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Trajectories of immigrant workers with work-related injuries: the path to mistrust

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  • Arsenault, Maude
  • White, Bob
  • Côté, Daniel

Abstract

In Quebec, injured workers are entitled to medical assistance, wage replacement, and rehabilitation. While many cases are resolved smoothly, ethnographic research reveals that immigrant workers may face disruptions that foster mistrust and hinder recovery. This study examines how mistrust shapes the rehabilitation experiences of immigrant workers and identifies its root causes and impacts. Based on ethnographic observations at a Montreal rehabilitation clinic and 21 in-depth interviews with injured immigrants workers conducted between 2020 and 2024, the research highlights how mistrust emerges from experiences of racism, discrimination, perceived betrayal, employer practices, conflicting medical opinions, and fraudulent behaviors. These factors, often intersecting across institutional systems, contribute to a cumulative burden that impedes recovery and well-being. The findings underscore the need for systemic changes to build trust and improve rehabilitation outcomes for immigrant workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Arsenault, Maude & White, Bob & Côté, Daniel, 2025. "Trajectories of immigrant workers with work-related injuries: the path to mistrust," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 385(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:385:y:2025:i:c:s0277953625009086
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118577
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Basak Yanar & Agnieszka Kosny & Peter M. Smith, 2018. "Occupational Health and Safety Vulnerability of Recent Immigrants and Refugees," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-16, September.
    2. Bale, Anthony, 1989. "Medicine in the industrial battle: Early workers' compensation," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 28(11), pages 1113-1120, January.
    3. Johanna Birkhäuer & Jens Gaab & Joe Kossowsky & Sebastian Hasler & Peter Krummenacher & Christoph Werner & Heike Gerger, 2017. "Trust in the health care professional and health outcome: A meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(2), pages 1-13, February.
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