RADx-UP- Impact of Community Health Worker Home Deployment on COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence and Uptake

Background: The purpose of this study was to enhance COVID-19 testing, vaccine confidence, and vaccine uptake among underserved populations in rural Georgia, particularly African Americans and Latinos with diabetes, prediabetes, and their household contacts. These populations were disproportionately affected by COVID-19 due to underlying chronic conditions and limited access to healthcare.

Materials/Methods: This study implemented and evaluated a Community Health Worker (CHW) intervention through a rural Federally Qualified Health Center. CHWs were deployed to the homes of at-risk adults, African Americans, and Latinos under 50 years old with uncontrolled diabetes or prediabetes who were unvaccinated to provide education on diabetes, COVID-19, and vaccines. Health assessments, including blood glucose measurements, were conducted for the indexed patient and offered to all other adult household members. The intervention was designed to increase vaccine confidence and diabetes self-management behaviors.

Outcome/Impact: The study aimed to increase COVID-19 vaccine confidence and uptake within at-risk households and improve diabetes related health outcomes through community-driven education. The intended outcomes included higher vaccination rates, improved diabetes self-management, and reduced COVID-19 morbidity and mortality among underserved populations in rural southwest Georgia.