Communicating COVID-19 health information to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities: the importance of partnership, co-design, and behavioural and implementation science

Abstract

Objective: To consider the challenges of communicating COVID-19 directives to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Melbourne and Australia, and present evidence-based solutions to influence policy and practice on promoting relevant health behaviours. Type of program or service: We reflect on the experiences of CALD communities during the COVID-19 crisis, and particularly the role of community leaders in shaping health behaviours in their communities. Methods: This article draws on a series of dialogues between CALD community and advocacy leaders, and health behaviour change scientists in July 2020. We present the challenges experienced, and solutions offered, by CALD leaders in communicating health information throughout the pandemic and consider the importance of behavioural and implementation science in reducing inequities in healthcare communication. Results: During the Covid-19 pandemic, CALD leaders have played a critical role in filling gaps in government messaging by providing up-to-date health advice and cultivating community support for relevant health behaviours (e.g., physical distancing, testing, hand hygiene). Nevertheless, attempts to communicate recommended health behaviours may not be reaching, and/or understood by, all members of CALD communities. In synthesizing the accounts of CALD leaders, three key findings emerged: first, partnerships between CALD leaders, communities and government are key, including the establishment of a national CALD advisory group on COVID-19; second, shifting knowledge into action requires moving beyond disseminating information to designing tailored solutions to reflect the diversity in our society; and third, the diverse needs and circumstances of people and communities must be at the centre of health communication and behaviour change strategies. Implementation science is needed to action the solutions offered by CALD leaders for equity of access and outcomes in COVID-19 health support. Lessons learnt: Insights from behavioural and implementation science can inform communication strategies that help align human behaviour with the recommendations of health experts. This coupled with sustained partnership and collaboration with CALD communities, understanding the cultural context and the appropriate tailoring and delivery of communications will ensure health related messages are not lost in translation. These lessons should be applied not only to the current pandemic but to post-pandemic social and economic recovery.

From Paternalism to Engagement: Bioethics Needs a Paradigm Shift to Address Racial Injustice During COVID-19

“…It is time for a paradigm shift in bioethics. To address racial injustice, bioethics must encourage and allow racialized minorities to partake in bioethical discourse about pandemic planning and response, similar to what Vawter et al (2011) and Wild et al (2020) have performed. In addition to counter storytelling (Mithani, Cooper, and Boyd 2021), bioethicists and funding bodies for bioethics projects should pursue and support, respectively, projects that aim to directly engage with racial minorities.…”

“…This underscores the significance of not just translating COVID-19 information into other languages, but also partnering with community leaders to account for context (Wild et al 2020). Wild et al (2020) noted the crucial role of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) religious and community leaders in relaying information to community members via specific messaging and online platforms, modeling and promoting desired behaviors, and providing online avenues for religious practice. They also highlight the importance of sensitive communication to prevent stigma.…”

“…COVID-19 communication efforts in Australia represent another example of how engaging with racial minorities can help achieve better pandemic outcomes. First, Finlay and Wenitong's (2020) Wild (2020) and her colleagues collaborated with leaders from Victoria's multicultural communities to identify ways to best communicate health information on COVID-19. They found that the use of 'high Arabic' in the COVID health information provided by the government to the Victorian South Sudanese community ignored the fact that there are several South Sudanese languages being spoken in Melbourne and that only a minority can speak and write Arabic (Wild 2020).…”

“…First, Finlay and Wenitong's (2020) Wild (2020) and her colleagues collaborated with leaders from Victoria's multicultural communities to identify ways to best communicate health information on COVID-19. They found that the use of 'high Arabic' in the COVID health information provided by the government to the Victorian South Sudanese community ignored the fact that there are several South Sudanese languages being spoken in Melbourne and that only a minority can speak and write Arabic (Wild 2020). This underscores the significance of not just translating COVID-19 information into other languages, but also partnering with community leaders to account for context (Wild et al 2020).…”

“…They found that the use of 'high Arabic' in the COVID health information provided by the government to the Victorian South Sudanese community ignored the fact that there are several South Sudanese languages being spoken in Melbourne and that only a minority can speak and write Arabic (Wild 2020). This underscores the significance of not just translating COVID-19 information into other languages, but also partnering with community leaders to account for context (Wild et al 2020). Wild et al (2020) noted the crucial role of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) religious and community leaders in relaying information to community members via specific messaging and online platforms, modeling and promoting desired behaviors, and providing online avenues for religious practice.…”