P2.E086: Exploring Caregiver Attitudes Towards Voter Registration in Pediatric Emergency Departments

Background: Healthcare settings are increasingly recognized as opportune venues for promoting civic engagement and public health initiatives. The pediatric emergency department (ED) serves as a novel space to engage caregivers in voter registration efforts. Understanding caregiver perspectives on voter registration in this context is crucial for informing future policy and practice initiatives.

Methods: This descriptive survey study employs a cross-sectional design to assess caregiver receptiveness towards voter registration during their child's ED visit. Convenience sampling is used to recruit adult caregivers. Inclusion criteria encompass caregivers aged 18 or older who are English speakers, while exclusion criteria include non-caregivers (i.e. adult sibling accompanying the patient), non-English speakers, critically ill children, and cases involving abuse. Data is collected via in-person surveys administered through the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) platform and the survey administrator remains available to answer questions during the survey process. Survey questions gather both quantitative data (e.g., Likert scale ratings) and qualitative insights, covering topics such as caregiver attitudes towards voter registration initiatives, perceived barriers, and preferences for implementation strategies. The projected enrollment is 287 adult caregivers.

Results: As of April 1, 2024, we have completed two-thirds of enrollment with an expected conclusion date of June 30, 2024. Preliminary findings reveal insights into caregiver attitudes towards voter registration initiatives in the pediatric ED setting. Early analysis suggests a diverse range of opinions and preferences among respondents, with factors such as convenience, perceived importance of civic engagement, and prior experiences influencing receptiveness towards voter registration during ED visits. Caregivers report specific barriers including time constraints, logistical challenges, and concerns about privacy.

Conclusion: Understanding caregiver perspectives on voter registration in the pediatric ED setting is crucial for informing current and future policy and practice initiatives. Empowering caregivers to register to vote during their child's ED visit has the potential to contribute to a more politically engaged and socially active population; however, caregiver attitudes and preferences must be incorporated when implementing effective and equitable interventions. Integrating voter registration efforts into healthcare interactions aligns with broader efforts to address social determinants of health and promote health equity. Ultimately, by leveraging healthcare settings as platforms for civic engagement, this study contributes to efforts aimed at building healthier and civically responsible communities.