Understanding Physical Distancing and Face Mask Use Across High-Risk African American Subgroups During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Application of Health Belief Model.

ABSTRACT: Physical distancing and face masks remain frontline prevention strategies due to suboptimal vaccine uptake and the highly infectious COVID-19 variants. Communities of color are disproportionately impacted by a chronic disease burden that places them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease. Therefore, they can greatly benefit from face mask use and physical distancing, especially if the individual(s) have not received the vaccine. We applied the Health Belief Model to explore barriers and motivators influencing physical distancing and face mask use among high-risk, Black American subgroups during the early COVID-19 pandemic stages. We conducted 62 semi-structured interviews among four Black American subgroups: young adults, individuals with underlying medical conditions, essential workers

SUBMITTER: Moss J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9902790 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature