A Study of COVID‐19 Information Behaviors among Black Americans

Abstract

Many Black Americans expressed skepticism and hesitancy about the Covid‐19 vaccine. The objective of this research is to examine whether there is a relationship between Covid‐19 vaccine status, Covid‐19 vaccine knowledge, and information seeking about the coronavirus. A national online questionnaire of 222 Black identified individuals completed the instrument in the Summer of 2021. We conducted data analysis using ANOVA and nonparametric correlation tests among the variables. Findings show that individuals who have received the COVID‐19 vaccine exhibited greater COVID‐19 vaccine‐related knowledge compared to people who declined the vaccine, or were hesitant adopters. There is no significant difference in the level of knowledge between those who are hesitant about the vaccine and those who declined it. Finally, there is a moderate positive correlation between COVID‐19 vaccine knowledge and engagement in COVID‐19‐related information seeking. We conclude with strategies to improve the Black American health information environment by way of practice, policy and action.