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Lived Experience Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic among Arabic-, Russian- and Somali-Speaking Migrants in Finland

Author

Listed:
  • Eerika Finell

    (Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland)

  • Marja Tiilikainen

    (Migration Institute of Finland, 20500 Turku, Finland)

  • Inga Jasinskaja-Lahti

    (University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland)

  • Nasteho Hasan

    (Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland)

  • Fairuz Muthana

    (Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland)

Abstract

Increasing research shows that migrants are disproportionately exposed to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, little is known about their lived experience and related meaning-making. This qualitative study maps COVID-19-related experiences among respondents from three migrant groups living in Finland: Somali-, Arabic- and Russian-speakers ( N = 209). The data were collected by telephone interviews over four weeks in March and April 2020. Using inductive thematic analysis, we identified seven themes that illustrate respondents’ multifaceted lived experiences during the first phase of pandemic. The themes depict respondents’ difficulties and fears, but also their resilience and resources to cope, both individually and collectively. Experiences varied greatly between individuals and migrant groups. The main conclusion is that although the COVID-19 pandemic may be an especially stressful experience for migrant populations, it may also provide opportunities to deepen cooperation and trust within migrant communities, and between migrants and their country of settlement. Our analysis suggests that cooperation between local authorities and migrants, trust-building and effective information-sharing can foster positive and functional adaptations to disease-related threats and changing social environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Eerika Finell & Marja Tiilikainen & Inga Jasinskaja-Lahti & Nasteho Hasan & Fairuz Muthana, 2021. "Lived Experience Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic among Arabic-, Russian- and Somali-Speaking Migrants in Finland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-18, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:5:p:2601-:d:511125
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Akhlaq Ahmad, 2020. "Do Equal Qualifications Yield Equal Rewards for Immigrants in the Labour Market?," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 34(5), pages 826-843, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Marco Marotta & Francesca Gorini & Alessandra Parlanti & Kyriazoula Chatzianagnostou & Annamaria Mazzone & Sergio Berti & Cristina Vassalle, 2021. "Fear of COVID-19 in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-11, September.
    2. Seila Mahic & Line Nortvedt & Lise-Merete Alpers, 2023. "Immigrants’ Experiences and Perceptions of COVID-19 Information in Norway," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(14), pages 1-14, July.
    3. André Hajek & Hans-Helmut König, 2021. "The Prevalence and Correlates of Probable Major Depressive Disorder and Probable Generalized Anxiety Disorder during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Results of a Nationally Representative Survey in Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-9, November.

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