Date of Award

Spring 2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

Public Health

Director of Thesis

Dr. Myriam Torres

First Reader

Carla Aguado Swygert

Second Reader

Carla Aguado Swygert

Abstract

It is common knowledge that COVID-19 disproportionately impacts racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. Furthermore, these sects of the population exhibit increased vaccine hesitancy and lower vaccination rates as compared to the aggregated population of the United States, furthering the risk posed by COVID-19 to these communities. In particular, this study focuses on the Latino population in South Carolina, the vaccination rate among this community, and the perspectives which contributed to their vaccination decision. Two hundred Spanish and Portuguese speaking residents of South Carolina were interviewed using a paper survey conducted by pre-trained interviewers. The survey gathered data on demographics, English proficiency, vaccination rate, vaccination decision rationale, and resource distribution about COVID-19 in South Carolina. The survey showed that 55% were fully vaccinated, 3% were partially vaccinated, and 42% were unvaccinated. Additionally, the survey demonstrated that the most common reason cited for deciding to vaccinate against COVID-19 among the Latino population was for the benefit of one’s family and community. Further analysis of this data could reveal how sociodemographic variables may predict one’s vaccination decision.

First Page

1

Last Page

37

Rights

© 2023, Brynn E Lynagh

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