Correlates of Influenza Vaccination Among Underserved Latinx Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: Vaccination is a powerful tool in the fight against seasonal influenza, among underserved, middle-age and older, Latinx adults. Yet, vaccine hesitancy and inconsistent uptake in this population continues to represent a substantial challenge to public health. A better understanding of factors impacting influenza vaccination behaviors in this group could result in more effective messaging and initiatives promoting universal vaccination among Latinx.

Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, we explore correlates of influenza vaccination uptake among underserved, Latinx, older adults. Our focus was on the role of socio-demographics, living arrangements, financial strain, access and satisfaction with medical care, and the presence of major chronic conditions in terms of vaccine uptake. Middle-aged and older Latinx residents diagnosed with diabetes and/or hypertension (n=165), were recruited from the South Los Angeles Service Plan Area (SPA), a historically under-resourced community. Bi-variate and multi-variate logistical regression were performed on survey data to explore independent correlates of influenza vaccination.

Results: Almost half of underserved Latinx older adults in our study (45%) reported influenza vaccination within the 12 months prior to the study. The majority (~85%) reported receiving this recommendation from their primary care provider. However, one-third (30%) of those receiving this advice did not get the vaccine. A decreased likelihood of vaccination was significantly associated with living alone (p=0.026), lacking Medicare coverage (0.028), or higher levels of financial strain (0.020). Difficulty accessing medical care (p=0.008) or dissatisfaction with these experiences (p=0.001) were also strongly associated with decreased likelihood of vaccination. Participants diagnosed with COPD had 9.5 (CI: 1.76 – 51.3) higher odds of being vaccinated compared to those without; no correlation was detected for other chronic conditions.

Conclusion: The high number of unvaccinated Latinx participants receiving a vaccine recommendation from a provider is consistent with studies among other ethnic/racial minority older adults and highlights the pivotal role of the provider in influenza vaccine adoption. Additional findings reflect negative impact of Social Determinates of Health (SDoH) on preventive care efforts in this group. Further efforts to quantify these associations are needed to explore structural and human factors impacting influenza vaccine uptake. 

Background

Underserved, older, Latinx populations demonstrate a consistent pattern of higher rates of infection, hospitalization and death from SARS-CoV-2 infection across multiple geographic areas compared to their White, non-Latinx counterparts.^1–6 Since its initial roll-out in the United States (US) in December 2020, public health authorities have lauded the COVID-19 vaccine as the “weapon that will win the war,” and have stressed vaccine acceptance and dissemination among this and other vulnerable populations.⁷ COVID-19-positive patients who had not received the influenza vaccination within the last year had substantially greater odds of hospitalization and ICU admission when compared with those who were vaccinated.⁸ In addition, association between previous influenza vaccination and reduced COVID-19 infection have been well-documented.⁹ Furthermore, co-infection of influenza and COVID-19 events will make diagnosis of either entity more difficult and could potentially increase morbidity.¹⁰ Indeed, recent national data revealed that intent to vaccinate for COVID-19 is lower among those who have not being vaccinated against influenza during the 2019–2020 flu season.¹¹ Prior literature on racial disparities in vaccinations have suggested potential sources of vaccine hesitancy that may retard this effort. In particular, current knowledge on the barriers of seasonal influenza vaccination rates among underserved, middle-age and older Latinx adults may provide opportunities to mitigate the status quo. The timely and useful insights will support the effort to increase wide-spread COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the Latinx community, currently most affected by the novel coronavirus. Preliminary 2019–2020 US projections indicated that the influenza season wrapped in the COVID-19 pandemic, with potential co-infections, would escalate the disease burden. With an estimated at 38 million influenza cases, ~ 400k hospitalizations, and ~ 22k deaths, the health system would be overwhelmed and stretched to the breaking point.¹²

Despite having higher rates of disease, Latinx adults have lower rates of influenza vaccination compared to their White, non-Latinx counterparts.^13–15 Data on the last two flu seasons (2018-19, 19–20) from the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate vaccination rates among US Latinx remain below the target level set by Healthy People 2030, with less than four in ten US Latinx adults (37–38%) receiving the vaccine compared to over half (49–53%) of White, non-Latinx US adults.¹⁶ Rates of influenza vaccination among US Latinx children (6 months- 17 years) were almost double (66–67%) that of US Latinx adults in the same period, and in fact, race and age remain the most consistent sociodemographic predictors of influenza vaccine.^17,18 These variations by age indicate a need for targeted explorations of unique barriers facing middle-age and older US Latinx individuals who are at higher risk for both influenza and COVID-19.

Disparities in influenza vaccination among older US Latinx represent both a major challenge facing public health and reflect discrimination and persistent, systematic disenfranchisement within existing US healthcare structures.¹⁹ Despite the heterogeneity of US Latinx groups, a legacy of unequal access to basic services and preventive care is shared across diverse Latinx communities.^20–24 Barriers to vaccine acceptance such as lack of trust and insufficient patient education are also connected to low acceptance among other ethnic/racial minorities, but may be compounded by additional, culturally informed barriers among US Latinx.^17,18,25,26 Certain social and cultural norms characteristic of US Latinx groups, such as resource sharing in times of financial shortage and cultural concepts regarding care for the sick, similarly bear further investigation for their known contribution to influenza and COVID-19 prevention strategies and potential for transmission.²⁷

Explorations that provide targeted insight on how to stem the spread of influenza in the high-risk, aging US Latinx population may shed light on best practices to manage the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to rage out of control across this population. However, only a limited research has focused on influenza vaccination among Latinx adults.^{14,25,26,28−34} Additional exploratory studies are needed to shape effective interventional strategies to improve uptake in both the short and long-term among the underserved Latinx population. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate seasonal influenza vaccination rates among underserved middle-age and older Latinx adults residing in South Los Angeles (South LA). Specifically, we aimed to examine correlates associated with influenza vaccination, with a particular focus on access and satisfaction with medical care. This is important as the target population includes underserved older Latino adults living in a critically under-resourced service area of Los Angeles County.

Methods

Recruitment: This cross-sectional survey occurred between 2018 and 2020. Middle-aged and older Latinx adults residing in South Los Angeles (LA) (n = 165) were recruited from fourteen senior centers and senior housing centers in the South Los Angeles Service Plan Area (SPA) 6. SPA 6 encompasses the communities of Athens, Compton, Crenshaw, Florence, Hyde Park, Lynwood, Paramount, and Watts, and is home to over one million people. Residents of SPA 6 disproportionately shoulder vaccination disparities compared to their counterparts across other LA County SPAs. Age adjusted mortality rate of pneumonia/influenza (per 100,000 population) is significantly higher in this service area compared to the rest of LA County and nationally (31.1for South LA versus 22.5 population LA County and 15.9 for USA population).³⁵ Such disparities are conceptually tied to the objectives of this project in that the design of this study recognizes a history and legacy of health inequity persistent in this geographic area.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Self-identified Latinx residents, 55 years or older with a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension (HTN) were recruited. Participants must have been residents of SPA 6 for a minimum of 1 year. Individuals were excluded if they did not self-identify as Latinx, were outside of the requested age range, and were institutionalized or exhibiting cognitive impairment that required any prescribed medication be administered by a care giver.

Data Collection: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with participants by members of the study team to obtain demographic data, and information on socioeconomic status, health status and behaviors, care access and utilization.

Results

Our study sample characteristics are described in Table 1. Self-described Latino individuals (n = 165) between the ages of 55 and 95 years (mean = 70.4 ± 8.25) were included. One-third (29%) were 75 years or older, almost two-thirds (69%) were women. More than one-third (33%) lived alone. Educational attainment was low, three-fourths (75%) had not attained a high school diploma. A low percentage of our participants described their health as “excellent” (8%), while the majority characterized their health as fair or poor (49%). Additional health conditions and chronic illnesses were noted: diabetes mellitus (51%), hypertension (79%), heart-related conditions (19%), and COPD (17%) (Table 1).

Discussion

This study revealed that less than half (45%) of middle-age and older Latinx adult residents of South Los Angeles in our sample reported influenza vaccination within the 12 months prior to the interview. Almost 85% of our participants reported receiving vaccination recommendations from a healthcare provider, however, more than 30% of these participants did not adhere to their providers’ recommendations. Systematic reviews of recent studies show that one of the major determinants of influenza vaccination among older adults is recommendation by their healthcare provider.³⁷ Indeed, there are strong evidence that providers may have a profound influence on individuals’ intentions to receive vaccinations thus physicians have a unique role in promoting influenza vaccination rates at a national level.³⁸ Along those lines, it has consistently been documented that vaccination recommendation by primary care providers is an influential factor for immunization among older adults.³⁹ Knowing that almost one out of three participants did not adhere to their providers’ recommendations, it is necessary that providers of older Latinx educate this group on side effects, vaccine safety, and drug interactions. Additionally, the low rates of adherence to providers’ recommendation among minority populations have been linked to issues of trust, education, beliefs, and social factors that need further interventional investigations.^40–42

There was also a decreased likelihood of flu vaccination among those living alone, not covered by Medicare, or experiencing higher levels of financial strain. By reviewing the most recent available California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) pooled data (2014–2016) of South LA service area Latinx residents, 55 years of age and older, we determined that participants in our sample were almost 40% less likely to get the vaccine compared to the larger South LA 55 + population (73%).⁴³ These findings suggest that our population differed in some very significant way from the overall Latinx population of South LA. It is possible that those reporting financial strain provides insight into why our sample may have differed from the pooled CHIS sample. It is also possible that the choice of recruitment sites (senior centers, senior living centers) may reflect some aspect of this population that bears deeper investigation.

When unpacking the concept of financial strain in this study, it is notable that the assessment questions reflect both necessities of life (food, clothing, and living expenses) as well as shared commodities in communal Latinx culture. A landmark review of familism by Baca Zinn (1983) perhaps best summarized this as “a positive form of social organization…” that facilitates adaptation to “marginal existence” associated with educational and economic disparities among Latinx.⁴⁴ In this group, periods of shortage impacting these necessities may be addressed through multigenerational living, allowing for communal access according to need.⁴⁵ Given that both living alone and financial strain were associated with not having flu vaccine in our sample, it is possible that some participants were unable to avail themselves of the physical, social and financial benefits of shared living⁴⁶ Given that both living alone and financial strain were associated with not having flu vaccine in our sample, it is possible that some participants were unable to avail themselves of the physical, social and financial benefits of shared living.⁴⁷ It may also highlight communalistic, pro-social behaviors (such as willingness of a family member to provide transportation for medical appointments) that may act as vaccine facilitators in this group.^48,49

Despite the potential benefit of shared living in terms of vaccine access, there have been recent data suggesting it may increase risk of contracting COVID-19 among Latinx.⁴⁸ Rising costs in the Southern California housing market and rising unemployment driven by the COVID-19 pandemic suggest that such larger household sizes may be a persistent trend and worthy of further exploration in terms of messaging around flu vaccination.^{50, 51}Additionally, interventions in senior centers and senior housing centers may address the need for flu vaccine promotion or delivery among aging Latinx who lack access to the extended family ties or the social support conferred by shared living.⁵²

Individuals with chronic medical conditions are considered high risk for influenza related complications, hospitalization and death.⁵³ While those participants in our sample not diagnosed with COPD or hypertension were less likely to report having a influenza vaccine within the previous 12 months, one striking finding of our study is the lack of a clear association between vaccination and a diabetes mellitus diagnosis. Like chronic respiratory and cardiovascular illness, the management of diabetes mellitus is benefited by regular medical appointments and monitoring every three to six months.⁵⁴ These frequent interactions with the healthcare system would result in a greater number of opportunities for providers to encourage or deliver impactful and cost-effective flu vaccinations.⁵⁵ Therefore, it is unclear why a diagnosis of COPD and/or hypertension might be protective in terms of flu vaccine, but diabetes mellitus, asthma and other chronic conditions examined in this study are not. As diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease are two of the top five causes of death for Latinx persons in LA County, and two of the top five causes of premature death among residents of South LA, further exploration is needed to understand the mechanism behind these results.⁵⁶

Not having Medicare coverage was associated with a lower likelihood of having had a flu vaccine within the 12 months prior to the study. When unpacking the Medicare coverage variable in this population, immigration status is worthy of note and reflects larger phenomena impacting how Latinx access healthcare. Though it bears mentioning that it may also reflect the participant cohort (aged 55–65) not yet qualified to receive this coverage due to chronologic age.

Latinx elders who are not U.S. citizens may qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A benefits if they meet certain conditions, such as qualifying for Social Security retirement benefits, Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB).⁵⁷ While most people are automatically enrolled in Medicare at age 65, an additional application process may be required for these individuals. However, the process of applying for Medicare in person or online (even when qualified) may present a challenge to those who are hesitant due to fears of deportation or the impact it may have on subsequent application for citizenship.⁵⁸ Regulations promulgated in August 2019, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) “Public Charge Rule”, connected accessing social welfare programs to an inability to gain citizenship.⁵⁹ Wide-spread anti-immigrant rhetoric in the media during this period resulted in health behavior changes among US Latinx.^60–63 In LA County, it is most recently connected to a fear of accessing COVID-19 testing among undocumented Latinx.⁶⁴ The data used for this study were collected between the period of the “Public Charge Rule” proposal and its announced start date (February 2020). It is unclear how this may have hampered use of Medicare coverage for preventive services including flu vaccine.

Conclusion

This study connects difficulty accessing care and dissatisfaction with care delivery to a lack of influenza vaccination in the prior 12 months. A paucity of Latinx providers, with whom patients may identify, or who share language concordance, has been recognized as a persistent and growing problem in the US.⁵⁵ This dearth of culturally similar or informed providers can have an impact on both access and the quality of care. ^65–68 For example, low-income, Latinx patients display a preference for an emotional connection with their providers.^{59, 69} Studies in the safety net serving this demographic group have connected improved chronic illness management, patient disclosure and treatment adherence with displays of provider empathy and trust building. ^51–53 Known barriers to patient-provider relationship building among Latinx (such as absence of “desahogarse” or the ability to unburdening oneself to a trusted person, or “respeto” the development of mutual respect) may have a similar, negative impact on flu vaccine uptake.⁵¹ Recent work connecting provider burnout in the safety net to the quality and cultural acceptability of care delivery among aging Latinx populations may provide some guidance on how these challenges may be met.^70,71

Influenza vaccine disparities among aging Latinx are well documented and encompass a variety of barriers reflecting the influence of culture, organizational and structural inequities built into our existing health systems and a legacy of unequal access to preventive care. Data from this study provides timely insight on these barriers, and others, that may both improve influenza vaccine uptake and provide critical insight into COVID-19 vaccine dissemination in a population disproportionately shouldering the human and financial costs of the coronavirus pandemic.

Study implications at the local level include a recognition of shifting demographics that may directly impact vaccine access for these ethnic minority elders. While African Americans have historically been the population majority in South LA, recent waves of immigration from Latin America have transformed the demographic make-up of this area. ⁷² Latinx now comprise the predominant racial/ethnic group in South LA, ⁷³ and social services traditionally focused on assisting historically under-resourced African American residents are struggling to keep up with this transition. Improving and adapting community outreach efforts in this area, especially in shared public spaces such as senior and community centers, as well as churches, may allow for better vaccine awareness and uptake among aging Latinx. Given the low number of participants in our sample reporting flu vaccination within the 12 months prior to this study, it appears that this culturally adapted messaging has yet to permeate these environments.

Targeted explorations that leverage existing, positive relationships in the South LA Latinx community might accelerate these efforts. The development of Latinx vaccine advocates (similar to promotoras or community health workers) might serve as conduits between the community and health care providers. The positive effects previously realized under such lay provider models might be similarly effective in promoting influenza vaccine uptake and addressing vaccine hesitancy.^74–76 These same efforts may increase COVID-19 vaccination rates.

Finally, this study shed light on a well-known issue facing the delivery of healthcare among racial and ethnic minority groups, namely the need for culturally tailored approaches and messaging. Influenza vaccine recommendations from providers were positively correlated with vaccination, indicating that Latinx elders found the delivery of this information quite helpful. However, knowing that 15% of participants indicated their providers never made this recommendation, and that almost one third of those who did receive it did not adhere, strongly suggests the need for further qualitative exploration to understand the mode(s) of failure. Provider training at the organizational or health system level addressing these issues might forestall miscommunication between providers and Latinx elders and have the added benefit of improving patient-provider relationships conducive to quality care delivery.

Limitations of this study include the use of consecutive sampling, which may inhibit generalizability of findings. Additionally, the vaccination rate within the 12 months prior to data collection in our sample was significantly different than the overall population of Latinx South LA residents, 55 years of age and older. However, we feel it represents data on barriers and facilitators of influenza vaccination among a difficult-to-reach population, within a population, of underserved, racial/ethnic minority elders. The nature of this cross-sectional study hampered our ability to make causal inferences, as did our inability to obtain detailed medical histories from our participants. This additional background information may have provided more robust insight on their influenza vaccine uptake practices.

Declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The study protocol was approved by the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Institutional Review Board (IRB). All participants signed a written informed consent prior to enrollment in the study.

Statement of Adherence to Declaration of Helsinki

This study protocol was carried out in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki; while no members of the study team are licensed physicians, all members of the study team are scientists and/or healthcare providers who adhere to World Medical Association (WMA) and Declaration of Helsinki tenets in terms of our emphasis on ethical behaviors and protection of human subjects. Prior to data collection or outreach, our team obtained approval and consent via the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the home university of the primary investigator, as is a customary and expected practice in the country of origin.

Consent for publication

Written consent signed by all participants indicated these data would be published.

Availability of data and materials

N/A

Competing interests

We have no competing or conflicts of interest to disclose.

Funding

This study was supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) grant 1H0CMS331621 to Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (PI: M. Bazargan). Additionally, Drs. Bazargan and Cobb were supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under awards 4MD008149 and R25 MD007610 (PI: M. Bazargan), 2U54MD007598 (PI: J. Vadgama), and U54 TR001627 (PIs: S. Dubinett and R. Jenders).

Authors' contributions

Mohsen Bazargan, PHD¹ as the primary author, designed the study, led data collection and analysis and contributed to writing the manuscript.

Adrienne Martinez-Hollingsworth, PhD, MSN, RN, PHN², as secondary author, did the majority of manuscript authorship and editing under the guidance and direction of her primary mentor, Dr. Bazargan.

Sharon Cobb, PHD, MSN, MPH, RN, PHN³provided ongoing feedback on iterations of the written manuscript. 

Lucy Kibe, DrPH, MS, MHS, PA-C⁴provided direction for research, feedback and edits on manuscript.

Acknowledgements

The study team would like to thank our participants for sharing their experiences.

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