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
