Culturally-Targeted COVID-19 Communication and SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Testing Evaluation and Uptake

African Americans develop and die from SARS-CoV-2 infection more than any other racial

group in the United States, including in majority African American cities such as Flint,

Michigan. Addressing these disparities may be aided by SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing.

However, African Americans may be reluctant to partake in conventional antibody testing

programs due to medical mistrust and experiences with racism. This study seeks to

evaluate communication strategies for better encouraging understanding and uptake of

salivary SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing. The central hypothesis is that African-Americans

will be more receptive to antibody testing when benefits and limitations are communicated

in a culturally effective manner. Our clinical trial aims are to 1) develop and compare

effects of a general versus culturally-targeted video about antibody testing on African

American and White Flint residents' antibody testing attitudes and uptake; 2) identify

and compare effects of a general versus culturally-targeted video on activation of

medical mistrust and racism-related cognition among African Americans when considering

antibody testing. In collaboration with clinical and community partners, we have prepared

and will evaluate general and culturally-targeted video tutorials about SARS-CoV-2

antibody testing. These brief videos will be distributed to the Flint community through

the Flint Registry - a highly visible local health resource exchange. We will furnish an

opportunity to engage salivary antibody screening and measure willingness to participate.

In this study iteration, we will consider willingness to participate in a drive-up saliva

sample collection that is taking place at a central location in Flint, Michigan.