Fast Facts
Identify as African American or Black
Had COVID-19 and had to go to a hospital, ER, or Urgent Care facility for COVID
Compensation Provided
Conducted Remotely
Study Background
COVID-19 has significantly impacted the health and well-being of many people, particularly African Americans, who often face additional challenges due to social and structural inequities. Many of these individuals who were hospitalized or sought urgent care for COVID-19 also manage chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease, which can make recovery even more difficult. Recognizing these challenges, this study aims to improve the quality of life for African American COVID-19 survivors and their caregivers by addressing not just physical health but also the social and emotional barriers they encounter.
To achieve this, researchers are testing a virtual program led by community health workers and nurses to support both survivors and their caregivers. The study will look at how this program affects their quality of life, confidence, and ability to manage symptoms, while also exploring how social and racial challenges impact health outcomes. By learning from participants’ experiences, the researchers hope to create solutions that can reduce complications and improve the health of African American communities affected by COVID-19. Participants will also receive helpful health information as part of the study.
Join our compensated study today!
Study Background
Researchers at the University of South Carolina are exploring ways to support African American COVID-19 survivors and their caregivers, focusing on reducing health and social inequities for those with chronic conditions.
COVID-19 has significantly impacted the health and well-being of many people, particularly African Americans, who often face additional challenges due to social and structural inequities. Many of these individuals who were hospitalized or sought urgent care for COVID-19 also manage chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease, which can make recovery even more difficult. Recognizing these challenges, this study aims to improve the quality of life for African American COVID-19 survivors and their caregivers by addressing not just physical health but also the social and emotional barriers they encounter.
To achieve this, researchers are testing a virtual program led by community health workers and nurses to support both survivors and their caregivers. The study will look at how this program affects their quality of life, confidence, and ability to manage symptoms, while also exploring how social and racial challenges impact health outcomes. By learning from participants’ experiences, the researchers hope to create solutions that can reduce complications and improve the health of African American communities affected by COVID-19. Participants will also receive helpful health information as part of the study.
Join our compensated study today!
Additional Information
You or your loved one may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
Identify as African American or Black
Had COVID-19 and had to go to a hospital, an Emergency Room, or Urgent Care facility for COVID
Diagnosed with a chronic condition like: type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, or had a stroke more than 3 months ago
Have a care partner who can participate with you who lives with you or near you
Live in South Carolina
If you choose to take part in this study, your participation will be completely remote and conducted from the comfort of your home. Here’s what you can expect:
- Random Assignment: You and your carepartner (family member / close friend) will be placed into one of two groups- Intervention and Control.
-
Intervention Group Activities:
-
You will have two planning sessions, followed by eight guided sessions over 14 weeks with a nurse and community health worker team.
- These sessions will be held online (via video calls) and focus on topics like managing COVID-19 risks, chronic conditions, medications, family support, and accessing resources.
- Sessions last 30–60 minutes and include goal setting, action planning, coaching, and providing emotional and practical support.
- Tablets with internet access may be provided if needed during the study.
-
-
Control Group Activities:
- You will receive monthly pre-recorded health messages (5–7 minutes) for the first three months. These messages will cover COVID-19 prevention and health tips, like vaccine information and reducing exposure risks.
- You will receive monthly pre-recorded health messages (5–7 minutes) for the first three months. These messages will cover COVID-19 prevention and health tips, like vaccine information and reducing exposure risks.
-
- Follow-Up for Both Groups:
-
-
- At months 4 and 7, you and your caregiver will complete follow-up surveys, either online or by phone.
- No in-person visits are required.
-
Eligible participants may receive up to $175 for their time and effort.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
A Research study at the University of South Carolina
