Understanding COVID-19 Risk Perceptions and Precautionary Behaviors in Black Chicagoans: A Grounded Theory Approach. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chebli, Perla; McBryde-Redzovic, Aminah; Al-Amin, Nadia; Gutierrez-Kapheim, Melissa; Molina, Yamilé; Mitchell, Uchechi A.
• Is Part Of: Health education & behavior. Volume 50:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 7
• Page End: 17
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- risk perceptions -- grounded theory -- African Americans; Health education -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Periodicals; 613.05
• DOI: 10.1177/10901981221139168
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1090-1981

Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether actual community-level risk for COVID-19 in the Black community influenced individual perceptions of community-level and personal risk and how self-assessment of personal risk was reflected in the adoption of COVID-19 precautionary behaviors. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 Black Chicago adults from February to July 2021. A grounded theory approach was used for the qualitative analysis and initial, focused, and theoretical coding were performed. Results: We developed a grounded model consisting of four major themes: (a) Pre-Existing Health Conditions; (b) Presence of COVID-19 Infection in Participant Social Network; (c) COVID-19-Related Information, Participant Trust, and Perceived Personal Risk; and (d) Perceived Higher Burden of COVID-19 in the Black Community. Conclusions: Higher perceptions of personal risk were shaped by pre-existing health conditions and experiences with COVID-19 in one's social network but were not influenced by perceived higher burden of COVID-19 in the Black community. Policy Implications: Black adults' perceptions of their individual risk and precautionary behaviors were not congruent with public health data and recommendations. Therefore, COVID-19 messaging and mitigation should be informed by local community engagement and transparent communication.