Data Disaggregation Reveals Disproportionate Levels of COVID-19 Risk Among Filipinxs in the USA

Abstract

Background: Recognizing the disproportionate rates of COVID-19 infection and death experienced by Filipinxs in the USA, this study examines whether data disaggregation reveals meaningful differences between Filipinxs, non-Asians, and other groups often aggregated into the problematic “Asian and Pacific Islander” category across a series of social and health variables associated with COVID-19 risk. Methods: Using data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS, 2017–18; N = 42,330) and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH, 2018–19; N = 135,516), we ran chi-squared tests yielding Wald F-values to compare Filipinxs with other “Asians and Pacific islanders” and non-Asians across 10 social and 4 health-related variables. Health conditions included asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, and high blood pressure. Results: Filipinxs were much more likely to report diabetes (CHIS: 12.6%; NSDUH: 14.4%) than other Asian/PI respondents (8.4%; 8.0%) or non-Asians (10.8%; 10.1%), as well as asthma and high blood pressure. Filipinxs were also disproportionately employed in the healthcare and service occupations (CHIS: 36.7%) in comparison to other Asian/PI respondents (19.0%) and non-Asians (22.4%). Discussion: Across several variables, Filipinxs have less in common with other Asians and Pacific Islanders than with non-Asians. Combining these groups can obscure patterns that affect health and the risks of contracting or dying from COVID-19.