COVID-19 Vaccination Disparities Among Black Adults Persist Due to Motivational Barriers

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from McGill University have conducted a study to understand the motivational barriers contributing to the persistent disparities in COVID-19 vaccination rates among Black communities in North America. The study found that Black adults report lower levels of vaccination, lower autonomous motivation, and higher distrust-based amotivation compared to individuals from other population groups. The research suggests that addressing distrust-based amotivation at the institutional and systemic level is essential, while tailored public health interventions and policies that foster a sense of autonomy over one's healthcare decisions may play a significant role in supporting vaccine acceptance and uptake among Black adults.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study revealed lower vaccination rates among Black communities relative to other racial-ethnic communities in North America.
  • Black adults reported significantly lower levels of vaccination, lower autonomous motivation, and higher distrust-based amotivation compared to individuals from other population groups.
  • The study involved two survey studies conducted in the United States and Canada during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Study 1 was cross-sectional and included 623 Americans (60.4% female), while Study 2 was a prospective longitudinal study of 413 Canadians (54% female; M = 47.6, SD = 17.9).
  • The research concluded that addressing distrust-based amotivation at the institutional and systemic level is essential, while tailored public health interventions and policies that foster a sense of autonomy over one's healthcare decisions may play a significant role for Black adults in supporting vaccine acceptance and uptake.
  • The study was conducted by Xiaoyan Fang, Anne C. Holding, Elodie C. Audet, Helen Thai, and Richard Koestner from McGill University.

Statistics:

  • 623 Americans participated in Study 1, with 60.4% being female.
  • 413 Canadians participated in Study 2, with 54% being female and an average age of 47.6 (SD = 17.9).
  • Black adults reported a vaccination rate of M = 1.15 in Study 1 and M = 2.25 in Study 2.
  • Autonomous motivation levels were significantly lower among Black adults compared to individuals from other population groups.
  • Distrust-based amotivation levels were significantly higher among Black adults compared to individuals from other population groups.

Sources:

  • "Understanding COVID-19 vaccination disparity among Black adults in North America: A two-study motivational approach." Vaccine, 2025;65:127803.
  • McGill University, Department of Psychology
  • Xiaoyan Fang, Anne C. Holding, Elodie C. Audet, Helen Thai, and Richard Koestner
  • Elsevier Sci Ltd, 125 London Wall, London, England (publisher of Vaccine)