Dataset from A Nurse-Community Health Worker-Family Partnership Model to Increase COVID19 Testing in Urban Underserved and Vulnerable Communities

Background: This study conducted a COVID-19 testing and mitigation intervention in public housing households, which are characterized by crowding, intergenerational co-residence, and a high proportion of low wage essential workers who leave the home for work even during lockdown periods. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an innovative Nurse-Community Health Worker (CHW)-Family Partnership intervention designed to promote COVID-19 testing uptake, adoption of COVID-19 control measures, and mutual aid capacity at the household level.

Materials/Methods: The intervention was adapted from the Nurse-Family Partnership model, which has been shown to be effective and cost-effective in improving maternal and child health outcomes in high-poverty, racially and ethnically diverse communities. CHWs provided culturally appropriate support to families, addressing stigma, medical mistrust, and other common barriers to engagement in healthcare. A two-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted, in which households were randomly assigned (2:1) to either the experimental group of families who received the Nurse-CHW-Family Partnership intervention and the offer of in-home testing, or the treatment-as-usual control group referred to free testing located within walking distance. Participants in both arms were assessed at baseline and monthly for 9 months. Cognitive and psychological questionnaires and behavioral surveys were administered to participants.

Outcome/Impact: The findings from this study provided an evidence base to inform current and future public health initiatives related to COVID-19 mitigation in high-risk settings. Sustainability was addressed by building local capacity and expertise among participants, CHWs, and Community Advisory Board members, and collaborating to develop the community's best practices for COVID-19. This intervention can be tailored to increase testing and other COVID-19 control measures in other similar settings.