Preventive health behaviour differences across racial groups during the early stages of COVID-19

Background: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the practice of preventative health behaviours had been used disparately across different racial groups. This study seeks to identify any differences in preventative health behaviours across racial groups, controlling for other socio-demographic factors.

Methods: A US national survey study was electronically conducted from July through November 2020, to measure racial/ethnic differences in health preventive behaviours about COVID-19. We performed 2-part regression models to assess whether preventive health behaviours differed by race and ethnicity. Specifically, we employed generalized logistic regressions for investigating the predictors of the use of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM), or stay-at-home strategy, then performed ordinal logistic regression to examine the predictors of social distancing, face mask wearing, and hand hygiene strategy practice.

Results: The results show that non-White respondents were more likely to practice social distancing, mask wearing, and hand hygiene strategy to prevent COVID-19, compared to their White counterparts. Additionally, the findings indicate that individuals who experienced COVID-19-related racial abuse or depression had a higher likelihood of practicing preventive health behaviours.

Discussion: We found ethnicity can be a predictor of health preventive behaviours, in accordance with previous research. The causes of these disparities will require further investigation in order to be addressed.