Low Risk, High Stakes: Factors Associated with Low COVID-19 Risk Perception Among Black Chicago Residents

Black Americans consistently face dramatic health disparities throughout the United Status. The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted Black communities, leading to disparities in hospitalizations and death. Using a health equity lens, this study aimed to explore factors associated with COVID-19 risk perception, including the role of medical mistrust and experience of racism and discrimination among Black adults in Chicago. Survey data was collected among 538 Black Chicago residents between September 2021 and March 2022. We tested predictors of low-risk perception outcomes (i.e., the strong disbelief that one will get COVID-19 in the next three months and not being worried about getting COVID-19) utilizing a backward stepwise algorithm. Sociodemographic variables (gender-age, income) were significant predictors of both risk perception outcomes. Participants who stated that they very closely followed the recommendation to wear a face mask were significantly more likely to have the strong disbelief they would get COVID-19 within the next three months and those who experienced greater racial discrimination were significantly less likely to have the strong disbelief. Results also showed that individuals who were classified as non-essential employees or had an unknown work status, had fewer medical conditions, and closely adhered to socially distance guidelines were significantly more likely to not be worried about getting COVID-19. Findings add to ongoing literature on COVID-19 perceptions and predictors of COVID-19 risk perception and highlight the need for further research on the influence of individual, social and structural factors on risk perceptions.