Stress management preferences and stress experiences among Latinx immigrants in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic: Mixed-methods results from a community-academic research team.

BACKGROUND

Latinx individuals in the U.S. have higher levels of stress than other ethnic groups. Latinx immigrants living in non-traditional immigration destinations (NTIDs) have worse access to social and medical support and were particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to contextualize stress in Latinx immigrants in an NTID during the COVID-19 pandemic and to understand Latinx immigrants' preferences for stress management interventions given the sociopolitical and public health context.

METHOD

Using a community-based participatory research approach with mixed methods research design, community co-researchers gathered data using a quantitative survey and then contextualized survey results using a qualitative community conversation.

RESULTS

Community conversation participants were surprised at the relatively low levels of reported stress and pandemic impact in survey participants, and they proposed the reason was the level of pre-pandemic stressors. Guatemalan immigrants in an NTID reported more stigma but fewer changes between pre- and post-pandemic stress levels. Survey respondents preferred to learn about stress management through YouTube videos or groups led by professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the diversity of stress experiences among Latinx immigrant groups is critical to developing effective interventions. Coping strategy preferences are variable among different Latinx immigration groups, but asynchronous and/or professional-led stress management was preferred.