Framing the COVID-19 Pandemic for Minority Older Adults Through a Family Lens: Results of a Qualitative Thematic Analysis of Survey Responses

Abstract

This study assessed COVID-19 experiences among minority older adults in Houston, Texas. An electronic survey was administered to community-dwelling older adults, and the open-ended responses of 458 minority adults were analyzed using thematic analysis. Through an inductive coding approach, 2 unexpected main themes emerged regarding family: fear of COVID-19 spreading among their family and modifications to family and community interactions. These older minority adults framed their personal COVID-19 experiences through the lens of family and their community, demonstrating the importance of integrating family considerations into pandemic planning, response, and recovery efforts for minority older adults.