Dataset from Community Driven Approach to Mitigate COVID-19 Disparities in Hawaii's Vulnerable Populations

Background: The purpose of this study was to address COVID-19 disparities among Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders (NHPI) living in rural and underserved communities in Hawaii. These communities faced high infection and mortality rates, limited testing uptake, slow turnaround times, and untested asymptomatic cases. Testing gaps were pronounced among youth despite higher infection rates. Long-standing health inequities and socioeconomic challenges further increased vulnerability. The project aimed to integrate innovative SARS-CoV-2 testing strategies with community-specific messaging and education to improve reach, access, and uptake of testing across NHPI populations, including school-aged children.

Materials/Methods: The study evaluated existing SARS-CoV-2 testing data, identified gaps and barriers to testing, and expanded community testing capacity. The team optimized and implemented community-informed messaging through a healthcare-school network partnership tailored to NHPI communities. The work built on the parent Ola HAWAII grant and leveraged Community Engagement, Biostatistics, and Administrative Cores, along with NHPI partnerships, to support standardized evaluation metrics with the RADx-UP Coordinating and Data Collection Center.

Outcome/Impact: The project strengthened testing access and improved community engagement in COVID-19 prevention among NHPI populations. The study established a foundation for future vaccine dissemination and offered an integrated model that health clinics and schools in underserved communities could use to support public health safety and reduce COVID-19 disparities.