Chronic conditions, COVID-19 vaccination, and institutional trust among Hispanic/Latinx communities in San Diego, California

Abstract

Background

Hispanic/Latinx populations have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These populations are also more likely to have chronic conditions, putting them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Vaccination is important to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, but Hispanic/Latinx populations may be less likely to vaccinate due to institutional trust related to experiences of discrimination in healthcare and community disinvestment. Project 2VIDA! is a randomized clinical trial developed to respond to the need for increased trust and vaccine access among these populations in San Diego, California. Analyzing 2VIDA! data, this article seeks to better understand the relationship between chronic health conditions, institutional trust, and vaccination behaviors among a predominantly Hispanic/Latinx sample in San Diego.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of baseline survey data collected from July 2021–June 2023 during 2VIDA! We used ordered logistic regression to understand the relationship between chronic conditions, institutional trust, and vaccination among participants.

Results

Our findings show that participants aged 36 or older, women, those who indicated higher institutional trust in healthcare and health information, and those with one or more chronic conditions had higher odds of receiving more vaccinations. Participants who took the survey in Spanish had lower odds of vaccination (compared to English).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that widespread communication on the importance of vaccination for older Hispanic/Latinx populations with chronic conditions may have supported vaccination uptake. Targeted messaging and community-based approaches to build trust, combat misinformation, and increase vaccination uptake among younger individuals and Spanish-speakers are needed.