Determinants of COVID-19 related traumatic stress among black individuals in Canada: the role of health literacy, racial discrimination, and history of COVID-19 infection

Black people were more likely to be infected and died from the COVID-19 in Canada because of the pre-existing social, economic, health disparities, and experiences of pervasive racism. The traumatic experience of the Black communities during this pandemic remains unknown. Using the CanBlackVax survey, this study aims to investigate sociodemographic characteristics and factors related to COVID-19 related traumatic stress in Black Canadian communities in Canada. A total of 2002 (51.66% women, mean age = 29.34, SD = 10.13) were recruited across 7 provinces in Canada (Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New-Brunswick, and Manitoba). Participants completed measures assessing COVID-19 related stressors, health literacy, conspiracy beliefs, everyday discrimination, and major racial discrimination. Results showed that COVID-19 related traumatic stress score was higher in men (M = 25.55, SD = 10.29) and participants who had no history of COVID-19 infection (M = 25.35, SD = 9.85), compared to women (M = 23.61, SD = 8.80), t(1906.04) = 4.52, p < .001) and those with a history of infection (M = 23.49, SD = 9.15), t(1919.60) = 4.35, p < .001. Findings showed that being young, high income, healthy literacy, and history of COVID-19 infection were protective factors related to COVID-19 stress, while every day and major racial discrimination were strong risk factors. This study offers avenues for future research and public health programs, tools, and strategies development. It shows the need to stop the color-blind approach in research, strengthen health literacy, and rid society of racial discrimination.