SRFP106: The Stigma Surrounding Refugee/Immigrant Population with COVID-19 status- A Scoping Review

Grace Bailey; Fariba Aghajafari, MD, PhD, MSc; Diane Lorenzetti, PhD, MLS

Abstract

Context: Because of linguistic, cultural, socio-economic, and social barriers, vulnerable population from some ethnic backgrounds have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, fear, rumors and misconception about the Coronavirus had placed these vulnerable groups on the spotlight of stigma and shaming. Understanding the stigma faced by patients and others seeking care during the pandemic could enhance public health policies to provide equitable access to care during the pandemic.
Objective: The aim of this scoping review is to review the evidence on stigma and discrimination experienced by vulnerable populations related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Study Design: Scoping Review
Setting/Dataset: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PSYCHINFO, Cochrane Control Trials and SOCINDEX were searched form from March 2020 to July 2021. To identify grey literature, the WHO COVID-19 database will be searched, along with other relevant COVID-19 resources (e.g., CADTH COVID-19 Evidence Portal, National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools COVID-19 Rapid Evidence Reviews). The data bases were searched for studies that reported on stigma and discrimination in refugees and immigrant communities with regards to COVID-19 status. Any type of interventional, observational or qualitative studies were included. Commentary and review articles and letter to editors were excluded.
Results: The search generated 222 articles after duplicates were removed. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts based on the established inclusion criteria. Any disagreement was resolved with consultation by a third reviewer. 117 articles were selected for full text review. Currently, two authors are reviewing the selected articles to establish their eligibility for being included in the scope review. Data abstraction, quality assessment and plan for potential meta-analysis are under way.
Conclusions: This scoping review will shed light on the evidence of stigma and discrimination related to COVID-19 experienced by refugees and immigrant communities and will have implications for health professionals, public health, refugee support agencies and policy makers to implement strategies in place to safeguard vulnerable populations and reduce the impact of stress/isolation/financial challenges that these groups face.
Leave a Comment
Jack Westfall
jwestfall@aafp.org 11/21/2021

This is a very important topic and research study. Nice work. Thanks

Fariba Aghajafari
Fariba.aghajafari@ucalgary.ca 11/22/2021

Thank you! We feel the same and hope to complete and publish it soon.

Lauren Oshman
laoshman@med.umich.edu 11/22/2021

Thank you for bringing your work to NAPCRG. Looks like lots more work to do.

Diane Harper
harperdi@med.umich.edu 11/22/2021

Present your results in Phoenix next year! Thank you for sharing your work with NAPCRG!

Fariba Aghajafari
fariba.aghajafari@ucalgary.ca 11/22/2021

Thanks. will do!

William R. Phillips
wphllps@uw.edu 11/23/2021

Great work planned. I wonder how this limited data set of published studies will help inform the challenges you face in the Calgary area with your local immigrant/refugee communities and the current difficult political climate in North America. Hope you continue on this important line of inquiry. Thanks for sharing your work here right NAPCRG. – Bill Phillips

Andy Pasternak
avpiv711@sbcglobal.net 11/28/2021

Great topic- looking forward to seeing your findings next year at NAPCRG

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