Chicago Chinatown Community Health Survey: A model for gathering local level data in Asian communities and beyond

Population level data about Asian American Pacific Islanders, particularly Asian subgroups, are limited. To gather such disaggregated data about an Asian subgroup in Chicago, community members and stakeholders developed the first ever community based Chicago Chinatown Community Health Survey. The survey comprised of over 250 variables from existing state health surveys including topics such as access to health, HIV/AIDS and depression. The survey was administered face-to-face in Mandarin, Cantonese or English with 120 households to date and an additional 200 to be completed by April 2007.

Our presentation will describe the unique process of developing a health survey for this Chinese immigrant community, which can serve as a model for future surveys. All seven interviewers completed a mid-project evaluation, which details important strategies to explain the research goals and ensure participant trust. Findings emphasize the challenges of using existing health measurements and offer insight on successful methods to approach, recruit and gain the trust of Asian participants in Chicago's Chinatown community.

Community partners and bi-lingual interviewers not only conducted the research activities but also guided the process by shaping the design, translation and administration of the survey. We will discuss the implications of community involvement in gaining financial support from the Illinois Department of Public Health and translating the survey findings into meaningful public health practice. Lastly, data-driven recommendations to shape improved health planning and policies in Chicago's Chinatown community will be shared as important lessons learned for replication in other communities.