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Abularrage TF, Wurtz HM, Samari G. Responding to structural inequities: Coping strategies among immigrant women during COVID-19. SSM - MENTAL HEALTH 2024; 5:100293. [PMID: 38910842 PMCID: PMC11192517 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2023.100293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Examining coping strategies and resilience among immigrant communities reflects a commitment to working with immigrant communities to understand their needs while also identifying and building upon their strengths. In the United States, the physical, emotional, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic intersected with existing structural inequities to produce distinct challenges and stressors related to the pandemic, immigration, caregiving responsibilities, and structural xenophobia. Leveraging an understanding of the multilevel effects of stress, this qualitative study explores individual, interpersonal, and community-level coping strategies immigrant women used to respond to, alleviate, or reduce distress related to these compounding stressors. Using semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted in 2020 and 2021 with 44 first- and second-generation cisgender immigrant women from different national origins and 19 direct service providers serving immigrant communities in New York City, data were coded and analyzed using a constant comparative approach. Four central themes were identified: caregiving as a source of strength, leveraging resources, social connections, and community support. While women described a range of coping strategies they used to manage stressors and challenges, perspectives from direct service providers also connect these coping strategies to the harm-generating institutions, policies, and structures that produce and uphold structural oppression and inequities. Accounts from service providers point to the detrimental long-term effects of prolonged coping, underscoring a duality between resilience and vulnerability. Exploring the coping strategies cisgender immigrant women used to ease distress and promote resilience during a period of heightened structural vulnerability is critical to centering the experiences of immigrant women while simultaneously directing attention towards addressing the fundamental causes of cumulative disadvantage and the systems and structures through which it is transmitted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara F. Abularrage
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heather M. Wurtz
- Anthropology Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
- Research Program on Global Health & Human Rights, Human Rights Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
- Population Studies and Training Center, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Goleen Samari
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Samari G, Wurtz HM, Desai S, Coleman-Minahan K. Perspectives from the pandemic epicenter: Sexual and reproductive health of immigrant women in New York City. PERSPECTIVES ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024. [PMID: 38571367 DOI: 10.1111/psrh.12260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT The United States' response to COVID-19 created a policy, economic, and healthcare provision environment that had implications for the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of racialized and minoritized communities. Perspectives from heterogenous immigrant communities in New York City, the pandemic epicenter in the United States (US), provides a glimpse into how restrictive social policy environments shape contraception, abortion, pregnancy preferences, and other aspects of SRH for marginalized immigrant communities. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews in 2020 and 2021 with 44 cisgender immigrant women from different national origins and 19 direct service providers for immigrant communities in New York City to explore how immigrants were forced to adapt their SRH preferences and behaviors to the structural barriers of the COVID-19 pandemic. We coded and analyzed the interviews using a constant comparative approach. RESULTS Pandemic-related fears and structural barriers to healthcare access shaped shifts in contraceptive use and preferences among our participants. Immigrant women weighed their concerns for health and safety and the potential of facing discrimination as part of their contraceptive preferences. Immigrants also described shifts in their pregnancy preferences as rooted in concerns for their health and safety and economic constraints unique to immigrant communities. CONCLUSION Understanding how immigrant women's SRH shifted in response to the structural and policy constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic can reveal how historically marginalized communities will be impacted by an increasingly restrictive reproductive health and immigration policy landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goleen Samari
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Heather M Wurtz
- Anthropology Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
- Research Program on Global Health & Human Rights, Human Rights Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
- Population Studies and Training Center, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Sheila Desai
- Coalition to Expand Contraceptive Access, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Kate Coleman-Minahan
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Newman PA, Dinh DA, Nyoni T, Allan K, Fantus S, Williams CC, Tepjan S, Reid L, Guta A. Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Under-Vaccination among Marginalized Populations in the United States and Canada: A Scoping Review. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01882-1. [PMID: 38117443 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01882-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amid persistent disparities in Covid-19 vaccination and burgeoning research on vaccine hesitancy (VH), we conducted a scoping review to identify multilevel determinants of Covid-19 VH and under-vaccination among marginalized populations in the U.S. and Canada. METHODS Using the scoping review methodology developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute, we designed a search string and explored 7 databases to identify peer-reviewed articles published from January 1, 2020-October 25, 2022. We combine frequency analysis and narrative synthesis to describe factors influencing Covid-19 VH and under-vaccination among marginalized populations. RESULTS The search captured 11,374 non-duplicated records, scoped to 103 peer-reviewed articles. Among 14 marginalized populations identified, African American/Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+, American Indian/Indigenous, people with disabilities, and justice-involved people were the predominant focus. Thirty-two factors emerged as influencing Covid-19 VH, with structural racism/stigma and institutional mistrust (structural)(n = 71) most prevalent, followed by vaccine safety (vaccine-specific)(n = 62), side effects (vaccine-specific)(n = 50), trust in individual healthcare provider (social/community)(n = 38), and perceived risk of infection (individual)(n = 33). Structural factors predominated across populations, including structural racism/stigma and institutional mistrust, barriers to Covid-19 vaccine access due to limited supply/availability, distance/lack of transportation, no/low paid sick days, low internet/digital technology access, and lack of culturally- and linguistically-appropriate information. DISCUSSION We identified multilevel and complex drivers of Covid-19 under-vaccination among marginalized populations. Distinguishing vaccine-specific, individual, and social/community factors that may fuel decisional ambivalence, more appropriately defined as VH, from structural racism/structural stigma and systemic/institutional barriers to vaccination access may better support evidence-informed interventions to promote equity in access to vaccines and informed decision-making among marginalized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Newman
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Duy A Dinh
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Thabani Nyoni
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kate Allan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sophia Fantus
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Charmaine C Williams
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Luke Reid
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Adrian Guta
- School of Social Work, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
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Kamarulzaman A, Maleche A, Beyrer C. Still relevant: the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Lancet 2023; 402:2171-2173. [PMID: 38070941 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)02653-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Allan Maleche
- Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV and AIDS, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Abdi N, Ebengho S, Mohamed N, Scallon A, Mohamed A, Ahmed A, Abdi A, Ahmed R, Mohamed F, Ibrahim A, Ali A, West KM, Ronen K. Early Pandemic Access to COVID-19 Testing in the Somali Community in King County, Washington, USA: a Mixed-Methods Evaluation. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:2930-2943. [PMID: 36478269 PMCID: PMC9734463 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01470-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 infection and outcomes have been documented, but few studies have examined disparities in access to testing. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods study of access to COVID-19 testing in the Somali immigrant community in King County, Washington, USA, early during the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2020-February 2021, we conducted quantitative surveys in a convenience sample (n = 528) of individuals who had accessed PCR testing, recruited at King County testing sites near Somali population centers and through social media outreach in the Somali community. We compared self-identified Somali and non-Somali responses using Chi-square and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. We also conducted three Somali-language focus groups (n = 26) by video conference to explore Somali experiences with COVID-19 testing, and in-depth interviews with King County-based policymakers and healthcare workers (n = 13) recruited through the research team's professional network to represent key demographics and roles. Data were analyzed using qualitative rapid analysis to explore the county's COVID-19 testing landscape. RESULTS Among 420 survey respondents who had received COVID-19 testing in the prior 90 days, 29% of 140 Somali vs. 11% of 280 non-Somali respondents tested because of symptoms (p = 0.001), with a trend for longer time from symptom onset to testing (a measure of testing access) among Somali respondents (median 3.0 vs. 2.0 days, p = 0.06). Focus groups revealed barriers to testing, including distrust, misinformation, stigma, language, lack of awareness, and transportation. Stakeholders responding from all sectors highlighted the importance of community partnership to improve access. CONCLUSION Somali communities experience barriers to COVID-19 testing, as evidenced by the longer time from symptom onset to testing and corroborated by our qualitative findings. These barriers, both structural and community-derived, may be overcome through partnerships between government and community to support community-led, multilingual service delivery and racial representation among medical staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najma Abdi
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sabrina Ebengho
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Somali Health Board, Tukwila, WA, USA
| | | | - Andrea Scallon
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ayan Mohamed
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Asiya Ahmed
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Somali Health Board, Tukwila, WA, USA
| | | | - Ruweida Ahmed
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Anisa Ibrahim
- Somali Health Board, Tukwila, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ahmed Ali
- Somali Health Board, Tukwila, WA, USA
| | - Kathleen McGlone West
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Keshet Ronen
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Bacong AM, Haro-Ramos AY. Willingness to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine in California: Disparities by Race and Citizenship Status. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:2911-2920. [PMID: 36449129 PMCID: PMC9713137 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01468-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Although it is widely acknowledged that racialized minorities may report lower COVID-19 vaccine willingness compared to non-Hispanic white individuals, what is less known, however, is whether the willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine also differs by citizenship. Understanding disparities in vaccine willingness by citizenship is particularly important given the misleading rhetoric of some political leaders regarding vaccine eligibility by citizenship status. This study used the 2020 California Health Interview Survey (n = 21,949) to examine disparities in vaccine willingness by race/ethnicity and citizenship among Asian, Latinx, and non-Hispanic white individuals. Overall, 77.7% of Californians indicated that they were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if it was made available. However, there were distinct differences by race/ethnicity and citizenship. Asian people, regardless of citizenship, had the highest predicted probability of vaccine willingness, accounting for demographic, socioeconomic, and health factors. Non-citizen Latinx and non-citizen non-Hispanic white people had higher predicted probabilities of vaccine willingness compared to their US-born counterparts, accounting for demographic, socioeconomic, and health factors. Our results reveal that although vaccine willingness may be high among non-citizen individuals, it may not necessarily translate into actual vaccine uptake. Furthermore, while individual-level factors may account for some of the differences in vaccine willingness by race/ethnicity and citizenship, other institutional and structural barriers prevent vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Matias Bacong
- Stanford University Center for Asian Health Research and Education, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Alein Y Haro-Ramos
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Parenteau AM, Boyer CJ, Campos LJ, Carranza AF, Deer LK, Hartman DT, Bidwell JT, Hostinar CE. A review of mental health disparities during COVID-19: Evidence, mechanisms, and policy recommendations for promoting societal resilience. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:1821-1842. [PMID: 36097815 PMCID: PMC10008755 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422000499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Social and economic inequality are chronic stressors that continually erode the mental and physical health of marginalized groups, undermining overall societal resilience. In this comprehensive review, we synthesize evidence of greater increases in mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among socially or economically marginalized groups in the United States, including (a) people who are low income or experiencing homelessness, (b) racial and ethnic minorities, (c) women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) communities, (d) immigrants and migrants, (e) children and people with a history of childhood adversity, and (f) the socially isolated and lonely. Based on this evidence, we propose that reducing social and economic inequality would promote population mental health and societal resilience to future crises. Specifically, we propose concrete, actionable recommendations for policy, intervention, and practice that would bolster five "pillars" of societal resilience: (1) economic safety and equity, (2) accessible healthcare, including mental health services, (3) combating racial injustice and promoting respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion, (4) child and family protection services, and (5) social cohesion. Although the recent pandemic exposed and accentuated steep inequalities within our society, efforts to rebuild offer the opportunity to re-envision societal resilience and policy to reduce multiple forms of inequality for our collective benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Parenteau
- Psychology Department, University of California-Davis
- Center for Poverty and Inequality Research, University of California-Davis
| | - Chase J. Boyer
- Department of Human Ecology, University of California-Davis
| | | | | | - LillyBelle K. Deer
- Psychology Department, University of California-Davis
- Center for Poverty and Inequality Research, University of California-Davis
| | | | - Julie T. Bidwell
- Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, University of California-Davis
| | - Camelia E. Hostinar
- Psychology Department, University of California-Davis
- Center for Poverty and Inequality Research, University of California-Davis
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8
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Morisod K, Martin T, Rawlinson C, Grazioli VS, von Plessen C, Durand MA, Selby K, Le Pogam MA, Bühler N, Bodenmann P. Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Analysis of Asylum Seekers' Experiences and Worries in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1606229. [PMID: 37829084 PMCID: PMC10564980 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The clinical and social burden of the COVID-19 pandemic were high among asylum seekers (ASs). We aimed to understand better ASs' experiences of the pandemic and their sources of worries. Methods: Participants (n = 203) completed a survey about their worries, sleep disorders, and fear of dying. We also conducted semi-structured interviews with ASs living in a community center (n = 15), focusing on how social and living conditions affected their experiences and worries. Results: ASs in community centers experienced more sleep disorders related to the COVID-19 pandemic than those living in private apartments (aOR 2.01, p = 0.045). Similarly, those with lower education had greater fear for their life due to the COVID-19 pandemic (aOR 2.31, p = 0.015). Qualitative findings showed that sharing living spaces was an important source of worries for ASs and that protective measures were perceived to increase social isolation. Conclusion: Our study highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for ASs and the importance of tailoring public health measures to their needs and living conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Morisod
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, University Center of General Medicine and Public Health, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Chair of Medicine for Vulnerable Populations, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tiffany Martin
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, University Center of General Medicine and Public Health, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cloé Rawlinson
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, University Center of General Medicine and Public Health, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Véronique S. Grazioli
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, University Center of General Medicine and Public Health, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Chair of Medicine for Vulnerable Populations, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christian von Plessen
- Department of Ambulatory Care, Center for Primary Care and Public Health, University Center of General Medicine and Public Health, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Direction Générale de la Santé (DGS), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Marie-Anne Durand
- UMR1295 Centre d’Epidémiologie et de Recherche en Santé des Populations (CERPOP), Toulouse, France
- University Center of General Medicine and Public Health, Lausanne, Switzerland
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Kevin Selby
- Department of Ambulatory Care, Center for Primary Care and Public Health, University Center of General Medicine and Public Health, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Annick Le Pogam
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nolwenn Bühler
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, University Center of General Medicine and Public Health, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Social Sciences, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Bodenmann
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, University Center of General Medicine and Public Health, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Chair of Medicine for Vulnerable Populations, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Campbell J, Kaur A, Gamino D, Benoit E, Amos B, Windsor L. Individual and structural determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in a marginalized community in the United States. Vaccine 2023; 41:5706-5714. [PMID: 37550145 PMCID: PMC10560547 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.07.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Socially and medically vulnerable groups (e.g., people 65 years or older, minoritized racial groups, non-telework essential workers, and people with comorbid conditions) experience barriers to COVID-19 prevention and treatment, increased burden of disease, and increased risk of death from COVID-19. Researchers are paying increased attention to social determinants of health (SDH) in explaining inequities in COVID-19-related health outcomes and rates of vaccine uptake. The purpose of the present manuscript is to identify clinically significant predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among people who were socially and medically vulnerable to SARs-CoV-2 infection. Analysis was informed by the SDH framework and included a sample of 641 baseline surveys from participants in a clinical trial designed to increase COVID-19 testing. All participants were at high risk of developing COVID-19-related complications or dying from COVID-19. Following community-based participatory research principles, a well-established community collaborative board conducted every aspect of the study. Multiple logistic regressions were conducted to examine the relationships between individual and structural factors and COVID-19 vaccine uptake. In the final time adjusted model, we found that vaccine uptake was only predicted by specific individual-level factors: being 65 years and older, living with HIV/AIDS, and having previously received a flu vaccine or a COVID-19 test. Those reporting to believe in COVID-19-conspiracy theories were less likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine. More research is needed to identify predictors of vaccine uptake among people with comorbidities that make them more vulnerable to COVID-19 complications or death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanna Campbell
- School of Social Work, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1010 W Nevada St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - Amandeep Kaur
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 901 W University Ave Ste 201 C-261, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Danilo Gamino
- North Jersey Community Research Initiative, 393 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Ellen Benoit
- North Jersey Community Research Initiative, 393 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Brianna Amos
- Silver School of Social Work, New York University, 1 Washington Square N, New York, NY 10003, United States
| | - Liliane Windsor
- School of Social Work, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1010 W Nevada St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States; North Jersey Community Research Initiative, 393 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
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Rangel ML, Arevalo M, Mercader C, Fernández-Esquer ME. "I Use Sunglasses . . . the Sun Can Ruin the Eyes": Latino Day Laborers' Lay Strategies to Reduce Dangers at Work. Health Promot Pract 2023; 24:886-894. [PMID: 36412246 DOI: 10.1177/15248399221135112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Latino day laborers (LDLs) are at a high risk for injury and accidents at work and have limited socioeconomic resources to deal with their consequences. While little is known about LDLs' perceptions of their own vulnerability at the workplace, less is known about the strategies they adopt to confront these risks. The purpose of this qualitative study was to assess LDLs' perceptions of their workplace dangers and to document the strategies they adopt and endorse to confront them. Guided by a participatory research approach, four focus groups stratified by age were conducted with 34 LDLs in Houston, Texas. Main focus group themes were identified using a combination of qualitative analysis methods involving a thematic analysis conducted by the interview team, LDL advisors, and bilingual Latino researchers. All participants were Latino males (mean age = 40), the majority reported having completed sixth grade or less (64.2%) and having lived in the United States for an average of 12.7 years. We described three categories of strategies to reduce risk for workplace injury generated by local LDLs (practical knowledge and job experience, interpersonal, and personal). These strategies should be explored and encouraged to assist in planning risk-reduction programs, presented in the voice and language of Latino "inside experts" with firsthand experience. The findings of the focus group suggest that LDLs already possess a broad repertoire of strategies to cope with risks at work that can be incorporated in safety programs for LDLs and other immigrant Latino workers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariana Arevalo
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Clara Mercader
- University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
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11
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Singer E, Molyneux K, Gogerly-Moragoda M, Kee D, Baranowski KA. The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on health experiences of asylum seekers to the United States. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1376. [PMID: 37464269 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16313-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated preexisting barriers to accessing healthcare and social services faced by asylum seekers to the United States. This study aimed to uncover the impact of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic on asylum seekers, including socio-economic stressors and access to medical information, healthcare, and testing. METHOD We conducted 15 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with adult asylum seekers to the U.S. and systematically analyzed the resulting transcripts using a consensual qualitative research approach. RESULTS The transcripts yielded six domains: (1) knowledge and understanding of COVID-19; (2) attitudes and practices relating to COVID-19 precautions; (3) experience of COVID-19 symptoms; (4) current physical and mental health; (5) access to and interaction with health care; (6) discrimination based on asylum status. CONCLUSIONS Although participants had knowledge about COVID-19's communicability and regularly used masks, their living conditions frequently hindered their ability to quarantine and isolate, and their lack of insurance was often a deterrent to them seeking medical care. Notably, immigration status was not a significant factor discouraging participants from seeking care during the pandemic. The findings build on existing knowledge about this community and may help define areas where support and services can be expanded in current and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Singer
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1111 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10025, USA.
| | - Kevin Molyneux
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | | | - Dustin Kee
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Kim A Baranowski
- Department of Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
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12
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Gautier L, Di Ruggiero E, Jackson C, Bentayeb N, Blain MJ, Chowdhury F, Gueye STM, Haydary M, Maillet L, Mahmoudi L, Mondal S, Ouffouet Bessiranthy A, Pluye P, Ziam S, Touati N. Learning from intersectoral initiatives to respond to the needs of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants without status in the context of COVID-19 in Quebec and Ontario: a qualitative multiple case study protocol. Health Res Policy Syst 2023; 21:59. [PMID: 37340475 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-023-00991-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants without status experience precarious living and working conditions that disproportionately expose them to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the two most populous Canadian provinces (Quebec and Ontario), to reduce the vulnerability factors experienced by the most marginalized migrants, the public and community sectors engage in joint coordination efforts called intersectoral collaboration. This collaboration ensures holistic care provisioning, inclusive of psychosocial support, assistance to address food security, and educational and employment assistance. This research project explores how community and public sectors collaborated on intersectoral initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic to support refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants without status in the cities of Montreal, Sherbrooke, and Toronto, and generates lessons for a sustainable response to the heterogeneous needs of these migrants. METHODS This theory-informed participatory research is co-created with socioculturally diverse research partners (refugees, asylum seekers and migrants without status, employees of community organizations, and employees of public organizations). We will utilize Mirzoev and Kane's framework on health systems' responsiveness to guide the four phases of a qualitative multiple case study (a case being an intersectoral initiative). These phases will include (1) building an inventory of intersectoral initiatives developed during the pandemic, (2) organizing a deliberative workshop with representatives of the study population, community, and public sector respondents to select and validate the intersectoral initiatives, (3) interviews (n = 80) with community and public sector frontline workers and managers, municipal/regional/provincial policymakers, and employees of philanthropic foundations, and (4) focus groups (n = 80) with refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants without status. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings will be used to develop discussion forums to spur cross-learning among service providers. DISCUSSION This research will highlight the experiences of community and public organizations in their ability to offer responsive services for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants without status in the context of a pandemic. We will draw lessons learnt from the promising practices developed in the context of COVID-19, to improve services beyond times of crisis. Lastly, we will reflect upon our participatory approach-particularly in relation to the engagement of refugees and asylum seekers in the governance of our research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Gautier
- School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Suite 3076, 7101 Av du Parc, Montreal, QC, H3N 1X9, Canada.
- Centre de recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), University of Montréal and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
- SHERPA University Institute, CIUSSS West Central Montreal, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Erica Di Ruggiero
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Carly Jackson
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Naïma Bentayeb
- SHERPA University Institute, CIUSSS West Central Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- École Nationale d'Administration Publique, Montreal, Canada
- McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marie-Jeanne Blain
- Centre de recherche et de partage des savoirs InterActions, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Fariha Chowdhury
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | | | | | - Lara Maillet
- École Nationale d'Administration Publique, Montreal, Canada
| | - Laila Mahmoudi
- School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Suite 3076, 7101 Av du Parc, Montreal, QC, H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Shinjini Mondal
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Armel Ouffouet Bessiranthy
- School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Suite 3076, 7101 Av du Parc, Montreal, QC, H3N 1X9, Canada
| | | | - Saliha Ziam
- École des Sciences de l'administration, Université TÉLUQ, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nassera Touati
- École Nationale d'Administration Publique, Montreal, Canada
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Cleaveland C, Lee M, Gewa C. "I thought I was going to die there:" Socio-political contexts and the plight of undocumented Latinx in the COVID-19 pandemic. SSM. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH 2023; 3:100242. [PMID: 36846649 PMCID: PMC9938958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2023.100242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain U.S. population groups have suffered higher rates of infection and mortality than whites, including Latinx. Public health officials blamed these outcomes on overcrowded housing and work in essential industries prior to the vaccine's availability. We sought to illuminate the lived experience of these factors through a qualitative study of undocumented Latinx immigrant workers in the secondary economy (n = 34). This study focuses on the intersectionality of social locations for undocumented Latinx immigrants living in a relatively affluent suburb and working in the construction and service sectors prior to the pandemic. Their narratives revealed how the pandemic created financial precarity through prolonged periods of unemployment and food insecurity. Workers described worry over unpaid bills, and potentially catastrophic episodes in which they treated severe COVID-19 with home remedies. Long spells of unemployment, food insecurity, inability to pay bills and lack of access to healthcare emerged because of socio-political contexts including the nature of low-wage labor and lack of a safety net.
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14
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Khan MI, Khan MA, Sherfudeen N, Illiyan A, Ali MA. Mental Health Status of Indian Migrant Workers in the United Arab Emirates during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11111554. [PMID: 37297693 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11111554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Migration has become a de facto phenomenon in the contemporary globalized world and India is not untouched. Indian labourers from the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh migrated to the UAE in search of better jobs and prospects. They migrated alone and left behind their families. The distance between them and their family can also create mental disorders; therefore, it becomes necessary to analyze the mental health of the migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study is quantitative and based on a sample survey approach. The researchers collected 416 samples through a structured questionnaire and used the snowball sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, chi-square test and logistic regression were utilized to analyze and interpret the results. The outbreak of coronavirus disturbed their livelihood resulting in a cut to their salary or earnings; in total, 83% of migrants were affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in terms of loss of their income, out of which 76% were affected by less than AED 1000. The respondents' mental health was worrisome, but they were hopeful for the future. In total, 73.5% of respondents felt nervous, 62% felt depressed, 77% felt lonely, 63.4% had a hard time sleeping, and 63% had difficulties concentrating. The findings of the study draw attention to the policymakers to carry out necessary provisions to the targeted psychologically affected community. The findings also suggest creating awareness among the people by using social networking sites and diagnosing mental disorders on an urgent basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Imran Khan
- Department of Economics, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Mohammed Arshad Khan
- Accounting Department, College of Administrative and Financial Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh 11673, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noorjahan Sherfudeen
- Department of Finance, College of Administrative and Financial Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh 11673, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asheref Illiyan
- Department of Economics, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Mohammad Athar Ali
- Department of Finance, College of Administrative and Financial Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh 11673, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Lotito C, Turrini G, Purgato M, Bryant RA, Felez-Nobrega M, Haro JM, Lorant V, McDaid D, Mediavilla R, Melchior M, Nicaise P, Nosè M, Park AL, McGreevy KR, Roos R, Tortelli A, Underhill J, Martinez JV, Witteveen A, Sijbrandij M, Barbui C. Views and experiences of migrants and stakeholders involved in social and health care for migrants in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:164. [PMID: 37208725 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01208-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has had major and potentially long-lasting effects on mental health and wellbeing across populations worldwide. However, these impacts were not felt equally, leading to an exacerbation of health inequalities, especially affecting vulnerable populations such as migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Aiming to inform the adaptation and implementation of psychological intervention programmes, the present study investigated priority mental health needs in this population group. METHODS Participants were adult asylum seekers, refugees and migrants (ARMs) and stakeholders with experience in the field of migration living in Verona, Italy, and fluent in Italian and English. A two-stage process was carried out to examine their needs using qualitative methods including free listing interviews and focus group discussions, according to Module One of the DIME (Design, Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation) manual. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analyses approach. RESULTS A total of 19 participants (12 stakeholders, 7 ARMs) completed the free listing interviews and 20 participants (12 stakeholders and 8 ARMs) attended focus group discussions. Salient problems and functions that emerged during free listing interviews were discussed during the focus group discussions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ARMs struggled with many everyday living difficulties in their resettlement country due to social and economic issues, revealing a strong influence of contextual factors in determining mental health. Both ARMs and stakeholders highlighted a mismatch between needs, expectations and interventions as factors that may hamper proper implementation of health and social programmes. CONCLUSIONS The present findings could help in the adaptation and implementation of psychological interventions targeting the needs of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants aiming to find a match between needs, expectations, and the corresponding interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registration number 2021-UNVRCLE-0106707, February 11 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Lotito
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giulia Turrini
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Marianna Purgato
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Richard A Bryant
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mireia Felez-Nobrega
- Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep Maria Haro
- Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Vincent Lorant
- Institute of Health and Society (IRSS), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David McDaid
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Roberto Mediavilla
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigaci?n Biom?dica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Melchior
- Département d'Epidémiologie Sociale, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, 27 rue de Chaligny, Paris, 75012, France
| | - Pablo Nicaise
- Institute of Health and Society (IRSS), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michela Nosè
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - A-La Park
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Kerry R McGreevy
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigaci?n Biom?dica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rinske Roos
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Institute and WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Tortelli
- Département d'Epidémiologie Sociale, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, 27 rue de Chaligny, Paris, 75012, France
| | | | - Julian Vadell Martinez
- Département d'Epidémiologie Sociale, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, 27 rue de Chaligny, Paris, 75012, France
| | - Anke Witteveen
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Institute and WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Institute and WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Corrado Barbui
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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16
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Thomas KJA. Health behaviours and COVID-19 prevention among immigrants in the United States. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2023; 45:837-854. [PMID: 36693012 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has had negative implications for the welfare of immigrant communities. However, few studies have examined the behavioural responses used by immigrants to respond to the spread of the virus. This study uses data from the U.S.-based COVID-19 in American Communities study to examine whether there are disparities in the use of COVID-19 prevention behaviours between first-generation immigrants (i.e., foreign-born persons), second-generation immigrants (i.e., U.S.-born persons with at least one immigrant parent), and third-generation individuals (i.e., U.S.-born persons with only U.S.-born parents). The results indicate that recent first-generation immigrants and second-generation immigrants use the behaviours recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19 less intensively compared to third-generation individuals. Furthermore, increased exposure to U.S. society is found to have a non-linear relationship with the intense use of these behaviours. Results from the analysis of each preventive behaviour show that there are larger gaps between immigrants and U.S. natives in the use of frequent hand washing and comparatively smaller gaps in the practice of avoiding large crowds. However, the most consistent pattern of low use of COVID-19 prevention behaviours was found among recently arrived first-generation immigrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J A Thomas
- Department of African and African Diaspora and Sociology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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17
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Mydam J, Mellacheruvu P, Coler B, Chintala S, Depala KS, Sangani S. The Effect of Maternal Race, Ethnicity, and Nativity on Macrosomia Among Infants Born in the United States. Cureus 2023; 15:e39391. [PMID: 37362521 PMCID: PMC10286772 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to elucidate the influence of race, ethnicity, and nativity on macrosomia rates, hypothesizing that higher rates are observed among White non-Latina mothers and United States (US)-born mothers. STUDY DESIGN We analyzed data from 1,791,718 US births sourced from the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between macrosomia rates and maternal race, ethnicity, and nativity. RESULTS After excluding non-singleton, preterm, post-term births, and those with missing data, six maternal cohorts were identified: White non-Latina US-born (1,147,096) and foreign-born (75,542), Black non-Latina US-born (174,540) and foreign-born (32,200), and Latina US-born (223,968) and foreign-born (137,515). White non-Latina US-born mothers had the highest rates of excessive gestational weight gain (58.9%). Black non-Latina US-born mothers exhibited the highest rates of pre-pregnancy diabetes (0.7%) and obesity (29.5%). Macrosomia rates were highest among White non-Latina US-born mothers (10.7%) compared to other cohorts. After adjusting for socioeconomic and health-related factors, this group maintained the highest odds of macrosomia (OR: 1.876; 95%CI 1.832-1.922, P<0.001). CONCLUSION Our findings reveal that White non-Latina US-born mothers experience the highest macrosomia rates, which persist after adjusting for known confounders. These results have significant implications for the development of gestational surveillance tools and targeted public health interventions aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes among high-risk cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janardhan Mydam
- Department of Neonatology, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, USA
| | - Pranav Mellacheruvu
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, USA
| | - Brahm Coler
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, USA
| | - Soumini Chintala
- Department of Pediatrics, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, USA
| | - Kiran S Depala
- Department of Public Health, Saint Louis University, St Louis, USA
| | - Shreeya Sangani
- Department of Neonatology, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, USA
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18
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Murray-Garcia J, Ngo V, Garcia EFY. COVID-19's Still-Urgent Lessons of Structural Inequality and Child Health in the United States. J Natl Med Assoc 2023:S0027-9684(23)00039-1. [PMID: 37045718 PMCID: PMC10085873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnma.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19's lessons on structural inequality should have been painful and embarrassing to all of us. These daily experiences of an unacceptable status quo among US children are still with us in a post-COVID America. Addressing the multi-sectoral factors that undermine the nation...s health should remain urgent priorities for all health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jann Murray-Garcia
- University of California Davis Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing 2570 48th St., Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
| | - Victoria Ngo
- University of California Davis Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing 2570 48th St., Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
| | - Erik Fernandez Y Garcia
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics 2516 Stockton Blvd, Suite 334, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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19
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Undocumented immigrants suffering from inequality of vaccination access in Japan: measuring the institutional barriers and exploring the associated factors. Public Health 2023; 217:15-21. [PMID: 36841034 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Undocumented immigrants (UIs) have been reported to suffer from the unequal distribution of COVID-19 vaccination, but this inequality has never been quantified, and the associated factors have not been measured. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We interviewed 190 municipal offices throughout Japan about the access to COVID-19 vaccination for UIs and control group foreigners. Using logistic regression, we investigated the association between assured access and municipal characteristics. RESULTS Out of the respondent municipalities, 57.5% answered that UIs can apply for a COVID-19 vaccination voucher. Additionally, 31.5% said they had received an inquiry about vaccines from UI individuals. Furthermore, only 23.2% of the municipalities responded that they had issued vouchers for UIs at least once. The control groups were reported to have been given more access to vouchers. Logistic regression showed that the foreign resident ratio, tertiary industry, and university graduation ratio were positively associated with vaccination access. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed for the first time that UIs are disproportionately marginalized compared with other visitors, implying that "illegality" plays an important role in the context of vaccination eligibility. The street-level vaccination desks of local governments may refuse to supply vaccines. Vaccine equity will be more readily achievable when vaccination access to all populations including UIs is ensured. Such access will also improve overall public health by increasing the vaccination rate.
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20
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Jaramillo N, Felix ED. Understanding the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Latinx emerging adults. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1066513. [PMID: 36891204 PMCID: PMC9987515 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1066513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence about the potential negative psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ethnoracially minoritized young adults. Emerging adulthood is a developmental stage (ages 18-29 years old) that is characterized by identity exploration, instability, self-focus, feeling "in between" and having a sense of possibilities. Latinx emerging adults have reported significant socio-emotional consequences as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Latinx emerging adults (N = 31; ages 18-29) in California and Florida through online focus group interviews. A qualitative constructivist grounded theory approach was used in an effort to develop empirical knowledge, as research on the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Latinx young adults is limited. This method served to capture the richness of the experiences of participants by allowing analytic codes and categories to drive theory development. In total, seven focus groups were held and participants attended a virtual focus group with other Latinx emerging adults from their state. The focus groups were transcribed verbatim and coded using constructivist grounded theory. Five themes were identified from the data concerning the impact of the pandemic on Latinx emerging adults, which centered around mental health experiences, navigating family factors, pandemic-related communication, career and academic disruptions, and systemic and environmental factors. A theoretical model was constructed to generate an understanding about factors influencing psychosocial functioning for Latinx emerging adults during the pandemic. The study has implications for advancing science on the consequences of pandemics on mental health and cultural considerations that may influence disaster recovery. Examples of these cultural considerations that emerged from this study include multigenerational values, heightened responsibilities, and mediating pandemic information. Results can inform efforts to increase support and resources for Latinx emerging adults in order to address the psychological difficulties resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Jaramillo
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Erika D Felix
- Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
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21
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Morisod K, Grazioli VS, Schlüter V, Bochud M, Gonseth Nusslé S, D'Acremont V, Bühler N, Bodenmann P. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated risk factors among asylum seekers living in asylum centres: A cross-sectional serologic study in Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. J Migr Health 2023; 7:100175. [PMID: 36938329 PMCID: PMC10005972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2023.100175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding the factors influencing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in asylum seekers and refugees living in centres is crucial to determine targeted public health policies protecting these populations fairly and efficiently. In response, this study was designed to explore the pandemic's spread into asylum centres during the first wave of the pandemic in Switzerland. Specifically, it aimed to identify the risk factors associated with a positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence test after the first semi-confinement period (16 March to 27 April 2020) amongst asylum seekers and refugees living in centres. Methods This research is part of SérocoVID, a seroepidemiologic study of SARS-CoV-2 infection conducted in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Migrants living in two asylum centres, one known to have had an epidemic outbreak, were invited to participate in this study. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA antibodies targeting the spike viral protein were measured in all participants using a Luminex immunoassay. Each participant also completed a questionnaire measuring socio-demographic characteristics, medical history (comorbidities, smoking status, BMI, flu-like symptoms), health literacy, public health recommendations (wearing a masque in a public area, social distancing and hands cleaning), behaviours and exposures (daily life activities, number of contacts weekly). The association of these independent variables with the serologic test result were estimated using a multivariable logistic regression model. Findings A total of 124 participants from the two asylum centres took part in the study (Centre 1, n = 82; Centre 2, n = 42). The mean participation rate was 36.7%. The seroprevalence in Centres 1 and 2 were 13% [95% CI 0.03, 0.14] and 50% [0.34, 0.65], respectively. Next, 40.63% of SARS-CoV-2 positive people never developed symptoms (asymptomatic cases), and no one had severe forms of the Covid-19 disease requiring hospitalisation. Participants report high compliance with public health measures, especially hygiene rules (96.3% of positive answers) and social distancing (88.7%). However, only 11.3% said they always wore a masque in public. After adjusting for individual characteristics, infection risk was lower amongst people with high health literacy (aOR 0.16, p = 0.007 [0.04, 0.60]) and smokers (aOR 0.20, p = 0.013 [0.06, 0.69]). Conclusion Despite the lack of severe complications of Covid-19 disease in this study, findings suggest that developing targeted public health measures, especially for the low health literacy population, would be necessary to limit the risk of outbreaks in asylum centres and improve this population's safety. Further investigations and qualitative approach are required to understand more finely how living conditions, risks and behaviours such as tobacco consumption, and the adoption of protective measures impact SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Morisod
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Rue du Bugnon 44, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
- Chair of Medicine for Vulnerable Populations, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
- Corresponding author at: Chemin de Chantemerle 10, 1010 Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland.
| | - Véronique S. Grazioli
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Rue du Bugnon 44, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
- Chair of Medicine for Vulnerable Populations, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
| | - Virginie Schlüter
- Department of Training, Research and Innovation, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Route de Berne 113, Lausanne, Vaud 1010 Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
| | - Murielle Bochud
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Health systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Route de la Corniche 10, Lausanne, Vaud 1010, Switzerland
| | - Semira Gonseth Nusslé
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Health systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Route de la Corniche 10, Lausanne, Vaud 1010, Switzerland
| | - Valérie D'Acremont
- Department of Training, Research and Innovation, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Route de Berne 113, Lausanne, Vaud 1010 Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
| | - Nolwenn Bühler
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Rue du Bugnon 44, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Bodenmann
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Rue du Bugnon 44, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
- Chair of Medicine for Vulnerable Populations, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
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22
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Iraheta S, Morey BN. Mixed-Immigration Status Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Health Equity 2023; 7:243-250. [PMID: 37096057 PMCID: PMC10122215 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2022.0141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction To understand how mixed-immigration status families-families with a mixture of people with and without documentation-in the United States (U.S.) fared during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, this study highlights how health inequities were exacerbated during the height of the pandemic due to the implementation of anti-immigration policies such as Public Charge Rule, which stipulates that receiving public benefits is grounds for inadmissibility for immigrants seeking naturalization. Methods In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted over Zoom with 14 members of mixed-status families between February and April 2021. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Atlas.ti. Using grounded theory, we assessed the level of awareness about Public Charge Rule and the health challenges these families faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Themes that emerged included financial problems, job insecurity, housing insecurity, food insecurity, mental health problems, distrust of government and health officials, and a fear of Public Charge Rule. We present a framework for understanding health inequities for mixed-status families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion Public Charge Rule caused fear and confusion for mixed-status families during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in individuals not receiving public benefits they urgently needed. This created heightened mental health problems due to job, housing, and food insecurity. Health Equity Implications We discuss how trust between mixed-status families and the government needs foundational rebuilding. In addition to streamlining the process for these families to apply for legal status, it is important to protect and support mixed-status families through programs and policies during public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Iraheta
- Department of Health, Society, and Behavior, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
- Address correspondence to: Stephanie Iraheta, BA, Department of Health, Society, and Behavior, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, 653 E. Peltason Drive, Irvine, CA 92697-3957, USA.
| | - Brittany N. Morey
- Department of Health, Society, and Behavior, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
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23
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Galletly CL, Barreras JL, Lechuga J, Glasman LR, Cruz G, Dickson-Gomez JB, Brooks RA, Ruelas DM, Stringfield B, Espinoza-Madrigal I. US public charge policy and Latinx immigrants' thoughts about health and healthcare utilization. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2023; 28:96-113. [PMID: 35166623 PMCID: PMC9376191 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2022.2027879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined Latinx immigrants' perceptions of US policy related to restrictions on immigrants' use of public resources and their thoughts about the influence of these on immigrants' healthcare utilization. DESIGN A series of 16 focus group discussions with Latinx immigrant men and women (documented and undocumented) (N = 130) were conducted between May and July 2017 across four US cities. RESULTS Four central themes emerged: participants attributed the limited resources available for affordable healthcare for many uninsured US immigrants (both documented and undocumented) to the US government's view of immigrants as burdens on public resources and its subsequent unwillingness to dedicate funds for their care; participants expressed concerns, some unfounded, about negative immigration ramifications arising from diagnosis with health conditions perceived to be serious and/or expensive to treat; participants noted that some immigrants avoided using health programs and services to which they were entitled because of immigration concerns; finally, participants described how access to information on immigration laws and healthcare resources, and conversely, misinformation about these, influenced healthcare utilization. CONCLUSIONS Participants were acutely aware of the image of immigrants as public charges or potential burdens on government resources that underlies US immigration policy. In some cases, participants came to inaccurate and potentially harmful conclusions about the substance of laws and regulations based on their beliefs about the government's rejection of immigrants who may burden public resources. This underscores the importance of ensuring that immigrants have access to information on immigration-related laws and regulations and on healthcare resources available to them. Participants noted that access to information also fostered resilience to widespread misinformation. Importantly, however, participants' beliefs had some basis in US immigration policy discourse. Law and policy makers should reconsider legislation and political commentary that frame self-reliance, the guiding principle of US immigration policy, in terms of immigrants' use of publicly funded healthcare resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol L Galletly
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Joanna L Barreras
- School of Social Work, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA
- Bienestar Human Services Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julia Lechuga
- Public Health Sciences, University of Texas, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Laura R Glasman
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Gerardo Cruz
- Bienestar Human Services Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julia B Dickson-Gomez
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Center for Health Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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24
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Roth BJ, Woo B, Doering-White J. Brokering Resources during a Pandemic: Exploring How Organizations and Clinics Responded to the Needs of Immigrant Communities during COVID-19. SOCIAL WORK 2022; 68:57-67. [PMID: 36350589 DOI: 10.1093/sw/swac048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Though COVID-19 has had sweeping implications, many immigrant groups in the United States have been disproportionately affected. The purpose of the present study is to explore the impact of COVID-19 on immigrant communities and how local immigrant-serving organizations (ISOs) have responded during the pandemic. The authors conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with executive directors and program coordinators of 31 ISOs and health clinics in Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Findings highlight the needs of immigrants and refugees during the pandemic, including economic burden, lack of information, and limited access to testing and treatment for COVID-19. The authors find that ISOs have responded to these needs by providing basic supports, partnering with other local organizations to channel needed resources to immigrant communities, and collaborating with state-level entities to improve outreach, testing, and treatment. The authors also identify mechanisms that enabled the organizations to make nimble accommodations during the pandemic as well as the burden and compromises that these organizations have experienced. The authors argue that ISOs represent an important aspect of safety nets available for immigrants and provide insights into how other organizations can prepare for public health crises like COVID-19 in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Roth
- PhD, is associate professor, College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, Hamilton College, Room 326, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Bongki Woo
- PhD, is assistant professor, College of Social Work, College of Social Work and Department of Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - John Doering-White
- PhD, is assistant professor, College of Social Work and Department of Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
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25
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Concerns about COVID-19 among undocumented women in justice-involved families. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MIGRATION, HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/ijmhsc-09-2021-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated chronic disparities in income, employment and health-care access. Yet, little is known about how various sources of economic and emotional strain (i.e. caregiving, justice system involvement and documentation status) intersect during the pandemic. The purpose of this study is to understand how undocumented women in justice-involved families experienced the pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
Surveys of 221 mothers of justice-involved youth examined differences between documented and undocumented parents in COVID-19 testing, health and economic concerns related to the pandemic and generalized anxiety.
Findings
The results revealed undocumented women were less likely to receive COVID-19 testing than documented women, despite no difference between the two groups in suspicion that they may have contracted the virus. Also, undocumented women were more concerned than documented women about losing a job, not having enough food, not having enough non-food supplies, not having access to basic utilities or internet, losing their usual childcare services and losing a loved one to COVID-19.
Originality/value
The findings highlight the vulnerability of justice-involved families who have an undocumented member and implications for long-term solutions to address these disparities are discussed.
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26
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Morisod K, Durand MA, Selby K, Le Pogam MA, Grazioli VS, Sanchis Zozaya J, Bodenmann P, von Plessen C. Asylum Seekers' Responses to Government COVID-19 Recommendations: A Cross-sectional Survey in a Swiss Canton. J Immigr Minor Health 2022; 25:570-579. [PMID: 36508030 PMCID: PMC9743178 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-022-01436-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Asylum seekers face multiple language, cultural and administrative barriers that could result in the inappropriate implementation of COVID-19 measures. This study aimed to explore their knowledge and attitudes to recommendations about COVID-19. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among asylum seekers living in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. We used logistic regressions to analyze associations between knowledge about health recommendations, the experience of the pandemic and belief to rumors, and participant sociodemographic characteristics. In total, 242 people participated in the survey, with 63% of men (n = 150) and a median age of 30 years old (IQR 23-40). Low knowledge was associated with linguistic barriers (aOR 0.36, 95% CI 0.14-0.94, p = 0.028) and living in a community center (aOR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22-0.85, p = 0.014). Rejected asylum seekers were more likely to believe COVID-19 rumors (aOR 2.81, 95% CI 1.24-6.36, p = 0.013). This survey underlines the importance of tailoring health recommendations and interventions to reach asylum seekers, particularly those living in community centers or facing language barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Morisod
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland ,grid.9851.50000 0001 2165 4204Chair of Medicine for Vulnerable Populations, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Anne Durand
- grid.15781.3a0000 0001 0723 035XCERPOP, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France ,Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Selby
- Department Training, Research and Innovation, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Annick Le Pogam
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Véronique S. Grazioli
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland ,grid.9851.50000 0001 2165 4204Chair of Medicine for Vulnerable Populations, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Javier Sanchis Zozaya
- grid.8515.90000 0001 0423 4662Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Bodenmann
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland ,grid.9851.50000 0001 2165 4204Chair of Medicine for Vulnerable Populations, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christian von Plessen
- Department of Ambulatory Care, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland ,Direction Générale de La Santé (DGS), Lausanne, Switzerland ,grid.10825.3e0000 0001 0728 0170Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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27
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Abstract
While most children with coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) experience mild illness, some are vulnerable to severe disease and develop long-term complications. Children with disabilities, those from lower-income homes, and those from racial and ethnic minority groups are more likely to be hospitalized and to have poor outcomes following an infection. For many of these same children, a wide range of social, economic, and environmental disadvantages have made it more difficult for them to access COVID-19 vaccines. Ensuring vaccine equity in children and decreasing health disparities promotes the common good and serves society as a whole. In this article, we discuss how the pandemic has exposed long-standing injustices in historically marginalized groups and provide a summary of the research describing the disparities associated with COVID-19 infection, severity, and vaccine uptake. Last, we outline several strategies for addressing some of the issues that can give rise to vaccine inequity in the pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos R Oliveira
- Corresponding Author: Carlos R. Oliveira, M.D., Ph.D., 15 York Street, PO Box 208064, New Haven, CT 06520-8064, USA. E-mail:
| | - Kristen A Feemster
- Vaccine Education Center, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Erlinda R Ulloa
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Health of Orange County, Orange, CA 92868, USA
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28
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Jung G, Jang SH. Understanding the role of ethnic online communities during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study of Korean immigrant women's information-seeking behaviors. ASIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE 2022; 50:292-300. [PMID: 35528026 PMCID: PMC9058026 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajss.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The rule of social distancing, coupled with the closing down of ethnic enclaves, has led immigrants to become isolated from their ethnic groups. In this study, we investigate the increasing role of ethnic online communities in immigrants' information-seeking behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. An analysis of 726 posts in MissyUSA reveals how an ethnic online community helps Korean immigrant women deal with the pandemic, reflecting the essence of a community amid societal lockdown. The findings suggest that these online communities supplement immigrant women's medical knowledge, build non-medical knowledge helpful to disadvantaged immigrants, and offer transnational knowledge regarding medical systems, products, and travel. These results provide evidence of how ethnic online communities promote immigrants' ongoing incorporation into society through the development of domestically and transnationally engaged medical and non-medical knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gowoon Jung
- Department of Sociology, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sou Hyun Jang
- Department of Sociology, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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29
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Damle M, Wurtz H, Samari G. Racism and health care: Experiences of Latinx immigrant women in NYC during COVID-19. SSM. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH 2022; 2:100094. [PMID: 35578651 PMCID: PMC9095080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2022.100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected minoritized racial groups, especially Latinx immigrants, evidenced by the high rates of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths among this population. With increasing xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment in parallel to the pandemic, it is critical to understand the perspectives of Latinx populations. This study explores Latinx immigrant women's perceptions of racism and xenophobia in their health care experiences in New York City (NYC) during the COVID-19 pandemic and, further, seeks to understand the role of perceived discrimination in health care settings and on health care access. Data were analyzed using a constant comparative method of analysis from twenty-one in-depth interviews conducted with foreign-born women in the five boroughs of New York City from diverse countries across Latin America. Four central themes emerged including: structural inequalities, discriminatory health care experiences, victimization in public institutions, and overcoming discrimination in health care settings. Latinx immigrant women described the ways in which perceptions and experiences of discrimination shaped their capacity to address health-related needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study provides evidence to a growing body of literature suggesting that structural racism and xenophobia and perceptions of anti-immigrant discrimination, including resulting structural inequalities, may have a negative effect on individuals' ability to access and engage the health care system, resulting in avoidance of health care services - a critical need during a global pandemic. Scholars, policymakers, and practitioners alike should be mindful of how racism and xenophobia shape Latinx immigrant communities' engagement with the health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Damle
- Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heather Wurtz
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Goleen Samari
- Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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30
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Bigelow BF, Saxton RE, Martínez DA, Flores-Miller A, Shin JM, Parent C, Williams S, Phillips KH, Yang C, Page KR. High Uptake and Series Completion of COVID-19 Vaccine at Community-Based Vaccination for Latinos With Limited English Proficiency. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2022; 28:E789-E794. [PMID: 36074797 PMCID: PMC9528932 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Latinos, there were disparities in vaccination, especially during the early phase of COVID-19 immunization rollout. METHODS Leveraging a community-academic partnership established to expand access to SARS-CoV2 testing, we implemented community vaccination clinics with multifaceted outreach strategies and flexible appointments for limited English proficiency Latinos. RESULTS Between February 26 and May 7 2021, 2250 individuals received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccination during 18 free community events. Among them, 92.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91.2%-93.4%) self-identified as Hispanic, 88.7% (95% CI, 87.2%-89.9%) were limited English proficiency Spanish speakers, 23.1% (95% CI, 20.9%-25.2%) reported prior COVID-19 infection, 19.4% (95% CI, 16.9%-22.25%) had a body mass index of more than 35, 35.0% (95% CI, 32.2%-37.8%) had cardiovascular disease, and 21.6% (95% CI, 19.2%-24.0%) had diabetes. The timely second-dose completion rate was high (98.7%; 95% CI, 97.6%-99.2%) and did not vary by outreach method. CONCLUSION A free community-based vaccination initiative expanded access for Latinos with limited English proficiency at high risk for COVID-19 during the early phase of the immunization program in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin F. Bigelow
- Department of Medicine (Messrs Bigelow and Saxton, Dr Page, and Ms Flores-Miller) Emergency Medicine (Dr Martinez), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; School of Industrial Engineering, Pontíficia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile (Dr Martínez); Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland (Mr Shin and Ms Parent); Esperanza Center, Baltimore, Maryland (Mss Williams and Phillips); and Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Yang)
| | - Ronald E. Saxton
- Department of Medicine (Messrs Bigelow and Saxton, Dr Page, and Ms Flores-Miller) Emergency Medicine (Dr Martinez), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; School of Industrial Engineering, Pontíficia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile (Dr Martínez); Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland (Mr Shin and Ms Parent); Esperanza Center, Baltimore, Maryland (Mss Williams and Phillips); and Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Yang)
| | - Diego A. Martínez
- Department of Medicine (Messrs Bigelow and Saxton, Dr Page, and Ms Flores-Miller) Emergency Medicine (Dr Martinez), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; School of Industrial Engineering, Pontíficia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile (Dr Martínez); Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland (Mr Shin and Ms Parent); Esperanza Center, Baltimore, Maryland (Mss Williams and Phillips); and Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Yang)
| | - Alejandra Flores-Miller
- Department of Medicine (Messrs Bigelow and Saxton, Dr Page, and Ms Flores-Miller) Emergency Medicine (Dr Martinez), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; School of Industrial Engineering, Pontíficia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile (Dr Martínez); Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland (Mr Shin and Ms Parent); Esperanza Center, Baltimore, Maryland (Mss Williams and Phillips); and Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Yang)
| | - Jong M. Shin
- Department of Medicine (Messrs Bigelow and Saxton, Dr Page, and Ms Flores-Miller) Emergency Medicine (Dr Martinez), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; School of Industrial Engineering, Pontíficia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile (Dr Martínez); Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland (Mr Shin and Ms Parent); Esperanza Center, Baltimore, Maryland (Mss Williams and Phillips); and Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Yang)
| | - Cassandra Parent
- Department of Medicine (Messrs Bigelow and Saxton, Dr Page, and Ms Flores-Miller) Emergency Medicine (Dr Martinez), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; School of Industrial Engineering, Pontíficia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile (Dr Martínez); Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland (Mr Shin and Ms Parent); Esperanza Center, Baltimore, Maryland (Mss Williams and Phillips); and Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Yang)
| | - Samantha Williams
- Department of Medicine (Messrs Bigelow and Saxton, Dr Page, and Ms Flores-Miller) Emergency Medicine (Dr Martinez), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; School of Industrial Engineering, Pontíficia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile (Dr Martínez); Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland (Mr Shin and Ms Parent); Esperanza Center, Baltimore, Maryland (Mss Williams and Phillips); and Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Yang)
| | - Katherine Hartman Phillips
- Department of Medicine (Messrs Bigelow and Saxton, Dr Page, and Ms Flores-Miller) Emergency Medicine (Dr Martinez), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; School of Industrial Engineering, Pontíficia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile (Dr Martínez); Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland (Mr Shin and Ms Parent); Esperanza Center, Baltimore, Maryland (Mss Williams and Phillips); and Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Yang)
| | - Cui Yang
- Department of Medicine (Messrs Bigelow and Saxton, Dr Page, and Ms Flores-Miller) Emergency Medicine (Dr Martinez), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; School of Industrial Engineering, Pontíficia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile (Dr Martínez); Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland (Mr Shin and Ms Parent); Esperanza Center, Baltimore, Maryland (Mss Williams and Phillips); and Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Yang)
| | - Kathleen Raquel Page
- Department of Medicine (Messrs Bigelow and Saxton, Dr Page, and Ms Flores-Miller) Emergency Medicine (Dr Martinez), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; School of Industrial Engineering, Pontíficia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile (Dr Martínez); Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland (Mr Shin and Ms Parent); Esperanza Center, Baltimore, Maryland (Mss Williams and Phillips); and Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Yang)
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Hongsermeier-Graves N, Khazanchi R, Marcelin JR, Fadul N. Structural vulnerability among patients with HIV and SARS-CoV-2 Co-infection: descriptive case series from the U.S. Midwest. AIDS Care 2022; 34:1372-1377. [PMID: 34579598 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1981224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
HIV and COVID-19 disproportionately impact marginalized populations, especially racial and ethnic minorities. This descriptive case series from an HIV clinic in the U.S. Midwest explores the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of 37 individuals with HIV and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection. All 37 had suppressed viral loads prior to diagnosis with COVID-19, and all 37 survived. Relative to our overall HIV clinic population, over twice as many Hispanic patients, three times as many undocumented patients, and four times as many refugee patients contracted COVID-19, highlighting the structural vulnerability of these sub-populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rohan Khazanchi
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jasmine R Marcelin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Nada Fadul
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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32
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Haro-Ramos AY, Bacong AM. Prevalence and risk factors of food insecurity among Californians during the COVID-19 pandemic: Disparities by immigration status and ethnicity. Prev Med 2022; 164:107268. [PMID: 36150445 PMCID: PMC9487147 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated socioeconomic disparities in food insecurity. Non-citizens, who do not qualify for most publicly-funded food assistance programs, may be most vulnerable to food insecurity during the pandemic. However, no study has examined heterogeneity in food insecurity by immigration status and ethnicity in the context of the pandemic. We analyzed the 2020 non-restricted California Health Interview Survey to examine disparities in food insecurity by ethnicity and immigration status (i.e., US-born, naturalized, non-citizen) among Asians and Latinxs (N = 19,514) compared to US-born Whites. Weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed the association of immigration status and ethnicity with food insecurity. Decomposition analyses assessed the extent to which pandemic-related economic stressors, including experiencing reduced work hours or losing a job versus pre-pandemic socioeconomic position (SEP), accounted for disparities in food insecurity by ethnicity and immigration status. Regardless of immigration status, Latinxs were more likely to experience food insecurity than Whites. Based on the adjusted analyses, non-citizen, naturalized, and US-born Latinxs had a predicted probability of 12%, 11.4%, and 11.9% of experiencing food insecurity, respectively. In contrast, non-citizen Asians, but not US-born or naturalized Asians, reported greater food insecurity than Whites (12.5% vs. 8.2%). SEP accounted for 43% to 66% of the relationship between immigration status-ethnicity and food insecurity. The pandemic exacerbated economic hardship, but food insecurity was largely explained by long-standing SEP-related factors among Latinxs, regardless of immigration status, and non-citizen Asians. To address disparities in food insecurity, social assistance programs and COVID-19 economic relief should be extended to non-citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alein Y Haro-Ramos
- University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health, 2121 Berkeley Way West, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States.
| | - Adrian M Bacong
- Stanford University, School of Medicine, 1215 Welch Rd, Stanford, CA 94305, United States.
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Wang Y, Reyes L, Greenfield EA, Allred SR. Municipal Ethnic Composition and Disparities in COVID-19 Infections in New Jersey: A Blinder-Oaxaca Decomposition Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13963. [PMID: 36360847 PMCID: PMC9656431 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has disproportionally impacted Latinx and Black communities in the US. Our study aimed to extend the understanding of ethnic disparities in COVID-19 case rates by using a unique dataset of municipal case rates across New Jersey (NJ) during the first 17 months of the pandemic. We examined the extent to which there were municipal-level ethnic disparities in COVID-19 infection rates during three distinct spikes in case rates over this period. Furthermore, we used the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis to identify municipal-level exposure and vulnerability factors that contributed to ethnic disparities and how the contributions of these factors changed across the three initial waves of infection. Two clear results emerged. First, in NJ, the COVID-19 infection risk disproportionally affected Latinx communities across all three waves during the first 17 months of the pandemic. Second, the exposure and vulnerability factors that most strongly contributed to higher rates of infection in Latinx and Black communities changed over time as the virus, alongside medical and societal responses to it, also changed. These findings suggest that understanding and addressing ethnicity-based COVID-19 disparities will require sustained attention to the systemic and structural factors that disproportionately place historically marginalized ethnic communities at greater risk of contracting COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Wang
- Department of Social Work, China Youth University of Political Studies, Beijing 100089, China
| | - Laurent Reyes
- School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | | | - Sarah R. Allred
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ 08102, USA
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Ro A, Huynh MP, Bruckner TA, Du S, Young A. COVID-19 case counts and COVID-19 related Emergency Department visits: differences by immigration status, March-December 2020. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1965. [PMID: 36289476 PMCID: PMC9607655 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14345-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Undocumented immigrants face barriers to health care access, which may have been exacerbated during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. We test whether undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles County accessed COVID-19 related medical care by examining their Emergency Department (ED) patterns through high and low periods of COVID-19 infection. If undocumented immigrants were underutilizing or foregoing health care, we expect null or weaker associations between COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 related ED visits relative to Medi-Cal patients. Methods We analyzed all ED visits to the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California (LAC + USC) Medical Center between March - December 2020 (n = 85,387). We conducted logistic regressions with Los Angeles County weekly COVID-19 case counts as our main independent variable and an interaction between case counts and immigration status, stratified by age (over and under 65 years). Results We found that undocumented immigrants under 65 years old had a higher odds for a COVID-19 related ED visit compared to Medi-Cal patients and that both undocumented and Medi-Cal patients had higher odds of a COVID-19 related ED visit as COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County increased. For patients over 65 years, Medi-Cal patients actually had a weaker association between ED visits and county COVID-19 counts; as COVID-19 case counts rose, the odds of a COVID-19 related ED visit increased for the undocumented patients. Conclusion While the overall likelihood of undocumented patients having a COVID-19 related ED visit varies compared to Medi-Cal patients - for younger patients, the odds is higher; for older patients, the odds is lower - it does not appear that undocumented patients underutilized the ED during the early COVID-19 pandemic relative to Medi-Cal patients. The ED may be a viable source of contact for this high-risk population for future outreach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Ro
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243UC Irvine Program in Public Health, Department of Health, Society, and Behavior Anteater Instruction and Research Building (AIRB), Room 2036 653 E. Peltason Road, 92597 Irvine, CA USA
| | - Michael Pham Huynh
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243UC Irvine Program in Public Health, Department of Health, Society, and Behavior Anteater Instruction and Research Building (AIRB), Room 2036 653 E. Peltason Road, 92597 Irvine, CA USA
| | - Tim A. Bruckner
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243UC Irvine Program in Public Health, Department of Health, Society, and Behavior Center for Population, Inequality, and Policy, Anteater Instruction and Research Building (AIRB), 653 E. Peltason Road, 92597 Irvine, CA USA
| | - Senxi Du
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Andrew Young
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Division of Geriatric, Hospital, Palliative and General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA USA
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Erol E, Koyuncu Z, Batgı D. Quality of Life, Depressive Symptoms, and Personality Traits in Syrian Refugee Adolescents. CHILD INDICATORS RESEARCH 2022; 16:641-653. [PMID: 36310917 PMCID: PMC9589654 DOI: 10.1007/s12187-022-09983-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Refugee adolescents' quality of life (Qol) was not investigated during the Covid-19 pandemic which have a potential impact on refugee adolescents' Qol. In this study, it is planned to investigate refugee adolescents' Qol and its association with depression and quality of life. METHODS 301 refugee adolescents aged between 14 and 18 who immigrated from Syria was included in the study. Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Brief Form (PID-5 BF), Beck Depression Scale, and Life Quality Scale was used as assessment tools. The data were tested using structural equation modeling. RESULTS Both depressive symptoms and personality traits are associated with low Qol. Also, depression mediated the relationship between personality disorder and Qol. CONCLUSION This is the first study that investigates Qol in Syrian refugee adolescents during the pandemic. This study draws attention to the importance of depressive symptoms and personality traits management for improvement of Qol in Syrian refugee adolescent population. HIGHLIGHTS • Depressive symptoms are associated with low Qol in refugee adolescents.• Personality traits are associated with low Qol in refugee adolescents.• Depressive symptoms have a mediator role between personality traits and Qol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Erol
- Clinical Psychologist, Department of Clinical Psychology, Istanbul Rumeli University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zehra Koyuncu
- Medical Doctor, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-C, Campus Kocamustafapasa Street No: 53 Cerrahpasa, 34098 Fatih Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dilara Batgı
- Clinical Psychologist, Department of Clinical Psychology, Istanbul Rumeli University, Istanbul, Turkey
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de Diego-Cordero R, Borges EMDN, Da Silva CGV, Garcia-Carpintero Muñoz MA, Argueta Hermoso IM, Tarriño-Concejero L. "The COVID 19 pandemic worsened my living and working conditions". A qualitative research study of female Brazilian immigrants in Oporto. Women Health 2022; 62:753-763. [PMID: 36414568 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2022.2140379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Immigrant women face a double vulnerability, being a woman and an immigrant, a situation that hinders their entry into the labor market and worsens their working conditions and occupational health with respect to the native population. The objective of these women is to seek employment or educational opportunities and improving their own lives and those of their families. All this is affected by the axes of gender, ethnicity, migration and socioeconomic level, as well as being confronted with the patriarchal structure of exercise of power and domination. These situations of inequality have aggravated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, worsening working conditions and their occupational health. This study aims to explore the working conditions of the female Brazilian immigrant population living in Porto (Portugal) and how these conditions may affect their health. Qualitative research through semi-structured interviews conducted during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was used. The results show of them had work overload, manifesting anxiety and stress. Physical affectations related to poor work ergonomics and the lack of occupational health examinations in working immigrant women is highlighted. The importance of strengthening migration policies related to occupational health is highlighted. In pandemic situations, the vulnerability of these women increases, worsening their overall health.
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Chavira DA, Ponting C, Ramos G. The impact of COVID-19 on child and adolescent mental health and treatment considerations. Behav Res Ther 2022; 157:104169. [PMID: 35970084 PMCID: PMC9339162 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Denise A. Chavira
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Psychology, USA,Corresponding author. 1285 Franz Hall, PO Box 951563, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Carolyn Ponting
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Psychology, USA,University of California San Francisco, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, USA
| | - Giovanni Ramos
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Psychology, USA
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Bruhn S. "Me Cuesta Mucho": Latina immigrant mothers navigating remote learning and caregiving during COVID-19. THE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL ISSUES 2022; 79:JOSI12546. [PMID: 36249556 PMCID: PMC9538912 DOI: 10.1111/josi.12546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Before the pandemic, immigrant mothers from Latin America in the United States typically shouldered the weight of caregiving for children, maintained jobs, and managed transnational care responsibilities. But as COVID-19 erupted across the globe, the combination of gendered roles and a collapsing economy ruptured the already fragile arrangement of childcare and paid labor for Latina immigrant mothers. In this article, I examine how school closures intersected with Latina women's identities and social positions as immigrant mothers who suddenly confronted job loss, illness, and increased familial responsibilities. I show how Latina immigrant women renegotiated relationships to schooling, becoming teachers overnight in an unfamiliar system. Mothers shifted educational aspirations for their children to prioritize safety, as they managed increased stress and conflict while schools remained remote. I demonstrate how the breakdowns in care infrastructure forced mothers to rethink the elusive balance between paid labor and childcare, especially for those who were undocumented. Throughout, I explore how immigrant women's intersecting identities left them vulnerable to structural racism and exclusionary immigration policies. Despite the multiple layers of struggle, women continued to support their children's education and socio-emotional well-being, even in the face of multiple levels of gendered, racialized inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bruhn
- Harvard Graduate School of EducationHarvard UniversitySomervilleMassachusettsUSA
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39
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Intarapanya T, Suratanee A, Pattaradilokrat S, Plaimas K. Modeling the spread of COVID-19 as a consequence of undocumented immigration toward the reduction of daily hospitalization: Case reports from Thailand. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273558. [PMID: 36006998 PMCID: PMC9409513 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, a large number of people worldwide have been infected by coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). When the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic begins in a country, its impact is disastrous to both the country and its neighbors. In early 2020, the spread of COVID-19 was associated with global aviation. More recently, COVID-19 infections due to illegal or undocumented immigration have played a significant role in spreading the disease in Southeast Asia countries. Therefore, the spread of COVID-19 of all countries’ border should be curbed. Many countries closed their borders to all nations, causing an unprecedented decline in global travel, especially cross-border travel. This restriction affects social and economic trade-offs. Therefore, immigration policies are essential to control the COVID-19 pandemic. To understand and simulate the spread of the disease under different immigration conditions, we developed a novel mathematical model called the Legal immigration and Undocumented immigration from natural borders for Susceptible-Infected-Hospitalized and Recovered people (LUSIHR). The purpose of the model was to simulate the number of infected people under various policies, including uncontrolled, fully controlled, and partially controlled countries. The infection rate was parameterized using the collected data from the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. We demonstrated that the model possesses nonnegative solutions for favorable initial conditions. The analysis of numerical experiments showed that we could control the virus spread and maintain the number of infected people by increasing the control rate of undocumented immigration across the unprotected natural borders. Next, the obtained parameters were used to visualize the effect of the control rate on immigration at the natural border. Overall, the model was well-suited to explaining and building the simulation. The parameters were used to simulate the trends in the number of people infected from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanatorn Intarapanya
- Advanced Virtual and Intelligence Computing (AVIC) Center, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Apichat Suratanee
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Applied Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
- Intelligent and Nonlinear Dynamic Innovations Research Center, Science and Technology Research Institute, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Kitiporn Plaimas
- Advanced Virtual and Intelligence Computing (AVIC) Center, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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Nagineni L, Kichena S, Bateman E, Takigawa K, Holland N, Perry C, Hogg T, Cervantes J, Delarosa JM, Longhurst M, Janssen H, Pfarr C, Manglik N, Ayoubieh H, Chacon J. Providing bilingual COVID-19 educational material for the border region during the pandemic. MEDEDPUBLISH 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/mep.19215.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Studies show that the introduction of early public health interventions correlates with decreased rates of transmission and reductions in mortality resulting from epidemic or pandemic events. Methods: Medical educators and students from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso created the El Paso-Health Education and Awareness Team (EP-HEAT) to educate at-risk populations in the border region. The English and Spanish material created by EP-HEAT included information about disease symptoms, transmission, preventive measures and mental health resources. An online, anonymous survey was distributed to attendees to obtain feedback on the provided coronavirus disease (COVID-19) educational material. Results: The results showed that over 90% of participants agreed that the informational pamphlets increased their awareness and knowledge of COVID-19. Conclusions: In this study, educators and students created COVID-19-related material in virtual workshops and pamphlets, designed to increase knowledge about COVID-19, mitigate the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and how to address mental health issues related to the pandemic. A majority of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the COVID-19 material developed by EP-HEAT helped raise awareness, understanding, and the importance of education about SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19.
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De Jesus M, Moumni Z, Sougui ZH, Biswas N, Kubicz R, Pourtau L. "Living in Confinement, Stopped in Time": Migrant Social Vulnerability, Coping and Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in France. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10084. [PMID: 36011730 PMCID: PMC9408687 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed health and social inequities among migrant populations. Less empirical evidence exists about the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on migrants. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the first lockdown in France between March and May 2020 on migrants' lives and livelihoods. We adopted a social vulnerability framework to conceptualize how the pandemic and the consequential lockdown in France contributed to a 'compounded crisis' for asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. This crisis encompassed health, protection, and socio-economic challenges for migrants and exposed the shortcomings of existing government policies that exclude migrants and do not address the root causes of health inequities. The study draws on in-depth qualitative interviews conducted with 75 asylum seekers and undocumented migrants during the pandemic lockdown in the French regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Île-de-France. The findings of this paper highlight the importance of implementing a cohesive pandemic response approach that views health as a fundamental inclusive right for all human beings and all policies as health policies to promote well-being for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria De Jesus
- Center on Health, Risk, and Society, School of International Service, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
- Collegium de Lyon, Université de Lyon, 69002 Lyon, France
| | - Zoubida Moumni
- Psychologie de la Santé, Université Lumière Lyon 2, 69365 Lyon, France
| | - Zara Hassan Sougui
- Santé Publique, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Neeharika Biswas
- Center on Health, Risk, and Society, School of International Service, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Raquel Kubicz
- Center on Health, Risk, and Society, School of International Service, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Lionel Pourtau
- Habitat et Humanisme, 69300 Caluire et Cuire, France
- Pôle Recherche & Innovation, Université Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, 34090 Montpellier, France
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Siegel JL. The COVID-19 Pandemic: Health Impact on Unaccompanied Migrant Children. SOCIAL WORK 2022; 67:218-227. [PMID: 35470397 DOI: 10.1093/sw/swac014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
From the point of apprehension by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the U.S.-Mexican border to their reunification with sponsors in U.S. communities, unaccompanied children (UC) face political, social, and economic conditions, heightening their risk for mental and physical health burdens that may be exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such risk underscores the importance of social work practice and advocacy for the improved treatment and experiences of UC. This article uses a structural vulnerability conceptual lens to summarize the existing literature regarding UC and argues that UC's liminal immigration status, economic precarity, and lack of healthcare access place this group at high structural vulnerability during the pandemic. Further, this article identifies and describes three contexts of structural vulnerability of UC that are important points of social work intervention: (1) at the border, where migrant children are denied their legal right to seek protection; (2) in detention and shelter facilities; and (3) during reunification with sponsors. This article concludes with important practice and policy opportunities for social workers to pursue to obtain social justice for an important and highly vulnerable migrant child population.
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Rosenthal T, Touyz RM, Oparil S. Migrating Populations and Health: Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease and Metabolic Syndrome. Curr Hypertens Rep 2022; 24:325-340. [PMID: 35704140 PMCID: PMC9198623 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-022-01194-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize results of recent studies of migrants in Europe and North America and ongoing efforts to adapt strategies to provide them with inclusive sensitive health care. RECENT FINDINGS Major predisposing factors for developing hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome in migrating populations and refugees were identified. Susceptibility to the metabolic syndrome is predominantly due to environmental factors and psychological stress. Acculturation also contributes to the emergence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in first-generation adult immigrants. Increased risk for later development of hypertension and dyslipidemia has also been detected in adolescent immigrants. Targets for public health efforts were based on data that show important differences in CV risk factors and prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among ethnic immigrant groups. Studies in young adults focused on lifestyle and dietary behaviors and perceptions about weight and body image, while the focus for older adults was end-of-life issues. Two important themes have emerged: barriers to health care, with a focus on cultural and language barriers, and violence and its impact on immigrants' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talma Rosenthal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rhian M Touyz
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Suzanne Oparil
- Vascular Biology & Hypertension Program, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0007, USA.
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Gehlbach D, Vázquez E, Ortiz G, Li E, Sánchez CB, Rodríguez S, Pozar M, Cheney AM. Perceptions of the Coronavirus and COVID-19 testing and vaccination in Latinx and Indigenous Mexican immigrant communities in the Eastern Coachella Valley. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1019. [PMID: 35596225 PMCID: PMC9122545 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13375-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (known as COVID-19), spread rapidly around the world, affecting all and creating an ongoing global pandemic. Across the United States, Latinx and Indigenous populations have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 cases and death rates. An examination of the perceptions and beliefs about the spread of the virus, COVID-19 testing, and vaccination amongst racial-ethnic minority groups, specifically Latinx and Indigenous Latin American immigrant communities, is needed to alleviate the widespread disparity in new cases and deaths. Methods This study was carried out from August 2020 to January 2021 and used community-based participatory research to engage community partners and build the capacity of community health workers (i.e., promotores de salud) and pre-medical and medical students in conducting qualitative research. The objective of the study was to examine the structural and social determinants of health on perceptions of the coronavirus, its spread, and decisions around COVID-19 testing and vaccination. Data collection included ethnography involving observations in public settings and focus groups with members of Latinx and Indigenous Mexican farm-working communities in the Eastern Coachella Valley, located in the Inland Southern California desert region. A total of seven focus groups, six in Spanish and one in Purépecha, with a total of 55 participants were conducted. Topics covered include perceptions of the coronavirus and its spread, as well as COVID-19 testing and vaccination. Results Using theme identification techniques, the findings identify structural and social factors that underly perceptions held by Latinx and Indigenous Mexican immigrants about the virus and COVID-19, which, in turn, shape attitudes and behaviors related to COVID-19 testing and vaccination. Common themes that emerged across focus groups include misinformation, lack of trust in institutions, and insecurity around employment and residency. Conclusions This immigrant population is structurally vulnerable to historical and present-day inequalities that put them at increased risk of COVID-19 exposure, morbidity, and mortality. Study findings indicate a significant need for interventions that decrease structural vulnerabilities by addressing issues of (dis)trust in government and public health among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gehlbach
- School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Evelyn Vázquez
- School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | | | - Erica Li
- School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Cintya Beltrán Sánchez
- School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Sonia Rodríguez
- Center for Health Disparities Research, University of California Riverside, Riverside, USA
| | - María Pozar
- Center for Health Disparities Research, University of California Riverside, Riverside, USA
| | - Ann M Cheney
- School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
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Liu M, Simione M, Perkins ME, Price SN, Luo M, Lopez W, Catalan VM, Chen SYT, Torres C, Kwete GM, Seigel M, Edlow AG, Parra MY, Hunter ML, Boudreau AA, Taveras EM. Implementation Evaluation of HUGS/Abrazos During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Program to Foster Resiliency in Pregnancy and Early Childhood. Front Public Health 2022; 10:862388. [PMID: 35669744 PMCID: PMC9163339 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.862388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life adversity can significantly impact child development and health outcomes throughout the life course. With the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating preexisting and introducing new sources of toxic stress, social programs that foster resilience are more necessary now than ever. The Helping Us Grow Stronger (HUGS/Abrazos) program fills a crucial need for protective buffers during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has escalated toxic stressors affecting pregnant women and families with young children. HUGS/Abrazos combines patient navigation, behavioral health support, and innovative tools to ameliorate these heightened toxic stressors. We used a mixed-methods approach, guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework, to evaluate the implementation of the HUGS/Abrazos program at Massachusetts General Hospital from 6/30/2020-8/31/2021. Results of the quality improvement evaluation revealed that the program was widely adopted across the hospital and 392 unique families were referred to the program. The referred patients were representative of the communities in Massachusetts disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, 79% of referred patients followed up with the initial referral, with sustained high participation rates throughout the program course; and they were provided with an average of four community resource referrals. Adoption and implementation of the key components in HUGS/Abrazos were found to be appropriate and acceptable. Furthermore, the implemented program remained consistent to the original design. Overall, HUGS/Abrazos was well adopted as an emergency relief program with strong post-COVID-19 applicability to ameliorate continuing toxic stressors while decreasing burden on the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meisui Liu
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Meg Simione
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Meghan E. Perkins
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sarah N. Price
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mandy Luo
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - William Lopez
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Viktoria M. Catalan
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Szu-Yu Tina Chen
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Carlos Torres
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- MGH Chelsea HealthCare Center, Chelsea, MA, United States
| | - Gracia M. Kwete
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- MGH Revere HealthCare Center, Revere, MA, United States
| | - Molly Seigel
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Andrea G. Edlow
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | - Alexy Arauz Boudreau
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- MGH Chelsea HealthCare Center, Chelsea, MA, United States
| | - Elsie M. Taveras
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Kraft Center for Community Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
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COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among marginalized populations in the U.S. and Canada: Protocol for a scoping review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266120. [PMID: 35358267 PMCID: PMC8970476 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the development of safe and highly efficacious COVID-19 vaccines, extensive barriers to vaccine deployment and uptake threaten the effectiveness of vaccines in controlling the pandemic. Notably, marginalization produces structural and social inequalities that render certain populations disproportionately vulnerable to COVID-19 incidence, morbidity, and mortality, and less likely to be vaccinated. The purpose of this scoping review is to provide a comprehensive overview of definitions/conceptualizations, elements, and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among marginalized populations in the U.S. and Canada. Materials and methods The proposed scoping review follows the framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley, and further developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. It will comply with reporting guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The overall research question is: What are the definitions/conceptualizations and factors associated with vaccine hesitancy in the context of COVID-19 vaccines among adults from marginalized populations in the U.S. and Canada. Search strategies will be developed using controlled vocabulary and selected keywords, and customized for relevant databases, in collaboration with a research librarian. The results will be analyzed and synthesized quantitatively (i.e., frequencies) and qualitatively (i.e., thematic analysis) in relation to the research questions, guided by a revised WHO Vaccine Hesitancy Matrix. Discussion This scoping review will contribute to honing and advancing the conceptualization of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and broader elements and determinants of underutilization of COVID-19 vaccination among marginalized populations, identify evidence gaps, and support recommendations for research and practice moving forward.
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Blukacz A, Cabieses B, Mezones-Holguín E, Cardona Arias JM. Healthcare and social needs of international migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America: analysis of the Chilean case. Glob Health Promot 2022; 29:119-128. [PMID: 35311402 PMCID: PMC9607989 DOI: 10.1177/17579759211067562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
International migrants are a particularly vulnerable group in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Immigrants in Chile tend to experience multidimensional poverty and layers of social vulnerability. Our analysis aims to describe the perceived social and health-related needs of international migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile in terms of migration as a social determinant of health and layered social vulnerability. We carried out a qualitative analysis of responses to an open-ended question focused on the social and health-related needs linked to the pandemic included in an online questionnaire disseminated during April 2020 aimed at international migrants residing in Chile. The information gathered was thematically analysed. We included 1690 participants. They expressed needs related to health and others linked to the overall socio-economic and political response, employment, material conditions and psychosocial aspects. They also reported needs related to ‘being a migrant’. Additionally, some participants described situations of vulnerability. We analysed their needs and situations of vulnerability identified around the following emerging frames: (a) work and living conditions, (b) regularisation traps and perceived lack of support and (c) and physical and mental health needs. International migrants in Chile report experiencing interrelated layers of social vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic, where ‘being a migrant’ exacerbates physical and mental health risks. The issues revealed are immediate and direct public health challenges, as well as different aspects of social vulnerability linked to migratory status, employment and barriers to accessing healthcare that should be addressed through comprehensive policies and measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Blukacz
- Instituto de Ciencias e Innovación en Medicina, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Las Condes, Región Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Báltica Cabieses
- Instituto de Ciencias e Innovación en Medicina, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Las Condes, Región Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Edward Mezones-Holguín
- Centro de Excelencia en Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales en Salud, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL), La Molina, Lima, Peru
- Epi-gnosis Solutions, Piura, Peru
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Solheim CA, Ballard J, Fatiha N, Dini Z, Buchanan G, Song S. Immigrant Family Financial and Relationship Stress From the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF FAMILY AND ECONOMIC ISSUES 2022; 43:282-295. [PMID: 35221642 PMCID: PMC8864452 DOI: 10.1007/s10834-022-09819-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We tend to overlook immigrant families in policy and program discussions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, yet they are some of the most vulnerable to the effects of this continuing crisis. This study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on immigrant families in an upper Midwest state. We interviewed 19 human and social service providers from agencies serving Somali, Latinx, and Karen (refugees from Burma/Myanmar) immigrant families between June and August 2020. Results analyzed for this paper focused on responses to questions asked about COVID-19-related financial and familial stress, and coping resources and constraints that providers were observing with their immigrant clients. Guided by the Family Adjustment and Adaptation Response Model (Patterson, 1988), we identified a pile-up of financial and relationship stressors including employment, housing, and family relationship strains, and resource access constraints. We found that job loss in already financially vulnerable immigrant families was particularly impactful. Housing insecurity soon followed. Immigrant families also faced significant constraints to resource access including lack of documentation, fear of making a mistake, language barriers, and lack of technology skills. We identified family and community resources that families used to meet demands, coping strategies, and glimmers of resilience. As we near the end of the pandemic, we urge family researchers to monitor long-term effects of the crisis on immigrant families. Findings can inform the creation of programs and policies that address immigrant family needs for resources and culturally relevant services to support their financial recovery post-COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaime Ballard
- Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Nusroon Fatiha
- Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Zamzam Dini
- Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Gretchen Buchanan
- Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Soyoul Song
- Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
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Garcia M. This Is America: Systemic Racism and Health Inequities Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. SOCIAL WORK IN PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 37:105-121. [PMID: 34592909 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2021.1981509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) continues to devastate the world and the United States remains number one of reported COVID-19 cases and deaths. Research demonstrates that Blacks and Hispanics in the United States are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, especially among highly marginalized people at the intersection of immigration and incarceration. Social distancing is a privilege and contact tracing is a deterrent for historically oppressed populations. Public health professionals have attempted a multicausal approach to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, but they have been unsuccessful in addressing the biological-social impact of highly vulnerable populations. An emphasis is placed on syndemics and social determinants of health to address health inequities associated with COVID-19 due to systemic racism. Implications for social work will reinforce the profession's obligation to address public emergencies through social and political action. Recommendations will be made for social workers to support local, state, and federal level responses of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moctezuma Garcia
- School of Social Work, San Jose State University, San Jose, California, USA
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50
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Hu L, Trinh-Shevrin C, Islam N, Wu B, Cao S, Freeman J, Sevick MA. Mobile Device Ownership, Current Use, and Interest in Mobile Health Interventions Among Low-Income Older Chinese Immigrants With Type 2 Diabetes: Cross-sectional Survey Study. JMIR Aging 2022; 5:e27355. [PMID: 35107426 PMCID: PMC9135111 DOI: 10.2196/27355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chinese immigrants suffer a disproportionately high type 2 diabetes (T2D) burden and tend to have poorly controlled disease. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have been shown to increase access to care and improve chronic disease management in minority populations. However, such interventions have not been developed for or tested in Chinese immigrants with T2D. Objective This study aims to examine mobile device ownership, current use, and interest in mHealth interventions among Chinese immigrants with T2D. Methods In a cross-sectional survey, Chinese immigrants with T2D were recruited from Chinese community centers in New York City. Sociodemographic characteristics, mobile device ownership, current use of social media software applications, current use of technology for health-related purposes, and interest in using mHealth for T2D management were assessed. Surveys were administered face-to-face by bilingual study staff in the participant’s preferred language. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the study sample and summarize technology use. Results The sample (N=91) was predominantly female (n=57, 63%), married (n=68, 75%), and had a high school education or less (n=58, 64%); most participants had an annual household income of less than US $25,000 (n=63, 69%) and had limited English proficiency (n=78, 86%). The sample had a mean age of 70 (SD 11) years. Almost all (90/91, 99%) participants had a mobile device (eg, basic cell phones, smart devices), and the majority (n=83, 91%) reported owning a smart device (eg, smartphone or tablet). WeChat was the most commonly used social media platform (65/91, 71%). When asked about their top source for diabetes-related information, 63 of the 91 participants (69%) reported health care providers, followed by 13 who reported the internet (14%), and 10 who reported family, friends, and coworkers (11%). Less than one-quarter (21/91, 23%) of the sample reported using the internet to search for diabetes-related information in the past 12 months. About one-third of the sample (34/91, 37%) reported that they had watched a health-related video on their cell phone or computer in the past 12 months. The majority (69/91, 76%) of participants reported interest in receiving an mHealth intervention in the future to help with T2D management. Conclusions Despite high mobile device ownership, the current use of technology for health-related issues remained low in older Chinese immigrants with T2D. Given the strong interest in future mHealth interventions and high levels of social media use (eg, WeChat), future studies should consider how to leverage these existing low-cost platforms and deliver tailored mHealth interventions to this fast-growing minority group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Hu
- Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Chau Trinh-Shevrin
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nadia Islam
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bei Wu
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shimin Cao
- Charles B Wang Community Health Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jincong Freeman
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Mary Ann Sevick
- Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
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