COVID-19 Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Among Black Men with Chronic Health Conditions: A Latent Profile Analysis.

ABSTRACT

Research indicates that Black communities experienced disproportionately higher numbers of confirmed cases and fatalities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with Black men experiencing marked reductions in life expectancy. Inequities were further magnified by known COVID-19 such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease. The current project aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to COVID-19 among Black men with chronic conditions. Specifically, we sought to determine whether COVID-19-related perspectives and behaviors impacted cross-sectional health outcomes. A national sample of Black men (N = 312) who self-reported at least one chronic disease responded to survey questions about their knowledge, attitude, and preventative behaviors (KAP) related to COVID-19. Analyses suggest that unique latent profiles based on COVID-19-related KAP differentially impacted participants' self-reported health and well-being for those low on KAP items. The discussion includes considerations on viral hygiene interventions, misinformation, stigma, and perceptions of discrimination.