Community Testing and SARS-CoV-2 Rates for Latinxs in Baltimore

Bigelow, Benjamin F.; Saxton, Ronald; Flores-Miller, Alejandra; Mostafa, Heba H.; Loss, Manisha J.; Phillips, Katherine Hartman; Moore, Adrianna; Hale, W. Daniel; Tolson, Tina; McCann, Nicki; Catlett, Christina L.; Golden, Sherita Hill; Clark, Jeanne M.; Page, Kathleen R.

doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2021.01.005

Cited by 25 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 14 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…We identified evidence suggesting increased exposure led to higher infection rates among asylum seekers. For instance, undocumented migrants in the U.S. who tested positive were significantly more likely to be from a larger household ( p < 0.002) [ 30 ]. One-third of asylum seekers living in a reception centre in Finland tested positive for COVID-19 [ 53 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Asylum seekers and undocumented migrants avoided seeking health care during the pandemic due to lack of trust in the system and fear of jail and deportation [ 7 , 24 , 33 ], which made it difficult to determine the exact burden of the COVID-19 pandemic case numbers, admissions, and deaths. However, multiple studies that examined differential disease consequences reported a disproportionately higher proportion of COVID-19 cases among asylum seekers and undocumented migrants compared to the general population [ 30 , 32 , 35 , 36 , 41 , 48 ]. For instance, the positivity rate at a community testing centre in the U.S. was 10 times higher among undocumented migrants than among non-Hispanic whites (91.6% vs. 81.7%, p < 0.001) [ 30 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, multiple studies that examined differential disease consequences reported a disproportionately higher proportion of COVID-19 cases among asylum seekers and undocumented migrants compared to the general population [ 30 , 32 , 35 , 36 , 41 , 48 ]. For instance, the positivity rate at a community testing centre in the U.S. was 10 times higher among undocumented migrants than among non-Hispanic whites (91.6% vs. 81.7%, p < 0.001) [ 30 ]. Voluntary mass screening at reception centres for asylum seekers in Finland [ 53 ] and Greece [ 41 ] identified multiple COVID-19 outbreaks.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

“Lived the Pandemic Twice”: A Scoping Review of the Unequal Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Asylum Seekers and Undocumented Migrants

Mengesha

Alloun

Weber

et al. 2022

IJERPH

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic is widening pre-pandemic health, social, and economic inequalities between refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers and the general population. This global scoping review examined the impact of the pandemic on community-based asylum seekers and undocumented migrants in high- and upper-middle-income countries. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of peer-reviewed articles in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest Central. We applied Katikireddi’s framework of understanding and addressing inequalities to examine the differential impact of the pandemic across exposure, vulnerability to infection, disease consequences, social consequences, effectiveness of control measures, and adverse consequences of control measures. Results: We included 32 articles in the review. The analysis showed that asylum seekers and undocumented migrants experienced greater exposure to the COVID-19 virus and higher infection rates. They also experienced differential social consequences in the form of job loss and lost and/or reduced work hours. The effectiveness of pandemic response measures on asylum seekers and undocumented migrants was also affected by pre-pandemic social and economic marginalisation, exclusion from pandemic-induced policy measures, lack of appropriate pandemic communication, and variable trust in governments and authority. Pandemic control measures had greater adverse consequences on asylum seekers and undocumented migrants than the general population, with the majority of studies included in this review reporting worsened mental health and social isolation conditions and reduced access to health care. Conclusions: Asylum seekers and undocumented migrants experienced a disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across the six thematic areas of comparison. Policies that reduce exposure and vulnerability to the infection, grant equitable access to health and social care, and build capacities and resilience, are critical to enable asylum seekers and undocumented migrants to cope with and recover from pre-pandemic and pandemic-induced inequalities.

show abstract

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

“Lived the Pandemic Twice”: A Scoping Review of the Unequal Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Asylum Seekers and Undocumented Migrants

Mengesha

Alloun

Weber

et al. 2022

IJERPH

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Although COVID-19 outcomes by specific immigration status are rarely available, surrogate markers (eg, language, country of origin, housing status, health insurance eligibility and demographics) suggest that undocumented migrants are at particularly high risk 4–13. Community and health facility-based studies in Europe and the USA showed exceptionally high SARS-CoV-2 positivity rates among foreign-born or limited English proficiency patients 7 8 14 15. In the USA, COVID-19 case rates were highest in counties with large immigrant communities, and the correlation was stronger in areas with more Central Americans, a group with high poverty levels and irregular migrant status 1 12 16.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among undocumented migrants during the early phase of the vaccination campaign: a multicentric cross-sectional study

et al. 2022

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Study objectivesThe marginalisation of undocumented migrants raises concerns about equitable access to COVID-19 vaccination. This study aims to describe migrants’ hesitancy about the COVID-19 vaccination during the early phase of the vaccination campaign.SettingThis multicentric cross-sectional survey was conducted in health facilities providing care to undocumented migrants in the USA, Switzerland, Italy and France in February–May 2021.ParticipantsEligibility criteria included age >16 years, being of foreign origin and living without valid residency permit in the country of recruitment. A convenience sample of minimum 100 patients per study site was targeted.Primary and secondary outcome measuresData were collected using an anonymous structured questionnaire. The main outcomes were perceived access to the local COVID-19 vaccination programme and demand for vaccination.ResultsAltogether, 812 undocumented migrants participated (54.3% Geneva, 17.5% Baltimore, 15.5% Milano and 12.7% Paris). Most (60.9%) were women. The median age was 39 years (interquartile range 1). Participants originated from the Americas (55.9%), Africa (12.7%), Western Pacific (11.2%) Eastern Mediterranean (7.9%), Europe (7.6%) and South-East Asia (4.7%). Overall, 14.1% and 26.2% of participants, respectively, reported prior COVID-19 infection and fear of developing severe COVID-19 infection. Risk factors for severe infection were frequently reported (29.5%). Self-perceived accessibility of COVID-19 vaccination was high (86.4%), yet demand was low (41.1%) correlating with age, comorbidity and views on vaccination which were better for vaccination in general (77.3%) than vaccination against COVID-19 (56.5%). Participants mainly searched for information about vaccination in the traditional and social media.ConclusionsWe found a mismatch between perceived accessibility and demand for the COVID-19 vaccination. Public health interventions using different communication modes should build on trust about vaccination in general to tackle undocumented migrants’ hesitancy for COVID-19 vaccination with a specific attention to men, younger migrants and those at low clinical risk of severe infection.

show abstract

“…While the successful aggregation of SARS-CoV-2 viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results by regional, state, and national public health agencies has permitted comparison of confirmed COVID-19 incidence by geography, age, and racial/ethnic groups, variable access to SARS-CoV-2 testing throughout the pandemic by these same factors, as well as poorer access to testing in many disadvantaged communities, potentially confounds inference related to the risk of different populations acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection 1,2 . In addition, given that close to half of all COVID-19 infections may be asymptomatic or only mildly symptomatic, thus not prompting PCR testing, public health agency data based on captured viral testing data alone rather than viral and antibody testing may not accurately capture the true incidence.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

At-home Testing and Risk Factors for Acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Major US Metropolitan Area

Dryden‐Peterson

Kim

Naz-McLean

et al. 2022

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

ImportanceUnbiased assessment of risks associated with acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 is critical to informing mitigation efforts during pandemics.ObjectiveUnderstand risk factors for acquiring COVID-19 in a large, prospective cohort of adult residents recruited to be representative of a large US metropolitan area.DesignFully remote longitudinal cohort study launched in October 2020 and ongoing; Study data reported through June 15, 2021.SettingBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston MA.ParticipantsAdults within 45 miles of Boston, MA.InterventionMonthly at-home SARS-CoV-2 viral and antibody testing.Main OutcomesBetween October 2020 and January 2021, we enrolled 10,289 adults reflective of Massachusetts census data. At study entry, 567 (5.5%) participants had evidence of current or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. This increased to 13.4% by June 15, 2021. Compared to whites, Black non-Hispanic participants had a 2.2 fold greater risk of acquiring COVID-19 (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.91-2.50; p=<0.001) and Hispanics had a 1.5 fold greater risk (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.32-1.71; p=<0.016). Individuals aged 18-29, those who worked outside the home, and those living with other adults and children were at an increased risk. Individuals in the second and third lowest disadvantaged neighborhood communities, as measured by the area deprivation index as a marker for socioeconomic status by census block group, were associated with an increased risk in developing COVID-19. Individuals with medical risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease were at a decreased risk of SARS-CoV-2 acquisition.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status are not only risk factors for severity of disease but are also the biggest determinants of acquisition of infection. Importantly, this disparity is significantly underestimated if based on PCR data alone as noted by the discrepancy in serology vs. PCR detection for non-white participants, and points to persistent disparity in access to testing. Meanwhile, medical conditions and advanced age that increase the risk for severity of SARS-CoV-2 disease were associated with a lower risk of acquisition of COVID-19 suggesting the importance of behavior modifications. These findings highlight the need for mitigation programs that overcome challenges of structural racism in current and future pandemics.Trial RegistrationN/AKEY POINTSQuestionWhat population and occupational groups in the United States are at increased risk for acquiring COVID-19?FindingsIn this remote, longitudinal cohort study involving monthly PCR and serology self-testing of 10,289 adult residents of the Boston metropolitan area, 9257 (90.0%) of TestBoston participants acquired evidence of immunity to SARS-CoV-2 through vaccination, infection, or both as of June 15, 2021. Residents identifying as Black, Hispanic/Latinx had an increased risk of acquisition of COVID-19. Healthcare workers were not at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 acquisition. Individuals with medical risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease were at a decreased risk of SARS-CoV-2 acquisition.MeaningThese results demonstrate that race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status are not only risk factors for severity of disease but also are the biggest determinants of acquisition of infection. These findings highlight the need to address the consequences of structural racism during the development of mitigation programs for current and future pandemics.

show abstract

Community Testing and SARS-CoV-2 Rates for Latinxs in Baltimore

Cited by 25 publications

References 14 publications

“Lived the Pandemic Twice”: A Scoping Review of the Unequal Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Asylum Seekers and Undocumented Migrants

“Lived the Pandemic Twice”: A Scoping Review of the Unequal Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Asylum Seekers and Undocumented Migrants

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among undocumented migrants during the early phase of the vaccination campaign: a multicentric cross-sectional study

At-home Testing and Risk Factors for Acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Major US Metropolitan Area

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About