Takagi, M.A.; Rhodes, S.T.; Kim, J.H.; King, M.; Soukar, S.; Martin, C.; Sasaki Cole, A.; Chan, A.; Brennan, C.; Zyzanski, S.; Kissoondial, B.; Ragina, N. Evaluating Two Educational Interventions for Enhancing COVID-19 Knowledge and Attitudes in a Sample American Indian/Alaska Native Population. Vaccines2024, 12, 787.
Takagi, M.A.; Rhodes, S.T.; Kim, J.H.; King, M.; Soukar, S.; Martin, C.; Sasaki Cole, A.; Chan, A.; Brennan, C.; Zyzanski, S.; Kissoondial, B.; Ragina, N. Evaluating Two Educational Interventions for Enhancing COVID-19 Knowledge and Attitudes in a Sample American Indian/Alaska Native Population. Vaccines 2024, 12, 787.
Takagi, M.A.; Rhodes, S.T.; Kim, J.H.; King, M.; Soukar, S.; Martin, C.; Sasaki Cole, A.; Chan, A.; Brennan, C.; Zyzanski, S.; Kissoondial, B.; Ragina, N. Evaluating Two Educational Interventions for Enhancing COVID-19 Knowledge and Attitudes in a Sample American Indian/Alaska Native Population. Vaccines2024, 12, 787.
Takagi, M.A.; Rhodes, S.T.; Kim, J.H.; King, M.; Soukar, S.; Martin, C.; Sasaki Cole, A.; Chan, A.; Brennan, C.; Zyzanski, S.; Kissoondial, B.; Ragina, N. Evaluating Two Educational Interventions for Enhancing COVID-19 Knowledge and Attitudes in a Sample American Indian/Alaska Native Population. Vaccines 2024, 12, 787.
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing healthcare disparities among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations, rooted in historical traumas and systemic marginalization. Methods: This study conducted at a single Indian Health Service (IHS) clinic in central Michigan examines the effectiveness of educational interventions in enhancing COVID-19 knowledge and attitudes among AI/AN populations. Utilizing a pre/post prospective study design, participants received either a video or infographic educational intervention, followed by a survey assessing COVID-19 knowledge and attitudes. Results: The results indicate significant improvements in knowledge and attitudes post-intervention, with both modalities proving effective. However, specific factors such as gender, political affiliation, and place of residence influenced COVID-19 attitudes and knowledge, emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions. Conclusions: Despite limitations, this study highlights the critical role of educational interventions in addressing vaccine hesitancy and promoting health equity within AI/AN communities. Moving forward, comprehensive strategies involving increased Indian Health Service funding, culturally relevant interventions, and policy advocacy are crucial in mitigating healthcare disparities and promoting health equity within AI/AN communities.
Keywords
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy; American Indian/Alaska native populations; educational interventions; health disparities; health equity; Indian Health Service; Culturally Relevant Interventions; Policy Advocacy
Subject
Medicine and Pharmacology, Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
