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Public Health Measures and Black Communities in Canada: Understanding Barriers and Facilitators During the COVID-19 Pandemic #MMPMID41269656
Ezezika O; Graham T; Pellitier ZC; Mengistu M; Girmay B; Thompson C
J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2025[Nov]; ? (?): ? PMID41269656show ga
OBJECTIVE: This study explores the facilitators and barriers to taking up public health measures (i.e., mask wearing, disinfection, sanitation, handwashing, and social distancing) among Black communities in Canada. Despite the importance of these measures in curbing COVID-19, there is limited information on how they are perceived and adopted in Black communities, highlighting a gap in understanding their unique challenges. DATA SOURCES: A total of 130 semi-structured interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted via Zoom. The content of these interviews and discussions was transcribed and coded into barriers and facilitators. The identified barriers and facilitators for each public health measure were organized by the relevant subcomponent of the COM-B model. RESULTS: Results demonstrated that barriers to uptake of public health measures were aligned with five COM-B subcomponents: physical opportunity, physical capability, social opportunity, psychological capability, and automatic motivation. Facilitators to uptake aligned with three subcomponents: physical opportunity, psychological capability, and automatic motivation. Handwashing barriers included design issues and soap costs, while facilitators included accessing natural and quality products. Mask wearing was hindered by discomfort, but was facilitated by improved mask design. Sanitizing and disinfecting were hindered by the design and product smell, while eco-friendly, moisturizing options encouraged usage. Social distancing was hindered by the need for social interaction and reliance on public transportation. CONCLUSION: The study's findings underscored the multifaceted determinants of public health practices among Black communities in Canada, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of the behaviours and factors that shape their ability to adhere to public health measures during the COVID-19 Pandemic. REGISTRATION: A protocol for this study was developed and published in BMJ Open: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063528.
J+Racial+Ethn+Health+Disparities 2025 ; ? (?): ?
