COVID-19: Research explores views, experiences of populations at greater risk during pandemic

A new survey is shedding light on the experiences and the views of populations at a greater risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conducted by RAND Corporation, with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the survey asked those in populations deemed vulnerable or underserved, including people of color and those from low to moderate income backgrounds, questions regarding:

• General well-being and health
• Household economic information
• Prior emergency or disaster experience
• Impacts of COVID-19 and feelings of safety
• Views of government roles
• Views on future U.S. approach to health

The latest report includes data from the second of four waves, taken on Oct. 9 - Nov. 2, 2020. (Wave 1 was surveyed June 29 - July, 22, 2020. The next waves will be surveyed during winter and spring of 2021.)

It was primarily funded by the U.S. government and will be used as a roadmap to better educate people about the root causes of inequities.

The new research released Wednesday morning from wave 2 shows how race, income and social connections play a role in health care.

Out of the nearly 5,000 people who responded to the survey, findings show that when it comes to health care, 61% believe it’s harder for low-income Americans to get access to health care. 59.5% of Americans living in rural communities, believe it’s harder to get the care they need than it is for those who live in urban areas.

Researchers also found that nearly 58% of Americans believe Americans of color, are facing more of the health impact of COVID-19.

See the survey findings by clicking here.

Cox Media Group