COVID-19 and Its Impact on Latinx Immigrant Communities

Background and purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has particularly affected Black and Latinx communities in the United States. Previous studies have demonstrated that Latinx populations face large health and mental health disparities in access to care, which have been exacerbated during the pandemic. In fact, compared to other racial/ethnic groups, Latinx communities have had higher infection and death rates due to COVID-19. Not only has COVID-19 impacted the health of Latinx communities disproportionately, but it has also impacted their mental wellbeing. In an effort to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on Latinx immigrants and their mental health needs, this study examined the perspectives of direct service providers who work with Latinx communities.

Methods: Twenty-one in depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with providers from Boston, Massachusetts between August and December 2020. Participants were recruited via fliers distributed through listservs at community health centers, posted in social media, and through snowball sampling. All participants provided direct services to Latinx communities and had extensive experience working with Latinx immigrant families. Providers were in different fields ranging from education to psychology. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: Two thirds of providers were Latinx. Ninety percent were female with a median age of 33. Fifty-seven percent of providers had been practicing for 5 years or more. Data analysis indicated that during the pandemic there was an exacerbation of mental health conditions, precipitated by higher levels of isolation and worry about families in the country of origin. Providers also reported that Latinx families faced greater financial stressors, particularly undocumented Latinx immigrant families, given that they could not access government aid and resources. The participants also indicated that there was an increase in crowded living arrangements, which made it difficult for participants to be able to quarantine if/when necessary. Finally, providers mentioned that not everything was negative; whenever participants were able to secure internet, the barriers to access mental health were ameliorated. In fact, providers indicated that telehealth increased availability and access among Latinx communities.

Conclusion and implications: Our findings highlight the detrimental effect of COVID-19 on Latinx communities, particularly on undocumented immigrants. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on the mental health needs of this particular population and ensure their access to mental health services. Given that mental health providers are seeing increased attendance among Latinx clients through telehealth, it is important to continue providing services through this platform, which can ultimately address barriers to access. Future research should continue investigating the sequelae of the pandemic on the wellbeing and mental health of Latinx communities and other communities of color. Future interventions should make sure to address the specific needs that each community faced.