Authors' Affiliations

Olivia A. Sullivan, Center for Rural Health Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Samuel Pettyjohn, Center for Rural Health Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Amy Wahlquist, Center for Rural Health Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN.

Location

Culp Center Rm. 366

Start Date

4-25-2023 2:40 PM

End Date

4-25-2023 3:00 PM

Faculty Sponsor’s Department

Community & Behavioral Health

Name of Project's Faculty Sponsor

Samuel Pettyjohn

Additional Sponsors

Dr. Roger Blackwell, Dr. Stephanie Mathis

Classification of First Author

Graduate Student-Doctoral

Competition Type

Competitive

Type

Oral Presentation

Project's Category

Community Health

Abstract or Artist's Statement

Community health workers (CHWs) make up a crucial part of the public health system by providing culturally-sensitive care in historically marginalized communities, such as those found throughout Appalachia. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, CHWs have been less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine than other healthcare workers. It is important to understand if CHW vaccination status affects concern for their clients during the pandemic, as this may subsequently affect care delivery. Therefore, this study investigated the association between CHW vaccination status and concern for their clients given COVID-19 restrictions lifting. Secondary analysis was performed on data from an electronic survey administered in two Appalachian populations from October to December, 2021. In total, 71 CHWs were eligible for inclusion in the study. Fisher’s Exact Test was used to compare survey responses between CHWs who had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and those who had not. 86% of CHWs had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Most CHWs, regardless of vaccination status, reported that client needs had changed during the pandemic. However, vaccinated CHWs were significantly more likely to have concerns for their clients with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions than unvaccinated CHWs. A difference in concern by vaccination status may translate to a difference in care provided during the pandemic, as well. This is important to consider in creating and delivering training for CHWs so that they can provide the best possible care to communities in Appalachia.

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Apr 25th, 2:40 PM Apr 25th, 3:00 PM

Community Health Workers' COVID-19 Vaccine Status and Concerns for Client Welfare in Appalachia

Culp Center Rm. 366

Community health workers (CHWs) make up a crucial part of the public health system by providing culturally-sensitive care in historically marginalized communities, such as those found throughout Appalachia. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, CHWs have been less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine than other healthcare workers. It is important to understand if CHW vaccination status affects concern for their clients during the pandemic, as this may subsequently affect care delivery. Therefore, this study investigated the association between CHW vaccination status and concern for their clients given COVID-19 restrictions lifting. Secondary analysis was performed on data from an electronic survey administered in two Appalachian populations from October to December, 2021. In total, 71 CHWs were eligible for inclusion in the study. Fisher’s Exact Test was used to compare survey responses between CHWs who had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and those who had not. 86% of CHWs had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Most CHWs, regardless of vaccination status, reported that client needs had changed during the pandemic. However, vaccinated CHWs were significantly more likely to have concerns for their clients with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions than unvaccinated CHWs. A difference in concern by vaccination status may translate to a difference in care provided during the pandemic, as well. This is important to consider in creating and delivering training for CHWs so that they can provide the best possible care to communities in Appalachia.