An Examination of Responses to COVID-19 Contact-Tracing Efforts in Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx Communities of Los Angeles

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the experiences and perceptions of COVID-19 contact-tracing efforts among cases tested in under-resourced and predominately Latino and Black communities of South Los Angeles, California. Methods: Study involved a cross-sectional survey with 1,713 adults. Recruitment occurred between June and November 2021 with eligible individuals who had previously received a COVID-19 diagnosis through designated testing sites. The LA County Department of Public Health operated a culturally responsive program for contact tracing that included provision of education and service referrals to newly diagnosed cases through much of the pandemic. Results: Participants were majority female (63%), Hispanic/Latino/a/x (64%), ages 18–40 (69%), and surveyed in English (77%). Overall contact-tracing experiences were rated positively, regardless of demographics (average means of 3.1–3.2/4.0). Those surveyed in Spanish were more likely to endorse positive statements if their contact tracer also spoke Spanish. Although over 75% of participants shared a range of the different information types requested, 49–52% endorsed concerns about data security and uses of the solicited information. Conclusions: Despite eliciting some concerns, contact-tracing efforts were generally positively received. Policy implications: Investments in contact tracing in similar communities should consider language-concordant contact tracers, community-based health worker training in trust building, and addressing social and health needs.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• contact tracing
• Hispanic or Latino
• public health
• Black or African American
• communicable diseases