Researcher(s)
- Sana Patil, Human Physiology, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Sarah Goldring, Cooperative Extension, University of Delaware
Abstract
Vaccination against COVID-19 has significantly reduced hospitalization and death rates as a result of the disease. Within underserved and low-income neighborhoods, vaccination rates remain lower than the national average. Community health educators serve as a trusted bridge between healthcare services and their communities, and can leverage their positions within their local environments to encourage patients and families to address vaccine hesitancy. Tailored training and education related to communication skills and cultural understanding can provide these professionals with the tools to effectively address vaccine behaviors with members of their communities.
This research project investigates the impact of a training program provided over four separate sessions to both community health workers and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program professionals. The first session educated participants on motivations behind vaccine behaviors within underserved communities in Delaware as well as barriers to vaccination and benefits and emphasized how to incorporate cultural competency into discussions related to vaccine practices. The third session focused on how to incorporate communication techniques such as motivational interviewing and an understanding of the five stages of change in vaccine conversations. The second and fourth sessions incorporated the University’s healthcare theater, and allowed participants to practice recently learned communication skills.
The study utilized a variety of evaluation approaches, including pre- and post- training surveys to assess participants’ confidence in addressing vaccine hesitancy and gather information about the communities they served and perceived barriers to vaccination. Qualitative data revealed positive reactions to training, including benefits associated with building trust with their communities and initiating conversations. Confidence scores in communication skills were greater in the post-survey compared to the pre-survey. Given community health educators’ critical roles in providing health information to their surrounding communities, these findings suggest that comprehensive communication training can empower these health educators to promote vaccine conversations and address public health challenges.