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Public health communication during the COVID-19 health crisis: sustainable pathways to improve health information access and reach among underserved communities

Author

Listed:
  • Phrashiah Githinji

    (University of Utah)

  • Alexandra L. MacMillan Uribe

    (Texas A&M AgriLife Research)

  • Jacob Szeszulski

    (Texas A&M AgriLife Research)

  • Chad D. Rethorst

    (Texas A&M AgriLife Research)

  • Vi Luong

    (Texas A&M AgriLife Research)

  • Lucy Xin

    (Texas A&M AgriLife Research)

  • Laura J. Rolke

    (Duke University School of Medicine)

  • Miquela G. Smith

    (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension)

  • Rebecca A. Seguin-Fowler

    (Texas A&M AgriLife Research)

Abstract

This study aims to explore the perspectives of community leaders (CL) on trusted sources of health information, examine their roles, challenges, and needs in disseminating COVID-19 health information, and identify opportunities to improve public health reach and access for underserved communities. This qualitative study included seven focus groups conducted via online video conferencing from April-June 2021. The participants (n = 9) were CL recruited from the Texas Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) for their experience working with underserved communities in Dallas, Texas. Data were coded deductively and analyzed thematically. The analysis resulted in three themes: (1) Information fatigue, mistrust, and desensitization were experienced by community members and leaders; (2) CL were expected to process, verify, and share accurate and timely COVID-19 health information; (3) CL identified potential strategies to improve COVID-19 health info access and reach. CLs were critical in addressing mis/disinformation and fostering trust in public health communication, particularly in underserved communities. They acted as vital intermediaries for health information, striving to debunk mis/disinformation and disseminate accurate health information. Public health strategies could benefit from prioritizing the integration of CL in communicating health information during crises and rebuilding trust within historically and racially marginalized and underserved communities. Supporting CLs, for example, through resources and training programs to counter misinformation and provide access to culturally and linguistically tailored health resources, may significantly enhance the access and reach of evidence-based health communication during health crises.

Suggested Citation

  • Phrashiah Githinji & Alexandra L. MacMillan Uribe & Jacob Szeszulski & Chad D. Rethorst & Vi Luong & Lucy Xin & Laura J. Rolke & Miquela G. Smith & Rebecca A. Seguin-Fowler, 2024. "Public health communication during the COVID-19 health crisis: sustainable pathways to improve health information access and reach among underserved communities," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:11:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-024-03718-7
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-024-03718-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rains, Stephen A. & Colombo, Paulina M. & Quick, Brian L. & Kriss, Lauren A., 2022. "State mask mandates and psychological reactance theory: The role of political partisanship and COVID-19 risk in mask adoption and resistance," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 314(C).
    2. Cole, H. & Thompson, H.S. & White, M. & Browne, R. & Trinh-Shevrin, C. & Braithwaite, S. & Fiscella, K. & Boutin-Foster, C. & Ravenell, J., 2017. "Community-based, preclinical patient navigation for colorectal cancer screening among older black men recruited from barbershops: The MISTER B trial," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 107(9), pages 1433-1440.
    3. repec:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2017.303885_9 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Holly Seale & Ben Harris-Roxas & Anita Heywood & Ikram Abdi & Abela Mahimbo & Ashfaq Chauhan & Lisa Woodland, 2022. "The role of community leaders and other information intermediaries during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from the multicultural sector in Australia," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-7, December.
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