Designing a Community Engaged Training Program for African American and Latinx Communities on COVID-19 in South Mississippi: Results from Qualitative Focus Groups Exploring Community Member Perceptions

  • Susan Mayfield-Johnson The University of Southern Mississippi
  • Tanya Funchess The University of Southern Mississippi
  • Charkarra Anderson-Lewis The University of Southern Mississippi
  • Erica Thompson Magnolia Medical Foundation
  • Sandra Melvin Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health
  • Mireya Alexander Magnolia Medical Foundation
  • Kierra Melvin Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health
  • Samaria Lowe The University of Southern Mississippi
Keywords: COVID-19, health disparities, Mississippi, African American, Latinx, focus groups

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore attitudes and perceptions on COVID awareness and education among African American and Latinx community members and stakeholders in South Mississippi through qualitative methods. Design: Virtual focus groups were conducted in Forrest, Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, and Jackson Counties through Zoom meetings. Community residents and stakeholders (N=56 total) participated. Zoom meetings were audio and video recorded, transcribed, and analyzed utilizing thematic analysis. A demographic survey was also administered. Results: Knowledge about COVID 19, vaccines, attitudes towards and beliefs about preventing COVID-19, intentions to prevent COVID-19, information seeking on COVID-19 preventative behaviors, and impact of COVID were identified as themes. Conclusion: Themes identified were consistent with other underserved areas in the South and provided key topics for development of Community Health Advisor training session curriculum.

Author Biographies

Susan Mayfield-Johnson, The University of Southern Mississippi

School of Health Professions, Associate Professor

Tanya Funchess, The University of Southern Mississippi

School of Health Professions, Assistant Professor

Charkarra Anderson-Lewis, The University of Southern Mississippi

School of Health Professions, Professor

Erica Thompson, Magnolia Medical Foundation

Chief Executive Officer

Sandra Melvin, Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health

Chief Executive Officer

Mireya Alexander , Magnolia Medical Foundation

Program Manager

Kierra Melvin, Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health

Community Outreach Specialist

Samaria Lowe, The University of Southern Mississippi

School of Health Professions, Graduate Assistant

Published
2022-09-21