Sampling Strategies for Examining Knowledge and Attitudes About the COVID-19 Vaccine by Race and Ethnicity

Introduction

This report aims to make two sample methodologies suggestions for a study that will investigate the similarities and differences in knowledge and attitudes regarding the COVID-19 vaccine that exist among the various racial and ethnic groups that make up our community. Specifically, the research will look at our community. As a representative of the local health department, our objective is to collect data to build public health campaigns that are focused and effective, and that address the problems and attitudes that are particular to each population group.

Summary of Jones et al.’s Study

Jones et al. (2020) conducted a study to examine the relationship between people’s knowledge about and attitudes around COVID-19 and any potential differences in these elements across various racial and ethnic groups. Using internet platforms and social media marketing, they recruited study participants using convenience sampling. Although this strategy had certain benefits, such as accessibility and simplicity in hiring, it is essential to recognize its shortcomings.

By its very nature, convenience sampling depends on conveniently available subjects and willingness to participate in the research. The sample needs to reflect the larger population accurately. Only relying on social media and online recruitment platforms runs the risk of unintentionally excluding people with less access to or interest in digital technology. Certain demographic groups, such as elderly persons or people from poorer socioeconomic origins, may be disproportionately affected by this exclusion. As a result, the results from the convenience sample could not accurately reflect the diversity of understanding and opinions regarding COVID-19 among various racial and ethnic groups. Alternative sampling techniques must be considered for our study to get around these restrictions and get a more representative sample.

Description of the Target Population

Our intended audience consists of locals of many different races and cultures, including but not limited to those of African descent, the Hispanic and Latino communities, Asians, and Whites. To target these populations successfully, we need a thorough understanding of the diversity of opinions held within them regarding the COVID-19 vaccination.

Description of Proposed Sampling Strategy

Random Digit Dialing (RDD)

We advocate using a random digit dialing (RDD) strategy to guarantee a representative sample. RDD includes randomly selecting phone numbers and calling members of the target population. Incorporating variables like age, race, and ethnicity into our stratified sampling strategy (Whites & Katz, 2021). The following actions will be taken during the implementation of this strategy:

1. a) Obtain a thorough list of phone numbers from neighborhood phone service providers.
2. b) Classify the data depending on the target population’s demographic traits.
3. c) Pick numbers at random from each stratum and get in touch with possible participants.
4. d) Hold interviews or use a phone to conduct the survey tool.

Justification for RDD

1. Representative Sample: RDD increases the likelihood of collecting a sample representative of the intended audience, improving the applicability of our findings to a broader audience.
2. Inclusion of Diverse Individuals: RDD offers the chance to include people who might not be active on social media or internet platforms, thereby minimizing potential biases and guaranteeing the inclusion of a broader spectrum of viewpoints.
3. Venue-Based Sampling

Venue-based sampling, which involves selecting people from specific sites favored by various racial and ethnic groups, is another effective method. The following actions would be interested in putting this approach into action:

1. a) Identify places of worship, community centers, and cultural activities that various racial and ethnic groups frequent.
2. b) Ask venue owners or organizers for permission before approaching potential participants.
3. c) Conduct on-site interviews or personally distribute the survey tool.

Justification for Venue-Based Sampling

1. Contextual Understanding: Venue-based sampling enables a better understanding of participants’ attitudes and views regarding the COVID-19 vaccination within particular cultural contexts by placing them in their familiar environments.
2. Enhanced Rapport and Trust: Face-to-face interactions foster trust and rapport between the research team and participants, potentially resulting in more honest and accurate responses.

Conclusion

Our study can benefit significantly from random digit dialing (RDD) and venue-based sampling procedures. While venue-based sampling enables a contextual understanding and builds relationships with participants, RDD offers a representative sample and includes a broader spectrum of people. We may gather varied viewpoints on the COVID-19 vaccine from various racial and ethnic groups in our community by combining these tactics, which will help us to develop targeted public health initiatives and lessen gaps in vaccination uptake. Consider each sampling strategy’s challenges and limitations. RDD may eliminate non-responders due to non-response bias. Phone interviews with non-English speakers may also present language problems. Bilingual interviewers can help with data gathering and communication.

Venue-based sampling may also need to be revised. It requires careful venue selection to reflect the target population’s variety. Selection bias may occur if particular groups are over or underrepresented in venues. Permission, scheduling, and on-site interview privacy must also be considered. To address these issues, community leaders, organizations, and stakeholders from diverse racial and ethnic groups must be involved in research planning and execution. Their thoughts and involvement can assist in finding suitable venues, understanding cultural nuances, and building community trust. Involving community people in the research process improves the validity and relevance of our findings and ensures that public health programs based on this study resonate with the target audience.

References

Massey, S. E., Jones, A., Zhang, D., Deigin, Y., & Quay, S. C. (2023). Unwarranted exclusion of intermediate lineage AB SARS-CoV-2 genomes is inconsistent with the two-spillover hypothesis of the origin of COVID-19. Microbiology Research, 14(1), 448-453.

Reiter, P. L., & Katz, M. L. (2021). Racial/Ethnic differences in knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about COVID-19 among adults in the United States. Frontiers in Public Health, 9, 653498.