Racial, Ethnic Minorities in United States More Likely to Experience COVID-19 Discrimination

This study “provides the first systematic assessment on how perceived CAD [COVID-19–associate d discrimination] is associated with potential risk factors … and mental distress.”The researchers invited a random sample of U.S. adults aged 18 and older who were part of the Understanding America Study to participate in the survey. The participants used a computer, tablet, or smartphone (they were provided a tablet and broadband internet if necessary) to answer questions about whether they felt they had experienced discrimination due to people thinking they might have COVID-19 in March and then again in April.COVID-19 –associated discrimination was assessed using a four-item scale that was adapted from the Everyday Discrimination Scale Short Version. Respondents were asked if they had perceived the following actions due to others thinking they might have COVID-19: received less courtesy or respect, received poo rer service at restaurants or stores, were threatened or harassed, or felt that people acted as if they were afraid of them. Possible responses included yes, no, or unsure.Mental distress was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire, in which respondents were asked how often in the past 14 days they felt bothered by feeling anxious, feeling depressed, having little interest in doing things, and not being able to stop or control worrying. Respondents were also asked whether they had worn a face mask or covering in the past seven days and if they had experien...
Source: Psychiatr News - Category: Psychiatry Tags: American Journal of Preventive Medicine COVID-19 discrimination minorities survey Ying Liu Source Type: research