Abstract
AimsTo determine the prevalence, level of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk perception attitude and preventive behavior implemented by the Latino population in the United States of America (USA).MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between July 25 and August 25, 2020, and included asymptomatic Latino participants (n=410) with no current/previous COVID-19 within a religious community in Maryland. Participants answered a questionnaire consisting of three components: patient demographics/socioeconomic status, COVID-19 risk perception, and precautionary behavior. Additionally, a focused history taking and physical examination were performed, and nasal swabs for COVID-19 testing were obtained.ResultsAround 80% of our study population was 35 years and older, considerably healthy, with only about a third reporting history of chronic disease (~80%); most were females (~66%). Of our participants, 90% lived under poverty; only ~6% had made it to college. When asked about the likelihood of acquiring COVID-19, 97.3% stated they have a low risk of getting infected. However, as we asked about the risk of individuals living in their neighborhood, state, and country, the rates changed to moderate to high (78.4%, 86.3%, and 86.6%, respectively). When asked about preventive behavior, 71.2% stated they never wear masks and 85.4% mentioned they never keep social distance. Additionally, 76 (18.5%) tested positive for COVID-19, whereas 64 (84.2%) developed symptoms at follow-up, 57 (75%) were hospitalized, and 4 (5.2%) died.ConclusionsOur study identified inadequate COVID-19 threat perception and lack of engagement in preventive behavior among a group of Latinos living in the USA. We believe that Latino communities across the USA are at markedly high risk of acquiring, spreading, and dying of COVID-19.
Highlights
Level of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk perception attitude and preventive behavior implemented by the Latino population in the United States of America (USA)
Our study identified inadequate COVID-19 threat perception and lack of engagement in preventive behavior among a group of Latinos living in the USA
We believe that Latino communities across the USA are at markedly high risk of acquiring, spreading, and dying of COVID-19
Summary
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the transmissible coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020 [1]. The pandemic has resulted in the introduction of drastic changes and restrictions to prevent further spread of the virus such as social distancing, quarantine when necessary, mask-wearing, and deliberate hand hygiene [3] Implementing these individual preventive behaviors requires a clear understanding of the actual risk of COVID-19 and the will to put in the effort and time to adapt to these changes [4]. Available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has demonstrated that the highest rates of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 in the USA are among racial and ethnic minority groups when compared to non-Hispanic white groups [5] This high risk is increased explicitly among non-Hispanic
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