COVID-19 health information needs of older adults from ethnic minority groups in the UK: a qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the COVID-19 health information needs of older adults from ethnic minority groups in the UK.Study designA qualitative study using semistructured interviews.Setting and participantsIndian and Nepalese older adults (≥65 years), their families (≥18 years) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) (≥18 years) engaging with these communities. Participants were recruited between July and December 2020 from Kent, Surrey and Sussex through community organisations.Results24 participants took part in the study; 13 older adults, 7 family members and 4 HCPs. Thirteen participants were female, and the majority (n=17) spoke a language other than English at home. Older participants mostly lived in multigenerational households, and family and community were key for providing support and communicating about healthcare needs. Participants’ knowledge of COVID-19 varied widely; some spoke confidently about the subject, while others had limited information. Language and illiteracy were key barriers to accessing health information. Participants highlighted the need for information in multiple formats and languages, and discussed the importance of culturally appropriate avenues, such as community centres and religious sites, for information dissemination.ConclusionThis study, undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic, provides insight into how health information can be optimised for ethnic minority older adults in terms of content, format and cultural relevance. The study highlights that health information interventions should recognise the intersection between multigenerational living, family structure, and the health and well-being of older adults, and should promote intergenerational discussion.

COVID-19 vaccination coverage for half a million non-EU migrants and refugees in England

“…Migrants with non-white ethnicities were more likely to be delayed for their second dose than migrants with a white ethnicity. This could reflect the unique challenges that being both a migrant and an ethnic minority have on vaccine access as a result of healthcare entitlement, language, literacy and other communication barriers 2 , 29 . As some ethnic minority communities experienced higher severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 exposure and subsequent COVID-19 infection, second dose delays could have also influenced by following official guidance to wait at least 4 weeks after an infection before receiving the next dose 30 , 31 .…”