COVID-19 mitigation behaviors among English-Speaking Hmong Americans.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Health Disparities

Background:

• COVID-19 mitigation strategies are vital but aggregated data overlook subgroup variations.
• Hmong Americans, a specific Asian American community, require tailored investigations into their COVID-19 response.
• Understanding Hmong Americans' acceptance, adoption, and adherence to mitigation behaviors is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe COVID-19 mitigation behaviors among Hmong Americans.
• To identify contextual and personal characteristics influencing these behaviors.
• To inform culturally appropriate public health interventions for Hmong Americans.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was administered to Hmong Americans aged 18 and over.
• Data were collected between April 8 and June 1, 2021.
• Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Fisher's Exact Test were used to analyze behaviors by gender and generational status.

Main Results:

• A majority of 507 participants reported masking (88.9%), social distancing (55.3%), avoiding gatherings (68.3%), avoiding public spaces (72.3%), and vaccination (69.2%).
• Women were more likely than men to socially distance and avoid gatherings.
• Social influences varied by sex and generational status, with different influencers impacting men and women.

Conclusions:

• Contextual and personal characteristics significantly influence COVID-19 mitigation behaviors in English-speaking Hmong Americans.
• Findings support the development of culturally sensitive health messages and interventions.
• Implications for policy development and future research within this population are highlighted.