ERIC Number: EJ1317361
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Dec
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1090-1981
EISSN: N/A
Engaging Latino Families about COVID-19 Vaccines: A Qualitative Study Conducted in Oregon, USA
Garcia, Jonathan; Vargas, Nancy; de la Torre, Cynthia; Magana Alvarez, Mario; Clark, Jesse Lawton
Health Education & Behavior, v48 n6 p747-757 Dec 2021
Objectives: Latinos are disproportionately vulnerable to severe COVID-19 due to workplace exposure, multigenerational households, and existing health disparities. Rolling out COVID-19 vaccines among vulnerable Latinos is critical to address disparities. This study explores vaccine perceptions of Latino families to inform culturally centered strategies for vaccine dissemination. Method: Semistructured telephone interviews with Latino families (22 mothers and 24 youth, 13-18 years old) explored COVID-19 vaccine perceptions including (1) sources of information, (2) trust of vaccine effectiveness and willingness to get vaccinated, and (3) access to the vaccine distribution. We identified thematic patterns using immersion-crystallization. Results: We found that (1) 41% expressed optimism and willingness to receive the vaccine coupled with concerns about side effects; (2) 45% expressed hesitancy or would refuse vaccination based on mistrust, myths, fear of being used as "guinea pigs," and the perceived role of politics in vaccine development; (3) families "digested" information gathered from social media, the news, and radio through intergenerational communication; and (4) participants called for community-led advocacy and "leading by example" to dispel fear and misinformation. Optimistic participants saw the vaccine as a way to protect their families, allowing youth to return to schools and providing safer conditions for frontline essential workers. Conclusions: Culturally centered vaccine promotion campaigns may consider the Latino family unit as their target audience by providing information that can be discussed among parents and youth, engaging a range of health providers and advocates that includes traditional practitioners and community health workers, and disseminating information at key venues, such as schools, churches, and supermarkets.
Descriptors: Mexican Americans, Family Attitudes, Mothers, Adolescents, COVID-19, Pandemics, Immunization Programs, Disproportionate Representation, At Risk Persons, Cultural Relevance, Hispanic American Culture, Information Dissemination, Trust (Psychology), Credibility, Social Support Groups, Community Involvement, Public Health
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Oregon
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A