Engaging Latinx Youth in PhotoVoice to Inform Message Development to Improve COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated health care disparities with higher infection rates and lower vaccination rates among Latinx communities. Caregivers are often responsible for vaccine decisions, but evidence shows teens want involvement in decision-making. Therefore, it is crucial to refine vaccine advocacy, messaging, and communication to effectively target teens. We aim to (1) understand Latinx teen experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and perspectives on vaccination and (2) identify preferred forms and content of COVID-19 video messages to promote vaccination among Latinx teens.

We used PhotoVoice to develop COVID-19 messages with Latinx youth ages 14-17 in the Denver Metro area. Participants took photos representing COVID-19 pandemic's impacts and shared social media video messaging about COVID-19 vaccination. Participants attended up to three focus groups where they presented their photos/videos, developed narratives, and discussed their thoughts and perspectives. We conducted a content analysis synthesizing findings across focus groups.

We engaged 8 Latinx teens between February- May 2022 yielding the following themes: (1) the COVID-19 pandemic had substantial negative impacts on Latinx teens and their communities; (2) teens felt the COVID-19 vaccines were effective, often choosing to get vaccinated to protect loved ones; and (3) teens prefer positive, relatable, and altruistic public health communication.

PhotoVoice offered unique insight into the social isolation and emotional burdens Latinx teens experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding these experiences and perspectives facilitates the creation of meaningful messaging promoting vaccine uptake. Vaccine messaging targeting Latinx youth should leverage social media platforms and emphasize messages reflecting their identities and cultural values.