Young African Americans' Communication with Family Members About COVID-19: Impact on Vaccination Intention and Implications for Health Communication Interventions

Communication with family members about the COVID-19 vaccine may play an important role in vaccination decisions, especially among young people. This study examined the association between family communication about the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination intention. Participants were Black/African Americans aged 18-30 years (N = 312) recruited through an online survey in June 2020. We assessed family communication, vaccine attitudes, perceived norms, outcome expectancies, and vaccination intention. More than half (62%) of the participants had talked to family members about the vaccine. Females were more likely than males to have engaged in family communication (63% vs. 59%) (p. > .05). Family communication, injunctive norms, and descriptive norms were significantly (p. < .01) associated with vaccination intention. Family communication was the strongest predictor of intention. Promoting discussions about vaccinations between young Black adults and their families may increase the likelihood of adopting positive vaccination beliefs and influencing vaccine decision-making.

Automated summary

Communication with family members about the COVID-19 vaccine has a significant impact on vaccination intention among young Black/African American adults. Family communication, injunctive norms, and descriptive norms are significantly associated with vaccination intention, with family communication being the strongest predictor of intention. Promoting discussions about vaccinations within families may lead to more positive vaccination beliefs and influence vaccine decision-making.