@article{ajphr20251326,
author={{Moore, DaKysha and Mansfield, Lisa N. and Caviness-Ashe, Nicole and Onsomu, Elijah O.},
title={Black Pastors as Change Agents Promoting COVID-19 Vaccination in South Carolina: Application of Diffusion of Innovations Theory},
journal={American Journal of Public Health Research},
volume={13},
number={2},
pages={74--79},
year={2025},
url={https://pubs.sciepub.com/ajphr/13/2/6},
issn={2327-6703},
abstract={During the COVID-19 pandemic, many minority communities tried different strategies to increase their membersĄŻ vaccination rates. This study uses diffusion of innovations theory [1] with a focus on Ą°the sequence of change agent rolesĄ± to explore Black pastorsĄŻ approach to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Ten semi-structured interviews gauged how Black pastors understood their role in increasing vaccine use in their communities. Seven themes emerged from analysis: creating awareness of change; establishing a connection; seeking to understand; encouraging the new behavior; leveraging the power of interpersonal communication; maintaining support; and providing future assistance. Results im-ply that by continuing to work with healthcare providers, Black pastors can help to in-crease awareness about annual COVID-19 boosters among their church members and in surrounding communities.},
doi={10.12691/ajphr-13-2-6}
publisher={Science and Education Publishing}
}