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Factors Influencing Behaviors to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 Among Indigenous Families in the Southwest, United States

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  • Habibat A. Oguntade

    (Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
    Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA)

  • Miya Pontes

    (Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA)

  • Karlita Pablo

    (Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA)

  • Elliott Pablo

    (Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA)

  • Novalene Goklish

    (Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA)

  • Meredith Stifter

    (Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA)

  • Lauren Tingey

    (Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA)

  • Allison Barlow

    (Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA)

  • Laura L. Hammitt

    (Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA)

  • Mary Cwik

    (Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
    Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA)

Abstract

Indigenous communities in the United States (U.S.) have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, yet they have led efforts to combat the pandemic by providing local solutions that minimize viral transmission and promote vaccine uptake. Understanding facilitators and barriers to recommended behaviors can increase adherence and reduce COVID-19 transmission. We conducted a descriptive qualitative study using in-depth interviews with 19 Indigenous adults residing on Tribal Lands in the Southwest U.S. between June and December 2021. Interview questions explored obstacles and motivators to testing, as well as behavioral recommendations to reduce COVID-19 transmission and increase vaccination. Using a qualitative content analysis approach, we identified barriers and facilitators to behavioral change. Barriers to testing included fear of exposure to COVID-19 at testing locations and discomfort from nasal swabs. Facilitators of testing were access, required testing, and protecting loved ones. Barriers to vaccination were discouraging stories about vaccination side effects and uncertainty about the ingredients and effectiveness of vaccines. Another barrier to vaccination was confusion and fairness related to vaccine eligibility, which discouraged some people from becoming vaccinated, despite intentions to do so. This study identified obstacles and motivators influencing COVID-19 testing and vaccination. The results may help address information gaps and improve public health efforts to reduce COVID-19 transmission and other similar infectious agents in Indigenous communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Habibat A. Oguntade & Miya Pontes & Karlita Pablo & Elliott Pablo & Novalene Goklish & Meredith Stifter & Lauren Tingey & Allison Barlow & Laura L. Hammitt & Mary Cwik, 2024. "Factors Influencing Behaviors to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 Among Indigenous Families in the Southwest, United States," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(11), pages 1-15, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:11:p:1407-:d:1505753
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Valerio Capraro & Hélène Barcelo, 2020. "The effect of messaging and gender on intentions to wear a face covering to slow down COVID-19 transmission," Journal of Behavioral Economics for Policy, Society for the Advancement of Behavioral Economics (SABE), vol. 4(S2), pages 45-55, December.
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