Reentry and COVID-19: An Examination of the Vaccine Beliefs and Behaviors of Black Adults in an Urban Community

Background : In light of the elevated risk of COVID-19 infection and mortality rates among Black individuals who are currently or have previously experienced incarceration, it is concerning to note that vaccination rates within this demographic remain significantly low. This study employs the Health Belief and Social Ecological models as theoretical frameworks to investigate the experiences of incarceration and reentry that Black individuals perceive as influencing their health beliefs and behaviors regarding the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. Gaining this understanding can offer valuable insights for developing and implementing effective policy and practice strategies. Methods : Between 2021 and 2022, twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with formerly incarcerated Black adults in the South Central region of the United States utilizing an interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) design. An interview guide, informed by theoretical frameworks, was employed to facilitate each interview, which was audio recorded and professionally transcribed. Data analysis adhered to the established procedures involved in IPA. Results : Participants' health status, race, and religious or spiritual beliefs significantly influenced their perceptions of susceptibility to COVID-19 infection and mortality. Participants' health and medical history, social networks, and experiences with incarceration shaped their views on the severity of the illness. Underlying health issues and job status were seen as enablers of vaccine acceptance, while a lack of reliable information, challenging community conditions, and mild symptoms of COVID-19 served as barriers. Though personal, relational, and economic factors acted as prompts for vaccination, participants showed strong self-efficacy regarding vaccine uptake. Therefore, personal, sociocultural, socioeconomic, structural, and systemic elements play a vital role in shaping the beliefs and actions of formerly incarcerated Black individuals regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions : To enhance vaccine uptake, it is imperative to implement multilevel, culturally informed, and community-engaged health promotion and prevention strategies involving individuals with lived experience.