Public Health 

Menifield, Charles; Damas, Kasny ; Chen, Tong; Hudson, Shawna; Van Ryzin, Gregg; Song, Miyeon; Hill, Diane; Harris-Neal, Nikeysha; Alsbrook, Ketlen. "Health Literacy and Patient Compliance: Implications for Public Health Interventions from a COVID-19 Study"

Journal: Journal of Health and Human Services Administration (JHHSA)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10793739241303043

Abstract: A wealth of research has documented the detrimental consequences of health illiteracy and its impact on a multitude of health-related issues. Scholars across various disciplines have consistently shown that individuals with higher educational attainment, those born in the United States, and those with greater English proficiency, are more likely to exhibit higher levels of health literacy. However, the extent to which these individuals adhere to established health guidelines remains an understudied area. Therefore, we analyzed data from one of the largest cities impacted by COVID-19 in the United States, to determine whether traditional predictors of high health literacy levels translated into higher levels of vaccination intentions and vaccination doses, to protect themselves and their communities from COVID-19 related illness and death. The results indicated that individuals with high health literacy levels do not necessarily exhibit higher levels of compliance, thus challenging conventional wisdom.

Damas, Kasny; Chen, Tong; Menifield, Charles; Bagchi, Ann. "Preparing for the Next Pandemic: Exploring Predictors of Vaccine Uptake in American Cities"

Journal: American Journal of Health

Status: R & R

Abstract: 

Purpose: COVID-19 devastated communities globally, with the United States leading in fatalities despite extensive control efforts. In 2021, COVID-19 vaccines emerged as the most promising solution, with an efficacy rate exceeding 95% after full vaccination. However, herd immunity remains an elusive target with only 70% of the U.S. population fully vaccinated. This study investigates whether prior vaccination and medical history significantly predict COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake. 

Design: Using data collected from the 66th largest U.S. city after the widespread deployment of COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, we employed logistic regression to test whether an individual’s history of vaccination and prior medical engagement positively influence COVID-19 vaccine-related decisions. 

Setting: Cross-sectional U.S. survey from July-October 2022 (N=393) and November 2023-February 2024 (N=430) Measures: Newark Community Health Survey (2022, 2023) Results: Individuals with a history of preventive care, such as attending at least one non-emergency medical visit in the past year, receiving either the pneumococcal or the influenza vaccine within the past year (p<0.01), strongly predicted COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. These predictors also demonstrated a strong positive association with the completion of the primary vaccine series (p<0.01) and a higher overall total vaccine uptake (p<0.05). 

Conclusion: Future vaccine campaigns should prioritize “low-engagement” populations who lack both recent routine medical visits and a history of previous vaccinations.