COVID-19
Vaccine-Associated Shifts in SARS-CoV-2 Infectivity Among the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Population in Hawaii
Abstract: Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders (NHPIs) across the country have experienced significant disparities because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pacific Alliance Against COVID-19 used a community-based participatory approach involving academic and community partners to expand sustainable COVID-19 testing capacity and mitigate the severe consequences among NHPI communities in Hawaii. We describe the approach […]
Read MoreDynamics of Trust and Consumption of COVID-19 Information Implicate a Mechanism for COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Uptake
Abstract: Vaccine hesitancy remains a significant barrier to achieving herd immunity and preventing the further spread of COVID-19. Understanding contributors to vaccine hesitancy and how they change over time may improve COVID-19 mitigation strategies and public health policies. To date, no mechanism explains how trust in and consumption of different sources of information affect vaccine […]
Read MoreThe effects of the pandemic on the economy of Hawaii
The economy of Hawaii was extremely vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic due to its heavy reliance on tourism. This article is a thorough survey of issues affecting a tourism-dependent open economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the pandemic’s economic impact in Hawaii by comparing the actual outcomes during the affected […]
Read MoreNew publication reveals possible reasons behind vaccine hesitancy among Native Hawaiians
Congratulations to Ruben Juarez and team for their new publication in Vaccines. To understand vaccine hesitancy, the team surveyed 1124 adults residing in a region with one of the lowest vaccination rates in Hawaii during their COVID-19 testing program. The analyses offer novel insight on the role of trust in COVID-19 mitigation efforts in minority […]
Read MoreUHERO Public Health Report: Health Effects and Views of COVID-19 in Hawai‘i
The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant adverse impacts in the state of Hawai‘i beyond the direct effects of COVID-19 itself, including indirect effects on mental health, food security, job security, housing, poverty, etc. In order to address these adversities systematically, the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization (UHERO) is developing infrastructure to inform the design […]
Read MoreOpposing Role of Trust as a Modifier of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in an Indigenous Population
Abstract: Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders (NHPIs) were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and remain significantly under-vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. To understand vaccine hesitancy, we surveyed 1124 adults residing in a region with one of the lowest vaccination rates in Hawaii during our COVID-19 testing program. Probit regression analysis revealed that race/ethnicity was not directly associated […]
Read MoreFinancial Implications of COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction Tests on Independent Laboratories
During the COVID-19 pandemic, independent laboratories provided critically needed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests (Current Procedure Terminology Code: 87635) to identify positive COVID-19 patients. The Families First and Coronavirus Relief Act and CARES Act require commercial insurance plans to cover COVID-19 testing costs without any cost-sharing for patients, but do not set the price.1,2 Prior […]
Read MoreUHERO Rapid Health Survey: Longitudinal analysis of health disparities in Hawai’i
The UHERO Rapid Health Survey is building the data infrastructure at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and UHERO that will allow us to inform the design and execution of public health programs in the state of Hawaii for COVID-19 and other disasters while simultaneously addressing systemic health disparities. The study is open to adults […]
Read MoreThe effects of COVID-19 vaccine mandates in Hawai‘i
Having been affected by the highest increase in COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, Honolulu and Maui counties in Hawaii implemented vaccine passport mandates for select industries in September 2021. However, the degree to which such mandates impacted COVID-19 mitigation efforts and economics remains poorly understood. Herein, we describe the effects of these […]
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