"We rely on each other": A qualitative exploration of rural Eastern Region Native American experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Native American communities suffered disproportionately negative effects during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet no research has explored the experiences of rural Eastern Region Native Americans.
Methods: Informed by the Native Reliance Model and Indigenous Standpoint Theory, we conducted a qualitative descriptive project in the Spring and Summer of 2022; data included semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 24 individuals representing five South Carolina tribal groups.
Findings: Thematic analysis yielded four emergent themes: 1) "Let's just finish the Indians off": Pandemic distrust rooted in historical and contemporary Native American experiences ; 2) "We have been misled": Making sense of conflicting public health information ; 3) "I'm not giving it to some innocent person": COVID-19 mitigation behaviors as Native American cultural practice ; and 4) "We put the plan in place": Self-advocacy and action as a source of Native American pride and responsibility .
Interpretation: These participants demonstrated resiliency grounded in family and tribal ties, even in the face of personal losses, economic struggles, and healthcare barriers. To strike a balance between cultural traditions and public health recommendations, public health practitioners should 1) build partnerships with community leaders, elders, and tribal health authorities to facilitate the development of culturally respectful interventions that address specific health concerns in the context of historical traumas; and 2) implement alternative methods of communication and engagement to ensure equitable access to healthcare services in rural locations, such as collaborating with community organizations, deploying mobile health units, and utilizing traditional channels of communication within these communities.
Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Robin M. Dawson reports financial support was provided by 10.13039/100000030Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hunter M. Boehme reports financial support was provided by 10.13039/100000030Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Melissa S. Nolan reports financial support was provided by 10.13039/100000030Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
(© 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)