Immigration status as a health care barrier in the USA during COVID-19

Hill, Jessica; Rodriguez, Darlene Xiomara; McDaniel, Paul N.

doi:10.1016/j.jmh.2021.100036

Cited by 63 publications

(51 citation statements)

References 52 publications

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“…Our results are consistent with other published studies [ 16 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]. COVID-19 prevalence and mortality are significantly high in counties living a high proportion of the unauthorized population and minority communities, in communities with a high prevalence of CVD and diabetes, and among elders [ 4 , 12 , 13 , 19 , 45 ]. Even before the pandemic, access to healthcare facilities was typically low among undocumented immigrants [ 41 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 among Undocumented Immigrants and Racial Minorities in the US

Bhuiyan

Khan

Jony

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has had an unprecedented effect, especially among under-resourced minority communities. Surveillance of those at high risk is critical for preventing and controlling the pandemic. We must better understand the relationships between COVID-19-related cases or deaths and characteristics in our most vulnerable population that put them at risk to target COVID-19 prevention and management efforts. Population characteristics strongly related to United States (US) county-level data on COVID-19 cases and deaths during all stages of the pandemic were identified from the onset of the epidemic and included county-level socio-demographic and comorbidities data, as well as daily meteorological modeled observation data from the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR), and the NARR high spatial resolution model to assess the environment. Advanced machine learning (ML) approaches were used to identify outbreaks (geographic clusters of COVID-19) and included spatiotemporal risk factors and COVID-19 vaccination efforts, especially among vulnerable and underserved communities. COVID-19 outcomes were found to be negatively associated with the number of people vaccinated and positively associated with age, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and the minority population. There was also a strong positive correlation between unauthorized immigrants and the prevalence of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Meteorological variables were also investigated, but correlations with COVID-19 were relatively weak. Our findings suggest that COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact across the US population among vulnerable and minority communities. Findings also emphasize the importance of vaccinations and tailored public health initiatives (e.g., mask mandates, vaccination) to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the number of COVID-19 related deaths across all populations.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 among Undocumented Immigrants and Racial Minorities in the US

Bhuiyan

Khan

Jony

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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“…They often face increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to their disproportionate representation in the essential workforce and crowded household conditions. RIM populations face unique challenges compared to the general US population, including: lower immunization rates cultural and language barriers, distrust of authorities including medical doctors, lower health and vaccine literacy, underinsured health status, and limited health care access [2] , [3] , [4] , [5] , [6] .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 vaccination intention and behavior in a large, diverse, U.S. refugee population

Shaw

Anderson

Fabi

et al. 2022

Vaccine

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Introduction Refugees often face increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to their disproportionate representation in the essential workforce and crowded household conditions. There is a paucity of data about risk factors for under-immunization for COVID-19 among refugees. Methods Refugees were surveyed in two phases that corresponded to before and after wide availability of COVID-19 vaccines. Participants were asked about their attitudes, and perceptions about COVID-19, previous acceptance of vaccines, sources utilized to obtain trusted health information, and intent to get vaccinated. The overall participant vulnerability was assessed using the social vulnerability index. In-depth semi-structured interviews were completed with key stakeholders through snowball sampling. Results Of 247 refugees, 244 agreed to participate in the initial survey. Among those, 140 (57.4%) intended to get vaccinated, 43 (17.6%) were unsure, and 61 (25%) did not intend to get vaccinated. In the follow up survey, all 215 who were reached, agreed to provide information about their vaccination status. Among those respondents, 141 (65.6%) were either vaccinated or expressed intent to do so, and 74 (34.4%) remained hesitant. We did not observe any significant correlation between socio-demographic variables, country of origin, and vaccination status/intent. Among those who initially intended to get vaccinated, nearly 1 in 5 changed their mind and decided to forego vaccination, and among those who initially did not plan getting vaccinated, 1 in 3 changed their mind and got vaccinated. Fears related to the vaccine, concerns that the vaccine is religiously prohibited, “wait and see” how others did with the vaccine, communication and transportation barriers were commonly cited as reason not to get vaccinated. Conclusions Over a third of refugees in our study were hesitant to get vaccinated. Refugees desired additional education about the benefits and safety of vaccines along with easier access to vaccination clinics in their communities.

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“…Access is influenced by immigration status, which is a product of immigration policies that provides legal status for migrants to reside in host countries [ 13 , 14 , 16 ]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, evidence indicates that host countries continue to use immigration status in their COVID-19-related policies to determine what and how diverse migrant populations can access health promoting resources [ 17 ]. Building upon this body of knowledge, examining countries with comparable immigration policies, where migrant workers are grouped based on similar immigration status, can provide a critical understanding of their access-related experiences.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

(Not That) Essential: A Scoping Review of Migrant Workers’ Access to Health Services and Social Protection during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand

Istiko

Durham

Elliott

2022

IJERPH

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Migrant workers have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To examine their access to health services and social protection during the pandemic, we conducted an exploratory scoping review on experiences of migrant workers in three countries with comparable immigration, health, and welfare policies: Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. After screening 961 peer-reviewed and grey literature sources, five studies were included. Using immigration status as a lens, we found that despite more inclusive policies in response to the pandemic, temporary migrant workers, especially migrant farm workers and international students, remained excluded from health services and social protection. Findings demonstrate that exploitative employment practices, precarity, and racism contribute to the continued exclusion of temporary migrant workers. The interplay between these factors, with structural racism at its core, reflect the colonial histories of these countries and their largely neoliberal approaches to immigration. To address this inequity, proactive action that recognizes and targets these structural determinants at play is essential.

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Immigration status as a health care barrier in the USA during COVID-19

Cited by 63 publications

References 52 publications

The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 among Undocumented Immigrants and Racial Minorities in the US

The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 among Undocumented Immigrants and Racial Minorities in the US

COVID-19 vaccination intention and behavior in a large, diverse, U.S. refugee population

(Not That) Essential: A Scoping Review of Migrant Workers’ Access to Health Services and Social Protection during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand

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