The Assessment of COVID-19 Knowledge and Attitudes Among a Middle Eastern North African Community in Dearborn, Michigan

In 2020, COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 45–84 years (Woolf 325:123–124, 2021). However, systemic inequities and disparities exacerbated the pandemic’s effect on racial and ethnic groups (Tai 72:703–706, 2021). The exact impact of the pandemic within the Middle Eastern North African (MENA) community is not well documented or understood due to the lack of federal recognition of MENAs as an ethnic group. Given the lack of COVID-19 research among this community, this study was created to address COVID-19 needs, perceptions, and health-seeking behaviors regarding COVID-19 precautions, mask wearing, and routine healthcare appointments. Between June and July 2020, an anonymous survey was distributed in English and Arabic using a Community Participatory Based Research design in Dearborn, Michigan. Overall, 298 individuals were surveyed and their misconceptions regarding COVID-19 infections, spread, and precautions were identified. It is important to note that about 75% of survey respondents identified as female, while only 24% of survey participants identified as male. Survey participants slightly underestimated the distance in which COVID-19 can be transmitted as 5.5 ± 3.5. Participants severely underestimated COVID-19 deaths in the US, with 23% estimating that under 250,000 individuals would die from COVID-19. Overall, 60% of participants reported that they did not have any difficulty adhering to COVID-19 precautions and self-quarantine rules during Ramadan, while this number dropped to only 36% (87/238) after Ramadan. The goal of this study was to serve as a tool to better understand the misconceptions, difficulties, and needs regarding COVID-19 among this understudied population. The MENA community may be particularly vulnerable to the economic, medical, and social changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.