Abstract
This rapid qualitative exploratory study focused on perceptions of adopting risk-reduction measures, such as face masks, on campuses within institutions of higher education in the United States. It was intended to identify safety measures to reduce virus spread and develop community-informed public health messaging to promote COVID-19 risk-reduction strategies within campus communities. This study was approved by the institutional review board where the study took place. A total of 113 stakeholders, including students, staff, and faculty attended one of nine focus groups. We use the socioecological model to illustrate the use of COVID-19 public health measures in private and public spaces and how macro-level processes, specifically sociocultural values of personal freedom and social responsibility shape the meaning and interpretation of COVID-19 public health measures. A rapid qualitative data analysis was conducted. This analysis was characterized by three steps: (1) transcription of the interviews, (2) completion of a summary template per focus group analysis (data reduction strategy), and (3) matrix analyses involving a cross-case analysis of the nine focus groups conducted. Based on study findings, we offer community-centered recommendations for safe and healthy reopening of large public research institutions. This article contributes to the foundation of scientific literature that qualitatively describes evidence-based strategies for safe reopening of places of education and employment in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to widespread social and economic change across the globe and significantly increased risk for illnesses and death
19.7 million students are enrolled at U.S colleges that employ over 3 million people (National Center for Education Statistics, 2021)
Given the need for exploratory data on this topic among those embedded within IHEs, we conducted a rapid qualitative research study in a public research university in the western United States
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to widespread social and economic change across the globe and significantly increased risk for illnesses and death. As organizations prepare for in-person learning and work, made possible by the emergency approval of COVID-19 vaccines, organizational leadership must consider the health concerns and needs of its community. This is especially the case for institutions of higher education (IHEs). Personal and workplace safety and hygiene protocols need to be followed Such safety measures reduce exposure to COVID-19 and are modifiable risk factors that can help protect employees as well as reduce stress on returning to work in the pandemic (Evanoff et al, 2020; Tan et al, 2020). The following questions guided the research: What are the perceptions of student, staff, and faculty about adopting risk-reduction measures, such as face coverings, on campuses within IHEs? What are their recommendations for safe reopening and return to campus?
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