The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on Immigrants and Refugees with Chronic Illnesses
Led by Dr.Mandana Vahabi, a team of researchers from the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, Women’s College Hospital, Access Alliance, and other key partners, this community-based research project delved into the compounded effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on immigrants and refugees living with cancer, and mental health and addiction disorders. Historically excluded from mainstream studies, these vulnerable populations face unique intersectional social and clinical challenges that make them especially susceptible to the adverse effects of crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Drawing on existing data, the team’s findings shed light on the urgent need to address the disparities these communities face during times of crisis. The study provides a roadmap for building crisis-resistant health systems that centre equity, creating lasting protection for Canada's most vulnerable communities by addressing both clinical needs and social determinants.
Find out more and join us on this journey that asks: What happens to those who are at the intersection of social and clinical disadvantage during a pandemic? What can we do better?
Over the coming weeks we’ll be sharing a series of articles from this project. We’ll also be working on additional knowledge mobilization activities to engage communities, organizations, and policymakers to work towards project recommendations.
Here are all three journal articles:
Silent Voices of Immigrants and Refugees Battling with Mental Health and Addiction during COVID-19: A Follow- Up Population-Based Cohort Retrospective Study in Ontario, Canada
This article examines the compounded effects of social and clinical disadvantages, specifically focusing on the combined impact of immigration status and pre-existing mental health and addiction, on COVID-19 outcomes (vaccination rates, diagnoses, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and mortality).
The impact of COVID-19 on Immigrants and Refugees living with Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Ontario, Canada
This article explores the impact of COVID-19 on immigrants and refugees living with cancer in Ontario, Canada. Immigrants and refugees with active cancer had significantly worse COVID-19 outcomes compared to other groups, particularly non-immigrants without cancer. They were 66% more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19, 3.3 times more likely to be hospitalized, 3 times more likely to be admitted to ICU, and 4.2 times more likely to die from COVID-19.
Navigating Equitable Access to Cancer and Mental Health Services During Pandemics: Stakeholder Perspectives on COVID-19 Challenges and Community-Based Solutions for Immigrants and Refugees – Proceedings from Think Tank Sessions
This report provides an overview and findings from Think Tank sessions that engaged stakeholders to identify barriers and co-create actionable strategies to safeguard immigrant and refugee health and well-being during current and future crises. The sessions brought together affected community members, service providers, policymakers, and researchers, to discuss challenges and co-develop solutions.
Join us on May 27th from 10 - 11:30am to discuss this project and next steps. We will broaden the conversation to address key health equity challenges and opportunities for action. We will ask: What can we do differently? What steps do we need to take to ensure Ontario’s health care system better meets the needs of immigrants and refugees today?
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