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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Research

Association of social vulnerability index and masking adherence among children enrolled in COVID-19 community research partnership study

Authors: Keerti L. Dantuluri, Asare Buahin, Diane Uschner, Michael E. DeWitt, Whitney Rossman, Connell O. Dunn, Timothy C. Hetherington, Jennifer Priem, Paola Castri, William H. Lagarde, Michael Gibbs, Amina Ahmed, The COVID-19 Community Research Partnership

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Individuals with high social vulnerability index (SVI) have poorer outcomes with COVID-19. Masking reduces transmission of COVID-19 among children, but how SVI plays a role in masking behavior is unknown. We aimed to measure the association of SVI with masking adherence among children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a multi-site, prospective syndromic surveillance study among children aged 2 – 17 years in the Southeastern United States by daily electronic surveys which solicited symptoms of COVID-19-like illness, infection with or exposure to SARS-CoV-2, masking habits, and any receipt of COVID-19 vaccines. Parents/guardians submitted surveys for their children; adolescents 13 years and older could opt to submit their own surveys. Multivariable and univariate linear models were used to measure the associations of different predictors such as SVI with masking adherence.

Results

One thousand four hundred sixty-one children from 6 states and 55 counties predominately from North and South Carolina were included in the analysis. Most children in the cohort were 5 – 11 years old, non-Hispanic White, from urban counties, and with low-moderate SVI. Overall masking adherence decreased over time, and older children had higher masking adherence throughout the study period compared with younger children. Children who resided in urban counties had greater masking adherence throughout the study period than those who resided in suburban or rural counties. Masking adherence was higher among children with both low and medium SVI than those with high SVI.

Conclusions

Despite being at risk for more severe outcomes with COVID-19, children with high SVI had lower levels of masking adherence compared to those with low SVI. Our findings highlight opportunities for improved and targeted messaging in these vulnerable communities.

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Title: Association of social vulnerability index and masking adherence among children enrolled in COVID-19 community research partnership study
Authors: Keerti L. Dantuluri
Asare Buahin
Diane Uschner
Michael E. DeWitt
Whitney Rossman
Connell O. Dunn
Timothy C. Hetherington
Jennifer Priem
Paola Castri
William H. Lagarde
Michael Gibbs
Amina Ahmed
The COVID-19 Community Research Partnership
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-17931-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Association of social vulnerability index and masking adherence among children enrolled in COVID-19 community research partnership study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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