221 Factors Influencing COVID-19 Testing among American Indians and Latinos in Two Rural Agricultural Communities: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Despite efforts to improve COVID-19 health outcomes through testing and vaccination, SARS-CoV-2 has exacerbated health disparities in underserved populations. Through this study we examined socio-contextual factors impacting decisions to test for COVID-19 among Native Americans in the Flathead Reservation and Hispanics in the Yakima Valley. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A series of 28 key informant interviews and 6 focus groups (N=39 focus group participants) were completed with community and tribal leaders using an interview guide informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory, and the Social Contextual Factor Frameworks. The interview guide was designed to examine the socio-contextual factors impacting decisions to test for COVID-19 among Native Americans and Hispanics in the Northwest. A codebook was developed to apply deductive coding to informant responses, followed by an inductive, constant comparison approach. Three analysts met to refine the codebook and conduct inter-rater agreement. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Five themes (social, cultural, health, religious and political factors) were identified that impacted testing for COVID-19. For social factors, participants discussed the influence of families and friends and unfair employment practices influencing decisions to test. Cultural factors included deep rooted distrust for the government and historical trauma. Health factors participants reported included the importance of testing to save lives, distrust for medical system, and health communications around COVID-19 affecting decisions to test. There was some interaction between religious and political factors. While participants mentioned beliefs in putting things in God’s hands, some decisions to test seemed to be affected by their political views. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Several socio-cultural factors influence decisions to test for COVID-19. Understanding the community’s perception of COVID-19 testing is critical for successful implementation of preventive strategies.