Enhancing COVID-19 public health communication for culturally and linguistically diverse communities: An Australian interview study with community representatives

• DOI: 10.7146/qhc.v1i1.127258
• Publication Date: 2022-01-28T13:50:49Z
• Authors: Maria Karidakis; Robyn Woodward-Kron; Riccardo Amorati; Bei Hu; Anthony Pym; John Hajek
• Keywords: Outreach; Community Engagement; Community Health; Pandemic

Background: Public health crises present challenges for providing accessible, timely, and accurate information to culturally linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Aim: The aim of this qualitative project was explore strategies used by CALD community organizations improve communication about COVID-19 their communities; we also aimed identify gaps challenges. Methods: We interviewed 16 representatives from Greek, Italian, Chinese in Melbourne, Australia. interviews were analyzed thematically. Results: Community leaders played a significant role engaging members with key information. There differences between language communities preferred channels receiving As the pandemic intensified, there shift written more interactive exchanges authorities leaders. Discussion: findings suggest effective public is enhanced mediation outreach adopted organizations; further, stakeholders need be cognizant heterogeneity needs preferences. This may optimize dissemination meet specific needs. Conclusions:The have developed involving different kinds reach sub-groups, especially most vulnerable. These can inform future engagement.