Challenges and Resiliency: Social Determinants of Health, COVID-19, and the Disproportionate Impact on Immigrants and Refugees Living with HIV.

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic is a global public health and social justice issue. HIV continues to disproportionately affect marginalized populations, including immigrants and refugees living with HIV (IRLHIV). This study investigated and captured the experiences of IRLHIV using the social determinants of health framework. This study examined the intersecting factors affecting the health and well-being of IRLHIV in Alberta, Canada, prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concurrent mixed methods were used. Employing an online survey (n = 124) and photovoice methodology (n = 13), the researchers identified five salient themes: experiences of racism and discrimination, challenges accessing nutrition, healthcare, and affordable housing, and precarious employment situations. The findings underscored the amplification of pre-existing inequities during the COVID-19 pandemic, intensifying the discrimination and stigma faced by IRLHIV due to both their health status and immigration background. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted, evidence-based interventions to address the social determinants of health that adversely affect IRLHIV. The researchers recommend further participatory research action into health disparities for IRLHIV to create responsive and culturally safe services for IRLHIV.