Work

Black Pastors as Change Agents Promoting COVID-19 Vaccination in South Carolina: Application of Diffusion of Innovations Theory

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many minority communities tried different strategies to increase their members' vaccination rates. This study uses diffusion of innovations theory [1] with a focus on "the sequence of change agent roles" to explore Black pastors' approach to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Ten semi-structured interviews gauged how Black pastors understood their role in increasing vaccine use in their communities. Seven themes emerged from analysis: creating awareness of change; establishing a connection; seeking to understand; encouraging the new behavior; leveraging the power of interpersonal communication; maintaining support; and providing future assistance. Results im-ply that by continuing to work with healthcare providers, Black pastors can help to in-crease awareness about annual COVID-19 boosters among their church members and in surrounding communities.

Source: American journal of public health research

DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-13-2-6

Authors: DaKysha Moore, Lisa N. Mansfield, Nicole Caviness-Ashe, Elijah O. Onsomu

Institutions: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Medicine, Winston-Salem State University

Language: English

Topic: Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute