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The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on health experiences of asylum seekers to the United States

BMC Public Health · 5 authors, 4 centres

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TL;DR

This qualitative study interviewed 15 asylum seekers in the U.S. during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that while participants had accurate knowledge about the virus and used masks, their crowded living conditions prevented effective quarantine and lack of insurance often deterred them from seeking medical care.

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This consensual qualitative research study analyzed 15 semi-structured interviews with adult asylum seekers in the U.S. (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Texas) conducted between December 2020 and February 2021. The analysis identified six domains of experience. Notably, immigration status was not a significant factor discouraging care-seeking. The findings suggest that future public health responses for asylum seekers should address practical barriers like housing and insurance.

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other

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public health

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ORIGINAL PAPER

PMC10353202

The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on health experiences of asylum seekers to the United States

BMC Public Health

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ABSTRACT

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. Keywords: COVID-19, Asylum seekers, Healthcare, Immigration, Disparities

CITATION EXPORT

Elizabeth Singer, Kevin Molyneux, Mahalya Gogerly-Moragoda et al.. The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on health experiences of asylum seekers to the United States. BMC Public Health. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16313-3

AUTHORS

5 · 4 CENTRES

Elizabeth Singer, Kevin Molyneux, Mahalya Gogerly-Moragoda, Dustin Kee, Kim A Baranowski

1Departments of Emergency Medicine and Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1111 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10025 USA
2Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
3Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
4Department of Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA