Health Equity · 2 authors, 1 centre
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This qualitative study interviewed 14 young adults from mixed-immigration status families in Southern California to understand their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that fear and confusion related to the Public Charge Rule led to avoidance of needed public benefits, exacerbating financial, housing, food, and mental health insecurities.
A qualitative study using semistructured interviews was conducted with 14 adult members of mixed-immigration status families in Southern California between February and April 2021. Using grounded theory analysis, the study assessed awareness of the Public Charge Rule and the health and social challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key themes included financial problems, job insecurity, housing insecurity, food insecurity, mental health problems, and distrust of government. The findings indicate that fear of the Public Charge Rule caused individuals to avoid public benefits they needed, which worsened mental health and other insecurities. The study presents a framework for understanding these health inequities. Limitations include a small, non-representative sample of young adults recruited online, which may exclude older individuals and those without internet access. The implications highlight the need for trust-building between mixed-status families and the government, and for policies protecting these families during public health emergencies.
