Health equity during COVID-19: A qualitative study on the consequences of the syndemic on refugees’ and asylum seekers’ health in reception centres in Bologna (Italy)

Between Care and Coercion: Asylum Seekers’ Experiences With COVID-19 Containment and Mitigation Measures in German Reception Centres

“…The quarantine-induced mental distress ( 12 , 13 ) interacted with pre-existing psychological burdens related to participants’ flight experiences and their uncertain living situation, supporting other studies with asylum seekers that report the reactivation of traumatic experiences during quarantine ( 6 , 16 ). Evidence-informed recommendations suggest that having a daily routine, digital social contact, and other meaningful activities are important to prevent negative psychological effects of quarantine and confinement ( 14 , 25 ).…”

“…However, comprehensible communication does not guarantee coherency in measures: participants of this study remarked discrepancies between hygiene recommendations and housing conditions. This may not only result in discomfort and perceptions of neglect, but also in mistrust of communication campaigns—an effect reported for the contradictions between physical distancing recommendations and crowded living conditions in RCs ( 6 ). A review on disease containment measures in shared accommodations for asylum seekers showed that following hygiene standards and physical distancing are common challenges in these settings ( 8 ).…”

“…Empirical studies pointed to challenges and unintended consequences of implementing pandemic measures in RCs: A study among German authorities underlined the challenges of physical distancing in shared accommodations for asylum seekers and the importance of multilingual, personal communication to counter misinformation and anxiety among residents ( 11 ). Qualitative insights from Italian RCs indicated a strong focus on confinement and lockdown measures, leaving psychosocial implications largely unaddressed, although the precarious living and working conditions also impeded inhabitants from following regulations ( 6 ).…”

“…The impacts of the pandemic have been studied from the viewpoint of professionals or authorities ( 6 , 11 ), but direct engagement with the perspectives of asylum seekers living in RCs remains scarce in COVID-related research. With this qualitative study, we aim to contribute to the development of people-centred pandemic responses that account for different lived realities.…”

Translation and validation of the Cultural Competence Self-assessment Checklist of Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society for Health Professionals

“…The correlation between cultural competence and educational level and work experience is often studied [18], as well as the importance of non-verbal communication (eye contact, grimacing gestures) and verbal (tone and volume) for successful patient-doctor/nurse communication [19]. Studies often point out the need to strengthen the institution of intercultural mediator and further training on health staff [20]. Weaknesses on health professionals were also recorded in the management of the pandemic crisis as there is an inadequacy in the provision of immigrant care and overcoming intercultural barriers [21].…”