ABSTRACT
ObjectiveThe current study examined patterns in COVID-19 testing and vaccination intentions across multiple language groups in Greater Western Sydney, Australia. MethodsParticipants completed a cross-sectional survey available from March 21 to July 9, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. Surveys were available in English or translated (11 languages). Participants could complete surveys independently or with support from bilingual staff. Logistic regression models using post-stratification weighted frequencies identified factors associated with testing and vaccination intentions. ResultsMost of the 708 participants (88%, n=622) were not born in Australia; 31% reported that they did not speak English well or at all (n=220); 70% had no tertiary qualifications (n=497); and 41% had inadequate health literacy (n=290). Most participants reported high testing intention (77.2%, n=546), with differences observed across language groups (p<0.001). The most frequently reported barrier to testing was concerns about infection at the clinic (26.1%). Half (53.0%) reported willingness to get a COVID-19 vaccine if recommended to them (n=375); 18% were unwilling (n=127), and the remainder unsure (29%, n=205). These proportions varied significantly by language group (p<0.001). Participants were more likely to be unwilling/hesitant if they were female (p=0.02) or did not use Australian commercial information sources (p=0.01). Concerns about side effects (30.4%, n=102) and safety (23.9%, n=80), were key reported barriers to vaccination. ConclusionDifferent language groups have unique and specific needs to support uptake of COVID-19 testing and vaccination. Health services must work collaboratively with culturally and linguistically diverse communities to provide tailored support to encourage COVID-19 testing and vaccination. Lay summaryO_LI708 adults living in Sydney, Australia, who did not speak English as their main language at home took part in a survey about COVID-19 vaccination and testing. C_LIO_LIParticipants could complete the survey online (English/translated) or with support from bilingual staff. The survey was available in 11 languages. C_LIO_LIThree quarters of participants (77%) reported they would get tested for COVID-19 if they had symptoms no matter what. The most common barrier was concern about getting infected at the testing clinic. C_LIO_LI53% of participants reported that they would get a COVID-19 vaccine if it was recommended to them. 18% reported that they wouldnt get the vaccine, and 29% were unsure. The main barriers were concerns about vaccine side effects and safety. C_LIO_LIIntentions to get tested for COVID-19 or to get vaccinated varied significantly across language groups. Participants who were female, or who did not use Australian commercial information sources were more likely to be unwilling or unsure about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. C_LIO_LIDifferent language groups have unique and specific needs to support uptake of COVID-19 testing and vaccination. Health services must work collaboratively with culturally and linguistically diverse communities to provide tailored support to encourage COVID-19 testing and vaccination. C_LI
ABSTRACT
BackgroundLittle is known about COVID-19 information-seeking experiences for culturally and linguistically diverse groups in Australia. MethodsParticipants were recruited using a cross-sectional survey from March 21 to July 9, 2021, translated into 11 languages, and with supporting bilingual staff. Linear regression models identified factors associated with difficulty finding easy-to-understand COVID-19 information. ResultsAcross 708 participants (88% born overseas, 31% poor English proficiency), difficulty finding easy-to-understand COVID-19 information was rated 4.13 for English materials (95%CI: 3.85 to 4.41) and 4.36 for translated materials (95%CI: 4.07 to 4.66) (1 easy to 10 hard). Participants who were older (p<0.001), had inadequate health literacy (Mean Difference (MD)=-1.43, 95%CI -2.03 to - 0.82, p<0.001), or poor English proficiency (MD=-1.9, 95%CI-2.51 to -1.29, p<0.001) found it harder to find easy-to-understand English-language COVID-19 information. Those who had greater difficulty finding easy-to-understand translated COVID-19 information were younger (p=0.004), had poor English proficiency (MD=-1.61, 95%CI -2.29 to -0.9, p<0.001), university education (MD=0.77, 95%CI 0.00 to 1.53, p=0.05), and had spent longer living in Australia (p=0.001). They were more likely to rely on friends and family for COVID-19 information (p=0.02). There was significant variation in information-seeking experiences across language groups (ps<0.001). ConclusionsEasy-to-understand and accessible COVID-19 information is needed to meet the needs of people in culturally and linguistically diverse communities. This approach should involve working alongside these communities to tailor messages and leverage existing communication channels.
ABSTRACT
ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the psychological, social, and financial impacts of COVID-19 on culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia. DesignCross-sectional survey informed by the Framework for Culturally Competent Health Research conducted between March and July, 2021. SettingParticipants were recruited from Greater Western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Participants708 community members who speak a language other than English at home participated (mean age: 45.4years [range 18-91]; 88% [n=622] born outside of Australia). Outcome measuresFifteen items regarding impacts of COVID-19, adapted from validated scales, previous surveys or co-designed in partnership with Multicultural Health and interpreter service staff. Logistic regression models (using post-stratification weighted frequencies) identified factors associated with psychological, social, and financial impacts. Surveys were available in English or translated (11 languages). ResultsEven prior to the COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney, 25% of the sample reported feeling nervous or stressed most/all of the time and 22% felt lonely or alone most/all of the time. One quarter of participants reported negative impacts on their spousal relationships as a result of COVID-19 and most parents reported that their children were less active (64%), had more screen time (63%), and were finding school harder (45%). Mean financial burden was 2.9/5 (95%CI=2.8 to 2.9). Regression analyses consistently showed distinct impact patterns for different language groups and more negative outcomes for those with comorbidities. ConclusionCulturally and linguistically diverse communities experience significant psychological, social and financial impacts of COVID-19, with distinct impact patterns across language groups. A whole-of-government approach with policy and sustainable infrastructure is needed to co-design innovative, tailored and culturally-safe COVID-19 support packages. ARTICLE SUMMARY O_TEXTBOXStrengths and limitations of this study O_LIThis is the largest Australian survey exploring the impacts of COVID-19 among people who primarily speak a language other than English, enabled through recruitment methods that are inclusive and reduce barriers to participation (e.g. translated surveys, engagement of interpreters and multicultural health staff who are trusted in their communities, and use of multiple recruitment methods including through community events and networks). C_LIO_LIThis study was co-designed by researchers and multicultural health service staff, in alignment with the Framework of Culturally Competent Health Research. C_LIO_LITo reduce survey length and burden on participants we purposefully selected a small number of items from validated measures or our previous research to explore psychological, social and financial impacts, or co-designed them specifically for this study. C_LIO_LIWe used convenience sampling methods and self-report may have introduced recall and social desirability bias. C_LIO_LIWe are unable to explore changes in impacts of COVID-19 over time. C_LI C_TEXTBOX
