Southwest Health Equity Research Collaborative (2)

PROJECT Summary: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has exacerbated health disparities throughout the United States (US) andimpacted American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations in significant ways. Arizonahas the third largestpopulation of AI/AN in the US (over 350,000) and is home to 22 federally recognized sovereign Native nations.Compared with Whites, AI/AN in Arizona have a significantly higher prevalence of health risk factors thatincrease their susceptibility to COVID-19. AI/AN represent approximately 4.6% of the state's population, yetaccount for 19% of COVID-19 deaths where race and ethnicity of victims is reported. The long-term goal ofthis study is to conduct community-engaged research and outreach to increase COVID-19 awareness andeducation among AI/AN communities in Arizona disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and to reducemisinformation and mistrust. The goal of this Administrative Supplement is to establish effective, culturallyappropriate strategies to enhance participation of AI/AN communities in prevention and treatment of COVID-19, including vaccine trials and future vaccine uptake. This work will be guided by a community engagementframework, which emphasizes equitable participation between scientists and community members in allphases of the research. In partnership with AI/AN communities in the catchment area of the parent U54 RCMI:The Southwest Health Equity Research Collaborative (SHERC), we aim to: 1) Assess awareness,knowledge, experiences, concerns, attitudes, and needs regarding COVID-19 vaccine trials and vaccinationuptake among AI/AN communities in Arizona; 2) Develop and adapt culturally-appropriate educationalmaterials and strategies designed to increase awareness of COVID-19 vaccine trials, decrease misinformation,and increase medical trust; and 3) Implement the educational session and evaluate the impact of educationalmaterials and strategies on enhanced awareness, trust, self-efficacy, and willingness and intent to participatein COVID-19 vaccine trials and future vaccines. There is an urgent need to better address the concerns ofAI/AN communities at this critical juncture of the COVID-19 pandemic in Arizona. Knowledge derived from thisstudy has the potential to build awareness about COVID-19 vaccine trials and enhance participation amongAI/ANs in the trials and future vaccine uptake. The unique geographical and cultural setting of SHERC,combined with the experience and expertise of this interdisciplinary team of investigators, well-positions theproposed study for success.