A study published in Frontiers in Public Health, led by a GHTM researcher, shows that immigrants are more vulnerable to the socioeconomic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This article aimed to analyze the socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Amadora immigrant and native population. To this end, the authors explored whether pre-existing inequalities were exacerbated during the pandemic.
In July 2020, when Amadora remained among the municipalities with the highest incidence in the country and in partial lock-down, telephone interviews were carried out with 420 immigrants and natives. Results showed that the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 was significantly unfavourable towards immigrants. For example, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, immigrants were 3.5 times more likely to be unemployed and 3.2 times more likely to experience a decrease in their income compared to natives. It was also immigrants who revealed to have greater difficulties in paying household bills in general (2 times more difficulties than natives), and in paying telephone and internet bills (3 times more than natives).
“The COVID-19 pandemic that started as a health crisis, rapidly turned into an economic crisis, namely among the more vulnerable such as immigrant families. Our results reinforce the constant and urgent need for policymakers to guarantee social equity, giving special attention to groups with increased vulnerability in times of crisis”, concluded the authors.
To read the entire article, click here: Frontiers | Are immigrants more vulnerable to the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19? A cross-sectional study in Amadora Municipality, Lisbon metropolitan area