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The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Brazilian Immigrant Community in the U.S: Results from a Qualitative Study

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  • Leticia Priebe Rocha

    (Department of Community Health, Tufts University, 574 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA)

  • Rebecca Rose

    (Department of Community Health, Tufts University, 574 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA)

  • Annmarie Hoch

    (Department of Community Health, Tufts University, 574 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA)

  • Cristiane Soares

    (Department of Romance Studies, Tufts University, 180 Packard Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA)

  • Adriana Fernandes

    (Office of Immigrant Affairs, City of Somerville, 42 Cross St., Somerville, MA 02145, USA)

  • Heloisa Galvão

    (Brazilian Women’s Group, 697 Cambridge St Suite 106, Brighton, MA 02135, USA)

  • Jennifer D. Allen

    (Department of Community Health, Tufts University, 574 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA)

Abstract

While an increasing body of data suggests that marginalized groups have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, little has been published about the specific impact on Brazilian immigrants in the U.S. We conducted 15 key informant interviews, one of which included two participants ( n = 16), with representatives from social service agencies, healthcare, and faith-based organizations serving Brazilian immigrants. Key informants were asked about the community’s experiences with COVID-19 testing and treatment, responses to CDC (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines, perceptions about the virus, and the pandemic’s impact on physical and mental health. Results suggest that COVID-19 has profoundly impacted Brazilian immigrants’ mental and physical health. Key informants perceived that community members faced higher risk of COVID-19 infection due to overcrowded living conditions and over-representation in public-facing and informal (e.g., housecleaning) jobs. They reported barriers to COVID-19-related healthcare services including language, immigration status, and fear of deportation. Brazilian cultural norms surrounding hygiene practices, social distancing, and information distribution have shaped the community’s pandemic response. The Brazilian community has faced extensive social, economic, and health ramifications due to the pandemic. While not unique to this community, pre-existing concerns about social disadvantage suggest a particular vulnerability of this population to the virus.

Suggested Citation

  • Leticia Priebe Rocha & Rebecca Rose & Annmarie Hoch & Cristiane Soares & Adriana Fernandes & Heloisa Galvão & Jennifer D. Allen, 2021. "The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Brazilian Immigrant Community in the U.S: Results from a Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:7:p:3355-:d:523328
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eva Clark & Karla Fredricks & Laila Woc-Colburn & Maria Elena Bottazzi & Jill Weatherhead, 2020. "Disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on immigrant communities in the United States," PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(7), pages 1-9, July.
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    2. Yunjie Luo & Yoko Sato, 2021. "Health-Related Quality of Life and Risk Factors among Chinese Women in Japan Following the COVID-19 Outbreak," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-13, August.

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