Immigrant healthcare experiences and impacts during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study in Alberta, Canada
Abstract
This cross-sectional study examines the healthcare experiences of Albertans during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on comparing experiences between those born in and outside Canada. The study collected 10,175 surveys in October 2020, with nearly 10% of respondents reporting their status as born outside Canada. The study found that foreign-born Albertans experienced more delays in care and had less access to healthcare services than Canadian-born Albertans. The study highlights the need for policy and practice changes to address the healthcare disparities faced by immigrant populations during the pandemic.
Notes
Community organizations: n/a
Future research / gaps identified:
Future research: Continue to analyze healthcare access and health disparities between Albertans born inside or outside of Canada as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gaps: The survey only collected data from a snapshot in time, and the survey results can’t be generalized to the overall Albertan population.
Integration timeline: not defined
Key populations: Albertans 16 years or older who used healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID or not COVID-related).
Key findings:
Canadian-born respondents reported better virtual care experiences than Canadians born outside of Canada.
Canadian-born respondents were more likely to report worse mental and physical health status, and higher stress, anxiety, and depression during the pandemic than those born outside Canada.
Reported negative health impacts were associated with healthcare delays during the pandemic and vaccine hesitancy for COVID-19.
Healthcare delays and vaccine hesitancy was not significantly different between Canadian-born respondents and respondents born outside of Canada.
Key recommendations:
Develop a clear cost-effective community-based intervention, including better mental health care for everyone, to promote and enhance improved access to healthcare for all.
Expand investment in technology, training for the workforce in primary care settings, and educating patients about the virtual care process to enhance the quality of virtual care improve access.
Location: Survey was administered across Alberta.
Open access: No