A mixed methods study exploring requests for unproven COVID therapies such as ivermectin and healthcare distrust in the rural South.

ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to contentious discourse regarding unproven COVID-19 therapies (UCTs),(e.g. ivermectin). Despite recommendations against it, ivermectin remains, in some areas, highly demanded. The goal of this study is to understand patient and provider perspectives about UCTs (e.g., ivermectin) and how responses to requests for UCTs impact healthcare distrust. This mixed methods observational study was conducted in a rural healthcare system in the Southern United States. Adults (n = 26) with a history of COVID-19 or clinicians (n = 8) from the same system were interviewed using questionnaires assessing healthcare distrust and qualitatively interviewed exploring perceptions about UCTs. Patient themes were: 1) Importance of anecdotal stories for decision-making; 2) Use of haph

SUBMITTER: Van Scoy LJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9804965 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature