JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Background:

Racism against Asian Americans (AAs) escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The degree of impact racism has on mental health and wellness among Asian Americans requires investigation, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective:

Background:

Racism against Asian Americans (AAs) escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The degree of impact racism has on mental health and wellness among Asian Americans requires investigation, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

Methods:

We conducted an integrative review of peer-reviewed publications in English reporting anti-Asian sentiments and racism’s impacts on mental health among Asian Americans in the US.

Results:

Results:

The 28 eligible articles utilized cross-sectional survey designs with various sample sizes. Racism is directly correlated with the prevalence of depression and anxiety experienced by victims of racist acts. The prevalence of in-person direct racism (racist expression aimed directly at the victim) is lower than in-person indirect racism (racist expression aimed at the ethnic group the victim belongs to). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of explicit online racism was lower than online indirect racism.

Conclusions:

Conclusions:

COVID-19-related racism exacerbated preexisting racism, contributing to worse depression and anxiety among Asian Americans. To address this issue, we propose two main approaches: increase public awareness and education about recognizable racist sentiments/acts, and systematized reporting of racially motivated crimes to guide political action. At an individual level, culturally responsive trauma-informed interventions promoting cultural support and cohesion for various Asian American groups will foster this empowerment. These proposed actions will help alleviate racism by reducing stereotypes, empowering victims, and chipping away at the systemic racism structure. Clinical Trial: Not applicable. Not a clinical trial.