Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND: Because health disparities among Asian Americans are understudied, a partnership program between the Charles B Wang Community Health Center and the Center for the Study of Asian American Health was created to increase awareness and interest in Asian American research. PURPOSE: To evaluate the process, outcome, and impact of a health professionals' research training program. METHODS: Mixed research methods were employed to collect data from online surveys administered to mentors and trainees of the program. RESULTS: Although many trainees did not continue to pursue Asian American health disparities research, results indicate that the program has positive impacts on trainees in their preparedness to conduct CBPR, work within the Asian American community, and network with public health professionals and researchers. DISCUSSION: This evaluation adds to the current literature of research training programs but more research on Asian American health disparities is needed. TRANSLATION TO HEALTH EDUCATION PRACTICE: Although the program has helped raise awareness in Asian American health disparities research, more Asian American specific research training programs are needed to stimulate a true generation of researchers.

Chronic hepatitis B affects Asian Americans at a much higher rate than the general US population. Appropriate care can limit morbidity and mortality from hepatitis B. However, access to care for many Asian Americans and other immigrant groups is limited by their lack of knowledge about the disease, as well as cultural, linguistic, and financial challenges. This article describes the results of BfreeNYC, a New York City pilot program that, from 2004 to 2008, provided hepatitis B community education and awareness, free screening and vaccinations, and free or low-cost treatment primarily to immigrants from Asia, but also to residents from other racial and ethnic minority groups. The program was the largest citywide screening program in the United States, reaching nearly 9,000 people, and the only one providing comprehensive care to those who were infected. During the program, new hepatitis B cases reported annually from predominantly Asian neighborhoods in the city increased 34 percent. More than two thousand people were vaccinated, and 1,162 of the 1,632 people who tested positive for hepatitis B received care from the program's clinical services. Our analysis found that the program was effective in reaching the target population and providing care. Although follow-up care data will be needed to demonstrate long-term cost-effectiveness, the program may serve as a useful prototype for addressing hepatitis B disparities in communities across the United States

Background: Community coalitions are increasingly recognized as important strategies for addressing health disparities. By providing the opportunity to pool resources, they provide a means to develop and sustain innovative approaches to affect community health. Objectives: This article describes the challenges and lessons learned in building the Asian American Hepatitis B Program (AAHBP) coalition to conduct a community-based participatory research (CBPR) initiative to address hepatitis B (HBV) among New York City Asian-American communities. Methods: Using the stages of coalition development as a framework, a comprehensive assessment of the process of developing and implementing the AAHBP coalition is presented. Lessons Learned: Findings highlight the importance of developing a sound infrastructure and set of processes to foster a greater sense of ownership, shared vision, and investment in the program. Conclusion: Grassroots community organizing and campus-community partnerships can be successfully leveraged to address and prevent a significant health disparity in an underserved and diverse community

PURPOSE: Optimal surgical approach for advanced pediatric appendicectomy remains controversial. We compare the open versus the laparoscopic approach. METHODS: Retrospective case notes review of children operated on for advanced appendicitis between January 2005 and July 2006 was undertaken for length of hospital stay, operating time, wound complications, need for further surgery, and hospital readmission. RESULTS: Forty children were included, 17 were treated with open approach and 23 with laparoscopic approach. There was no conversion from laparoscopic to open approach. Overall complication rate, length of hospital stay, and need for further surgery were similar in both groups. The mean operative time was longer in the laparoscopic group. Wound complications occurred more in the open group. Readmission for gastrointestinal obstruction was noted in the laparoscopic group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic approach is safe for advanced appendicitis in children. The outcomes are comparable in both study groups.