Integrating Hyperlocal and Community-Engaged Approaches to Qualitative Research for COVID-19 Syndemic Response: GEORGIA CEAL Early Findings

Background: Garnering Effective Outreach and Research in Georgia for Impact Alliance (GEORGIA) Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) Against COVID-19 Disparities Network (GEORGIA CEAL) implemented community-engaged research (CEnR) to address health promotion and communication needs among urban/suburban Black/African American and Latina/o/Hispanic communities in Georgia during the COVID-19 syndemic. Objectives: To illustrate methodological insights gained, we describe qualitative and CEnR methods used to identify and understand health needs for rapid syndemic response; report formative research qualitative findings; and share lessons learned on hyperlocalized impacts of the COVID-19 syndemic among priority populations. Methods: Qualitative CEnR featuring early and meaningful inclusion of a community coalition board. Data were collected through group and individual interviews. Data analysis used thematic, framework, and convergence/divergence analytical methods. Lessons Learned: The CEnR approach and syndemic framework facilitated identifying and understanding COVID-19 interactions with endemic inequities and socio-political-economic factors among priority groups. Findings emphasize the key role of meaningful community engagement in research methods and the importance of identifying hyperlocal population characteristics. Conclusions: Preparedness planning for future pandemic/epidemic response should incorporate CEnR expertise and hyperlocal approaches in research design and interventions. These approaches amplify community voices, leading to effective, context-responsive public health outreach.