Top 5 Takeaways

1. Disaggregated Data Reveals Disparities: Disaggregating COVID-19 data by specific racial subgroups in Hawaii highlighted significant disparities in case and mortality rates among Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian populations.
2. Pacific Islander Impact: Pacific Islander persons, who make up 5% of Hawaii’s population, accounted for 22% of COVID-19 cases and deaths, with the highest incidence and mortality rates among all groups.
3. Subgroup Variations: Among Asian subgroups, Filipino and Vietnamese persons experienced the highest COVID-19 incidence rates, while Japanese persons had the lowest.
4. Community-Informed Data Collection: The collection of disaggregated data was driven by recommendations from local Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, leading to more accurate identification of health disparities.
5. Culturally Responsive Interventions: The findings underscore the importance of developing culturally tailored public health interventions and outreach efforts to address the specific needs of diverse racial subgroups.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Joshua J. Quint, joshua.quint@doh.hawaii.gov

Suggested Citation

Quint JJ, Van Dyke ME, Maeda H, et al. Disaggregating Data to Measure Racial Disparities in COVID-19 Outcomes and Guide Community Response — Hawaii, March 1, 2020–February 28, 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1267–1273. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7037a1

Summary

This article discusses the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian populations in Hawaii. By disaggregating data, significant disparities in COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates among these groups were revealed. The study utilized race data from 21,005 COVID-19 cases and 449 deaths reported to the Hawaii State Department of Health between March 1, 2020, and February 28, 2021. The findings highlighted the need for culturally responsive public health interventions to address these disparities effectively.

Methods

Descriptive data of Hawaii state residents reported to the Hawaii State Department of Health during March 1, 2020–February 28, 2021, were analyzed. The analysis included the number, percentage, and crude rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths using race categories that were not mutually exclusive. Data were analyzed among the five minimum racial origin categories and among Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian origin subcategories. Incidence and mortality rates were calculated using population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, and analyses were conducted using SAS (version 9.4).

Discussion

The disaggregation of COVID-19 data in Hawaii revealed substantial disparities in case and mortality rates among Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian subgroups that were not apparent in aggregated data. The findings underscore the importance of collecting and analyzing disaggregated data to identify and address health disparities. The study also highlights the value of community-informed data collection and the need for culturally responsive public health strategies.

Conclusion

Substantial disparities in COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates were identified among Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian subgroups in Hawaii through disaggregated data analysis. These findings emphasize the importance of partnering with these communities to develop culturally tailored public health interventions and outreach efforts to effectively address health disparities.

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