COVID-19 Risk Reduction Among African American Parishioners

Multilevel, Multidisciplinary, Faith-Based Participatory Interventions to Reduce COVID-19 Related-Risks Among Underserved African Americans

African American adults, specifically those managing chronic disease and social isolation, are one of the most vulnerable groups susceptible to COVID-19. This intervention involves a multi-disciplinary and culturally sensitive approach to address two major COVID-19 related challenges in this population. First, this program collaborates with predominantly African American churches to implement Federal and State guidelines aimed at preventing outbreaks of COVID-19 at faith-based gatherings. Second, this program trains church-based health advisors to help African American older parishioners manage their chronic health conditions and reduce psychological distress during the pandemic.

To jointly implement and evaluate a telehealth-based, multidisciplinary, culturally-sensitive intervention with 265 AA older parishioners: (i) To mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 on the management of chronic health conditions, and (ii) to reduce healthcare avoidance behaviors and psychological distress.

Inclusion Criteria:

• African American older adults aged 55 years with a chronic medical condition or 65years and older
• Have at least one risk factor for COVID-19

Exclusion Criteria:

• Resident of care facility
• Cognitive deficit (identified by short version of mini-mental instrument)
• Does not self-identify as African American and/or Black
• Under the age of 55years
• Unable to speak and/or read English