Dataset from Identifying and Addressing Critical Social, Ethical, and Behavioral Factors Associated With COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Among Spanish Speakers

Background: Latinx communities were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with Spanish-speaking Latinx communities experiencing particularly high rates of infection, hospitalization, and mortality. This study was conducted through a well-established community-academic partnership to better understand the social, ethical, and behavioral implications of COVID-19 testing and vaccination, and to refine and test a culturally congruent intervention to increase testing and vaccination among Spanish-speaking Latinx communities.

Materials/Methods: This study used mixed-methods and community-based participatory research. In Aim 1, the study conducted individual in-depth interviews with health providers and representatives from Latinx-serving community-based organizations and held focus groups with Spanish speaking Latinx community members to identify individual, interpersonal, institutional, community, and policy-level factors influencing testing and vaccination. In Aim 2, findings from Aim 1 and other relevant COVID-19 studies were used to refine a Spanish language intervention called Nuestra Salud Segura (Our Safe Health), designed to increase testing and vaccination among Spanish speaking Latinx persons. The intervention combined peer navigation and mHealth strategies and was evaluated using a longitudinal group-randomized trial, with participants assessed at baseline and immediately post-intervention. In Aim 3, the study conducted an empowerment theory-based community forum to develop and disseminate practice, research, intervention, and policy priorities and recommendations for improving COVID-19 testing and vaccination, reducing disparities, and promoting health equity.

Outcome/Impact: This study advanced prevention science and practice by increasing understanding of the social, ethical, and behavioral factors shaping COVID-19 testing and vaccination among Spanish speaking Latinx communities. The study also tested an innovative, culturally tailored intervention to enhance testing and vaccination rates, reduce disparities, and inform community-driven strategies to promote health equity in underserved populations.