a decrease in mean A1C at follow-up (−0.40%) compared to control subjects (+0.04%), although this difference was not statistically significant. At the 6-month follow-up, a significantly higher percentage of intervention participants (45.7%) had well-controlled ...
Dementia
We examined experiences and concerns among caregivers of community-dwelling people with dementia ... more We examined experiences and concerns among caregivers of community-dwelling people with dementia from two ethnic groups. We conducted a thematic analysis of responses to the question, 'What is your life like as a caregiver?' in nine focus groups (n = 75) with Filipino and non-Hispanic White caregivers. Constant comparison methods identified themes by ethnicity. Experiences and concerns expressed across groups were related to care recipient symptoms commonly associated with dementia, including severe memory loss and behavioral changes. Participants in both ethnic groups described strategies that help them cope, such as receiving help from family and friends, receiving respite support, and participating in support groups. Filipino caregivers more often emphasized positive aspects of caregiving, whereas Whites often expressed that others do not understand the daily experiences of caregiving. Filipinos more commonly described caregivers as a 'good person' or 'saint&#...
PLoS ONE
A major public health challenge is to communicate effectively with vulnerable populations about p... more A major public health challenge is to communicate effectively with vulnerable populations about preparing for disasters and other health emergencies. People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (Deaf/HH) and older adults are particularly vulnerable during health emergencies and require communications that are accessible and understandable. Although health literacy studies indicate that the readability of health communication materials often exceeds people's literacy levels, we could find no research about the readability of emergency preparedness materials (EPM) intended for Deaf/HH and older adult populations. The objective of this study was to explore issues related to EPM for Deaf/HH and older adult populations, to assess the availability and readability of materials for these populations, and to recommend improvements. In two California counties, we interviewed staff at 14 community-based organizations (CBOs) serving Deaf/HH clients and 20 CBOs serving older adults selected from ...
Substantial evidence exists that all-hazards emergency preparedness are not effectively reaching ... more Substantial evidence exists that all-hazards emergency preparedness are not effectively reaching vulnerable populations, especially those who have barriers related to literacy, language, culture, age, or disability90 million Americans have low literacy, 22 million are limited English-proficient, 35.6 million Americans are over age 65, and 32 million are Deaf or hard of hearing (Deaf/HH). There is little information about how community-based organizations (CBOs) contribute to emergency preparedness. We assessed all-hazards preparedness communication for selected vulnerable populations by CBOs. We conducted key informant (KI) interviews with leaders of CBOs in Alameda County that serve older adult populations, and CBOs in the San Francisco Bay Area that serve Deaf/HH populations. The entire universe of Deaf/HH serving organizations identified in the Bay Area were invited to participate in KI interviews, and 14 interviews were completed. Senior-serving organizations in Alameda County w...
Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) historically have faced multiple social and racial/e... more Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) historically have faced multiple social and racial/ethnic health disparities in the United States. We gathered national-level health-care data on AAPIs and examined medically underserved health service areas for them. We used 2000 U.S. Census data and the Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) 2004 dataset for primary care physician full-time equivalents per 1000 population, as well as AAPI population, AAPI poverty, and AAPI limited English proficiency, to develop an index of medically underserved AAPI counties (MUACs). The index identifies U.S. counties that do not adequately serve AAPIs. We identified 266 counties of medically underserved health service areas for AAPIs across the nation, representing 12% of all U.S. counties. One hundred thirty-eight (52%) MUACs were not designated as BPHC medically underserved counties. Of these counties, 20 (14%) had an AAPI population of at least 10,000, and 29 (21%) had an AAPI population of at least ...
This study evaluated quality of life (QOL) in people with epilepsy (PWE) in the San Francisco Bay... more This study evaluated quality of life (QOL) in people with epilepsy (PWE) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Methods: This was a qualitative study examining QOL through the use of focus groups and of the QOLIE-31-P survey instrument. Six focus groups were conducted to examine self-reported challenges due to epilepsy. Focus groups were conducted for individuals who did and did not attend support groups. Results: Individuals with epilepsy reported substantial difficulties with finances, physical and psychosocial functioning. Also, limited knowledge about services and relatively negative feelings toward self were common among newly diagnosed participants. Conclusion: Many of the issues surrounding QOL and challenges were shared across groups. Epilepsy-related social services appeared to be useful in helping PWE cope and in increasing PWE's awareness of key enabling services. Although many individuals with epilepsy reported poor QOL and other challenges, epilepsy-related services may be under-utilized due to a lack of awareness.
Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action, 2012
C alifornia is a trendsetter both demographically and legislatively. Legislatively, California is... more C alifornia is a trendsetter both demographically and legislatively. Legislatively, California is uniquely known for its widespread use of the initiative process, yet is often also the bellwether for legislative reform. 1 Demographically speaking, one in seven Californians are AA and NHPI, making California the state with the largest, most diverse AA and NHPI population in the nation. 2 Despite its large size in the aggregate, the diversity of health needs and inequities facing ethnic subgroups within the larger categorization of AA and NHPI is often overlooked, primarily because of data collection processes that aggregate AAs and NHPIs into one or two AA or NHPI ethnic/racial groups while ignoring or overshadowing the many needs of smaller groups. 3 As a result, many policymakers are unaware of the varied health needs and inequities across diverse AA and NHPI communities. 4 Abstract Problem: This paper argues that it is necessary to strengthen Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) community-based participatory research (CBPR) models that integrate a health policy agenda through dynamic legislative partnerships.
Progress in community health partnerships : research, education, and action, 2012
Health promotion practice research conducted by or in partnership with community-based organizati... more Health promotion practice research conducted by or in partnership with community-based organizations (CBOs) serving Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AA and NHPI) can address health disparities. Few CBOs have the tools to integrate or initiate research into their programmatic agenda. The New York University (NYU) Center for the Study of Asian American Health (CSAAH) and the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) created a partnership with the goal to support CBO research infrastructure development by creating the Community Empowered Research Training (CERT) program. A survey was conducted and discussions held with CBO leaders representing AA and NHPI communities to inform the development of the CERT program. The majority of participants are engaged in service-related research and reported interest in building their research capacity. CBOs may require help reframing how data can be collected and used to better inform programmatic activities an...
Progress in community health partnerships : research, education, and action, 2012
Considerable progress in Asian American health research has occurred over the last two decades. H... more Considerable progress in Asian American health research has occurred over the last two decades. However, greater and sustained federal support is needed for reducing health disparities in Asian American communities. PURPOSE OF THE ARTICLE: This paper reviews federal policies that support infrastructure to conduct minority health research and highlights one model for strengthening research capacity and infrastructure in Asian American communities. Research center infrastructures can play a significant role in addressing pipeline/workforce challenges, fostering campus-community research collaborations, engaging communities in health, disseminating evidence-based strategies and health information, and policy development. Research centers provide the capacity needed for academic institutions and communities to work together synergistically in achieving the goal to reduce health disparities in the Asian American community. Policies that support the development of concentrated and targete...
Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
Substantial evidence exists that emergency preparedness and response efforts are not effectively ... more Substantial evidence exists that emergency preparedness and response efforts are not effectively reaching populations with functional and access needs, especially barriers related to literacy, language, culture, or disabilities. More than 36 million Americans are Deaf or hard of hearing (Deaf/HH). These groups experienced higher risks of injury, death, and property loss in recent disasters than the general public. We conducted a participatory research study to examine national recommendations on preparedness communication for the Deaf/HH. We assessed whether previous recommendations regarding the Deaf/HH have been incorporated into state- and territorial-level emergency operations plans (EOPs), interviewed state- and territorial-level preparedness directors about capacity to serve the Deaf/HH, and proposed strategies to benefit Deaf/HH populations during emergencies. We analyzed 55 EOPs and 50 key informant (KI) interviews with state directors. Fifty-five percent of EOPs mentioned v...
Preventive Medicine, 2014
Asian Americans have low prevalence of overweight/obesity based on standard BMI cut points yet ha... more Asian Americans have low prevalence of overweight/obesity based on standard BMI cut points yet have higher rates of diabetes. We examined the prevalence of overweight/obesity, using lower BMI cut points recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for Asians, and diabetes in Asian American subgroups in California. Secondary analysis of the 2009 adult California Health Interview Survey (n=45,946) of non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), African Americans, Hispanics and Asians (Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, South Asian and Japanese). WHO Asian BMI cut points (overweight=23-27.5kg/m(2); obese≥27.5kg/m(2)) were used for Asian subgroups. Standard BMI cut points (overweight=25-29.9kg/m(2); obese≥30kg/m(2)) were applied for other groups. Among Asian subgroups, overweight/obesity was highest among Filipinos (78.6%), which was higher than NHWs (p<0.001) but similar to African Americans and Hispanics. Compared to NHW, diabetes prevalence was higher for Vietnamese, Koreans, Filipinos and South Asians with BMI=23-24.9kg/m(2) and Koreans, Filipinos and Japanese with BMI=27.5-29.9kg/m(2), the ranges WHO recommends as overweight or obese for Asians but not for other groups. Filipinos should be a priority population for overweight/obesity screening. Filipinos, Vietnamese, Korean, South Asians and Japanese have higher diabetes prevalence at lower BMI cut points. WHO Asian BMI cut points may have clinical utility to identify at-risk Asian Americans.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2009
This study identified perceived physical activity (PA) enablers and barriers among a racially/eth... more This study identified perceived physical activity (PA) enablers and barriers among a racially/ethnically and geographically diverse group of older adults. Data were from 42 focus groups conducted with African Americans, American Indians, Latinos, Chinese, Vietnamese, and non-Hispanic Whites (hereafter Whites). Constant-comparison methods were used to analyze the data. Common barriers were health problems, fear of falling, and inconvenience. Common enablers were positive outcome expectations, social support, and PA program access. American Indians mentioned the built environment and lack of knowledge about PA as barriers and health benefits as an enabler more than participants in other groups. Whites and American Indians emphasized the importance of PA programs specifically designed for older adults. Findings suggest several ways to promote PA among older people, including developing exercise programs designed for older adults and health messages promoting existing places and programs older adults can use to engage in PA.
The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 2012
We examined beliefs about promoting cognitive health among Filipino Americans who care for person... more We examined beliefs about promoting cognitive health among Filipino Americans who care for persons with dementia, their awareness of media information about cognitive health, and their suggestions for communicating such information to other caregivers. We conducted three focus groups (25 participants). The constant comparison method compared themes across focus groups. Caregivers most frequently described cognitive health benefits of social engagement and leisure; next in emphasis were benefits of healthy diets. There was less emphasis on physical activity. Participants had heard from television that avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs might promote cognitive health. Ways to inform others about cognitive health included information in Filipino newspapers, and handouts in Filipino languages, distributed in Filipino stores, workplaces, community organizations, and health care facilities. Findings suggest an opportunity to develop public health messages promoting cognitive health that are in-language, published in ethnic-specific media, and that are culturally appropriate for Filipino and other Asian Americans.