Dataset from Enhancing SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Testing Acceptance in Latinx Communities

Background: This study employed a data-informed approach to implement preventive interventions designed to advance health equity and address health disparities among vulnerable populations. The study further tailored the Promotores de Salud COVID-19 evidence-based health promotion intervention by incorporating a brief behavioral self-affirming implementation intention (SAII) intervention. SAII is an evidence-based approach for increasing acceptance of health messaging, enhancing intentions to change, promoting health behaviors, and reducing psychological distress. Structural social determinants of health, particularly discrimination and mistrust, were key barriers to testing acceptance targeted by this intervention.

Materials/Methods: The first aim was to pilot test rapid SARS-CoV-2 test distribution and both English and Spanish versions of the culturally tailored SAII intervention. The intervention was designed for oral administration and did not require English proficiency or literacy. The second aim was to conduct a clustered randomized trial using a 2-group × 2-time (pre-post) design with participants sampled from Mexican Consulate event attendees. Participants were randomly assigned to either a SAII + Promotores de Salud condition or a control condition (Promotores de Salud intervention only). The study hypothesized that SAII would increase SARS-CoV-2 rapid testing, testing and vaccine acceptance, and health outcomes by strengthening health promotion messaging, reducing stigma, and affirming self-perceptions, and also buffer the negative effects of COVID-19 stressors and discrimination on testing and health outcomes.

Outcome/Impact: The intended outcome of this study was to determine whether the SAII intervention, when paired with the Promotores de Salud model, enhanced testing and vaccine acceptance, reduced the impact of COVID-19-related stressors and discrimination, and ultimately improved health outcomes in vulnerable populations.