The Role of Community Leaders and Other Information Intermediaries During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights from the Multicultural Sector (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Community and religious leaders, as well as other natural leaders, from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds have been posited as a gateway into communities, acting as information intermediaries that enabler or broker public health messages about the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are currently limitations regarding our understanding of the capacity, role and reach of these leaders. In-depth interviews were undertaken to understand the perceptions of those working in services and other social support roles focused on CaLD communities towards the role and impact of information intermediaries in promoting and supporting COVID-19 public health communication and engagement activities. Forty-six semi-structured telephone interviews were undertaken with key stakeholders who have an active role in the delivery of services and other social support to CaLD communities in Australia. Four key themes emerged related to the role of information intermediaries during the interviews. Ideas around the role they fulfil in “bridging the gap” and supporting the delivery of pandemic related information into communities. Participants suggested that there had been a failure by Federal government agencies to recognise the role of these stakeholders early in the pandemic, as well as a failure to provide sufficient resources and support. However, concerns were also raised that information may be inappropriately interpreted or translated by the community information intermediaries or potentially blocked, if the message does not align with the broker’s own beliefs. Finally, concerns were raised about the potential for burn-out amongst information intermediaries. It is critical that in preparing and responding to pandemics and other disasters, that there is recognition of the role of community leaders and other information intermediaries and that resources are identified to enhance and sustain their involvement.