Association of sociodemographic characteristics with self-perceived access to COVID-19 information and adherence to preventive measures among migrant origin and general populations in Finland: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study examines how access to COVID-19 information and adherence to preventive measures varies by sociodemographic characteristics, and whether the associations differ among the migrant origin and the general Finnish population. Additionally, the association of perceived access to information with adherence to preventive measures is examined.DesignCross-sectional, population-based random sample.BackgroundEquity in access to information is crucial for securing individual well-being and successful management of a crisis at population level.SettingPersons who have a residence permit in Finland.ParticipantsMigrant origin population constituted of persons aged 21–66 years born abroad, who took part in the Impact of the Coronavirus on the Wellbeing of the Foreign Born Population (MigCOVID) Survey conducted from October 2020 to February 2021 (n=3611). Participants in the FinHealth 2017 Follow-up Survey conducted within the same time frame, representing the general Finnish population, constituted the reference group (n=3490).Outcome measuresSelf-perceived access to COVID-19 information, adherence to preventive measures.ResultsSelf-perceived access to information and adherence to preventive measures was overall high both among the migrant origin and the general population. Perceived adequate access to information was associated with living in Finland for 12 years or longer (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.05–3.57) and excellent Finnish/Swedish language skills (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.62–4.53) among the migrant origin population and with higher education (OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.49–8.55 for tertiary and OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.25–6.59 for secondary) among the general population. The association between examined sociodemographic characteristics with adherence to preventive measures varied by study group.ConclusionsFindings on the association of perceived access to information with language proficiency in official languages highlight the need for rapid multilingual and simple language crisis communications. Findings also suggest that crisis communications and measures designed to influence health behaviours at population level may not be directly transferable if the aim is to influence health behaviours also among ethnically and culturally diverse populations.

Do Electronic Health Literacy and Online Health Information-Seeking Behavior Mediate the Effects of Socio-Demographic Factors on COVID-19- and Non-communicable Disease-Related Behaviors Among Myanmar Migrants in Southern Thailand?

“…In Myanmar culture and tradition, females face greater disapproval and stigma related to smoking and drinking, as these behaviors are seen as uncontrollable and wild behaviors of males [ 45 ]. In our study, females were more likely to adhere to CPB than males, which is consistent with a previous migrant study in 2020-2021 [ 46 ]. Compared to men, women may report a higher perceived risk and severity of COVID-19 infection [ 47 ], adopting more preventive practices.…”

Psychosocial and economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic by sex among migrant populations compared with general Finnish population: a population-based study

“…The restrictive measures especially affected those individuals in vulnerable positions. Migrant origin populations have, for example, experienced higher Psychosocial and economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic by sex among migrant populations compared with general Finnish population: a population-based study rates of hospitalisation and morbidity and mortality compared with the general population in Finland during the COVID-19 pandemic [3,4].…”

“…In response, the government submitted a decree to parliament in March 2020, implementing the Emergency Powers Act. Stringent measures, such as closing educational and recreational facilities, prohibiting gatherings of over 10 people, and urging public avoidance, were introduced [3]. The restrictive measures especially affected those individuals in vulnerable positions.…”

“…The restrictive measures especially affected those individuals in vulnerable positions. Migrant origin populations have, for example, experienced higher rates of hospitalisation and morbidity and mortality compared with the general population in Finland during the COVID-19 pandemic [3, 4].…”

“…Although population-based data on the psychosocial impact of restrictive measures during COVID-19 on migrant origin populations are limited, several previous studies have reported higher rates of psychological distress such as depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances, adverse impact on health and wellbeing and greater barriers in access to risk communications compared with general populations [3, 5]. Deterioration in the economic situation and health have also been reported [6].…”