Inclusion of Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in COVID-19 Public Health Research: Research Design Adaptations to Seek Different Perspectives in Victoria, Australia

Abstract

Participation of people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in public health research is often limited by challenges with recruitment, retention and second-language data collection. Consequently, people from CALD communities are at risk of their needs being marginalised in public health interventions. This paper presents intrinsic case analyses of two studies which were adapted to increase the cultural competence of research processes. Both cases were part of the Optimise study, a major mixed methods research study in Australia which provided evidence to inform the Victorian state government’s decision-making about COVID-19 public health measures. Case study 1 involved the core Optimise longitudinal cohort study and Case study 2 was the CARE Victorian representative survey, an Optimise sub-study. Both case studies engaged cultural advisors and bilingual staff to adjust the survey measures and research processes to suit target CALD communities. Reflexive processes provided insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the inclusive strategies. Selected survey results are provided, demonstrating variation across CALD communities and in comparison to participants who reported speaking English at home. While in most cases a gradient of disadvantage was evident for CALD communities, some patterns were unexpected. The case studies demonstrate the challenge and value of investing in culturally competent research processes to ensure research guiding policy captures a spectrum of experiences and perspectives.

Priority populations’ experiences of isolation, quarantine and distancing for COVID-19: protocol for a longitudinal cohort study (Optimise Study)

“…In September 2021, specific recruitment and data collection strategies were developed to enable people born overseas or speaking a language other than English at home to participate. 37 Trained bilingual data collectors from AMD-speaking communities were employed to support recruitment and data collection in participants’ languages. Data collectors use online advertisements, flyers and posters translated into AMD (with English).…”

“…Publications related to the Optimise Study and any substudies that are prepared and submitted to peer-reviewed journals. 37 50–53 …”

Emergency preparedness and response sensitive of migrant populations in Chile: post-pandemic perspectives

“…En ese sentido, la respuesta ente las necesidades de prevención y respuesta en el contexto de emergencia sanitaria requiere de la comprensión y el reconocimiento de aquellos grupos histórica, estructural y persistentemente invisibles o excluidos [9]. También requiere de una redefinición de la relación de poder entre dichos grupos, el Estado y la sociedad general, de manera de establecer relaciones interculturales respetuosas de la diversidad desde la narrativa, el imaginario común y la práctica cotidiana [10].…”

Trends in Communication Strategies through Traditional Medicine: Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Tanzania

“…For example, in Canada, campaigns included Indigenous languages to ensure that Indigenous communities received accurate information (Rice, 2023). Research during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significance of featuring content in local languages to bridge language barriers (Gibbs et al, 2023). This approach respects cultural diversity and enhances trust and engagement within these communities.…”