Obesity Health Disparities Research Center (OHDRC) COVID-19 Testing Model Among Vulnerable Populations From Community Engagement to Follow-Up

The overall goal of the Obesity Health Disparities Research Center (OHDRC) COVID-19 Testing Model of Vulnerable Populations: From Community Engagement to Follow-Up was to implement a three-component mobile community-based testing model and evaluate its impact for improved reach, access, acceptance, uptake, and appropriate follow-up to COVID-19 testing. The proposed model, guided by the Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) framework, integrated a Social Determinants of Health (SDH) approach throughout all aims to strengthen community engagement, identify areas of greatest need of testing, and enhance navigation services to address unmet follow-up healthcare and social needs. The project built on a successful feasibility pilot that provided testing to African American and Hispanic residents of Jefferson County, Alabama. This project tested the effectiveness of this neighborhood mobile testing model. Study findings provided evidence that can help to increase testing and follow-up among vulnerable populations, and consequently, attenuate the current stark disparities in COVID-19 outcomes.