medical condition applied only to individuals age 50 and older . Economic worries , such as missing employment or loss of income of others , were concerning only to those 50 and above .
Participants ’ thoughts on masks were also addressed in the questionnaire , with 17 % of respondents stating they did not believe in wearing masks . The three main reasons included belief that there are other ways to reduce the spread of the virus such as physical distancing , that COVID-19 is not a serious disease , and that it violated their right to make their own decisions . Based on some respondents ’ belief the virus is not that serious , the WVSOM researchers suggest that further study is needed to determine why some West Virginians downplayed the significance of the disease and its risks . Understanding why those beliefs persist could help shape public health education .
Miller said this type of research is important and timely because it may help guide community education even after individuals receive vaccinations .
“ We all still need to observe the same precautions even after some of us have received the vaccine ,” she said .
“ There is currently lack of data that an individual immunized against COVID-19 cannot spread the virus ,” Bernardino added . “ The vaccine protects individuals from getting gravely ill from the virus .”
Kastenbauer said the research can directly impact health education of West Virginia ’ s general public , which he hopes will result in more people receiving a vaccination and the avoidance of unnecessary deaths related to COVID-19 .
Based on their findings , the researchers suggest that educational outreach to West Virginia residents regarding asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission of the virus could encourage more residents to adhere to behavioral modifications such as mask wearing , social distancing , and immunization . An educational emphasis that focuses on protecting West Virginians ’ loved ones , rather than themselves , would be more impactful .
“ I am thinking of suggesting a campaign to mask up for your loved ones , which I believe West Virginia residents would be more receptive to , based on the data from this project ,” Bernardino said .
Kastenbauer said providing the findings and recommendations to the state health department and legislators involved with overseeing statewide COVID-19 procedures would also be beneficial , as these groups are responsible for educational outreach to the general public .
WVSOM is a national leader in educating osteopathic physicians for primary care medicine in rural areas . Visit WVSOM online at www . wvsom . edu .
Congratulations
to these West Virginia State Medical Association members on being inducted into the West Virginia Health Care Hall of Fame Class of 2021 by West Virginia Executive magazine .
Timothy Deer , MD Sally Lynn Hodder , MD Ali Oliashirazi , MD
West Virginia Medical Journal • March 2021 • 45