Restoring public trust in COVID-19 vaccine among Africans, Caribbean, and Black Canadians Community based participatory research (CBPR)

Background The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant global impact predominantly among Africans, Caribbean and Black (ACB) Canadians. ACB people experienced higher infection and recovery rates, greater health risks, and access to care. Public mistrust, due to anti-Black racism and historical trauma contributed to low vaccine uptake among ACB populations. Our study examined multi-level and intersectional issues impacting vaccine uptake and acceptance in Ottawa. This paper will focus on the themes of agency and community resilience. Methods A mixed methods research (MMR) approach guided this study using the socio-ecological model (SEM), intersectionality lens, and community-based participatory research principles to generate the qualitative results. The sample included 49 ACB participants involved in focus group discussions (FGDs). The sample population included service providers (20), social workers (15), doctors (3), and nurses (3) and others (8) who were predominantly Black African (70%), mostly female (80%), age range was 35–44 (33%) with high school diplomas (40%). Data were recorded digitally, transcribed verbatim, analyzed inductively. Data analysis methods were thematic analysis including inductive coding using NVivo software and rigor methods were member-checking and external audits. Ethical approval retrieved from affiliated institutions and measures taken to ensure trustworthiness of data. Results Our data showed rebuilding public trust is possible by bridging knowledge gaps on vaccine information, increasing service providers’ cultural competence capacity, and providing governance/leadership opportunities for ACB communities. Conclusion Restoring public trust will require dismantling racism by prioritizing ACB community’ needs, proactive and accessible culturally appropriate messages, and opportunities to develop policies to improve health outcomes.