Affiliation:
1. College of Nursing, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research
2. School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles
3. Los Angeles County Department of Health Services Harbor, University of California, Los Angeles
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Vaccination is a critical tool to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, vaccine uptake varies across communities and is often affected by sociodemographic factors and accessibility.
Objectives
This paper outlines a pilot study aimed to examine factors associated with COVID-19 patients within one of the nation’s largest safety net health care systems.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey design was conducted with adults over 18 eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Descriptive analysis of survey data collected in 2021–2022 was employed. Unconditional and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between sociodemographics, social factors, and COVID-19 vaccine uptake.
Results
Study participants (N = 280) were a diverse patient population, primarily low-income and majority Hispanic/Latinx, with low education levels but with a high level of COVID-19 vaccine uptake and a high rate of intent to vaccinate again. Approximately 22% report having unstable housing, and 46% experiencing food insecurity. Most trusted sources for COVID-19 data included mainstream media, including TV, radio and newspapers and friends, family, or other informal networks. We found that respondents who were satisfied or very satisfied with COVID-19 information received from health care providers or the government had higher odds of vaccine uptake rates.
Discussion
These findings highlight the critical role of access to the COVID-19 vaccine and sources of information as an independent factor in COVID-19 vaccine uptake among patients within a safety net health care system. This study expands the literature on COVID-19 vaccine uptake, particularly in an under-resourced region of the South Los Angeles community. Future research is needed to better understand the mechanisms between social determinants of health, perceived discrimination, and vaccine uptake.
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)