Faculty Collaboration Database

Latinx Immigrants' Legal Concerns About SARS-CoV-2 Testing and COVID-19 Diagnosis and Treatment. J Immigr Minor Health 2022 Feb;24(1):1-9

Date

01/12/2022

Pubmed ID

35013844

Pubmed Central ID

PMC8747869

DOI

10.1007/s10903-021-01314-4

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85122884173 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   7 Citations

Abstract

Immigration concerns can deter immigrants from utilizing healthcare services. We examined Latinx immigrants' immigration concerns related to COVID-19 testing and treatment. A multi-state sample of 336 US Latinx immigrants (documented and undocumented) completed a cross-sectional online survey in Spanish. Factor analysis informed the construction of a COVID-19 Immigration Concerns Scale. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine associations between the scale and indices of perceived immigration risk and healthcare access and utilization. Concerns clustered around two factors: (1) providers' release of information to immigration authorities and drawing government attention; and (2) eligibility for COVID-19 services and the immigration ramifications of using these. The regression equation highlighted strong associations between these and perceived instability of immigration laws and enforcement concerns after controlling for healthcare access and utilization. COVID-19-related immigration concerns were substantial and multifaceted. Perceived instability of laws was strongly related to concerns but remains understudied.

Author List

Lechuga J, Galletly CL, Glasman LR, Dickson-Gomez JB, McAuliffe TL

Authors

Julia Dickson-Gomez PhD Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Timothy L. McAuliffe PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Cross-Sectional Studies
Emigrants and Immigrants
Humans
Undocumented Immigrants