The COVID-19 Pandemic and Hispanic/Latina/o Immigrant Mental Health: Why More Needs to Be Done

COVID-19 pandemic and mental health among Hispanic/Latino/a immigrants in the USA: protocol for a scoping review

“…Finally, it is essential to acknowledge that many other factors may influence the mental health of Hispanic/Latino/a immigrants during the pandemic. Notwithstanding these limitations, previous authors have emphasised the importance of understanding and addressing the mental health of Hispanic/Latino immigrant during the pandemic 13. The main strengths of this review will be identifying the current knowledge on the mental health status of the adult Hispanic/Latina/a immigrant community in the USA during the pandemic, examining differences by intersectional identities, assessing the risks associated with developing mental health symptoms, examining issues with access to mental health service and analysing mental health outcomes reported in the literature for this population in the context of the current pandemic and preparation for future public health crises.…”

“…Notwithstanding these limitations, previous authors have emphasised the importance of understanding and addressing the mental health of Hispanic/Latino immigrant during the pandemic. 13 The main strengths of this review will be identifying the current knowledge on the mental health status of the adult Hispanic/Latina/a immigrant community in the USA during the pandemic, examining differences by intersectional identities, assessing the risks associated with developing mental health symptoms, examining issues with access to mental health service and analysing mental health outcomes reported in the literature for this population in the context of the current pandemic and preparation for future public health crises. Similarly, synthesising what is presently known and identifying the gaps in the literature are essential and vital first steps in understanding and addressing potential care needs within this population.…”

“…Though we recognize the term Latinx is often used to be more gender inclusive, expansive and neutral, only 2%–4% of Hispanics/Latinos report using the term 10–12. As such, throughout this scoping review, we will use the terms Hispanic/Latino/a and Latinx interchangeably to refer all Spanish-speaking cultures or origins, regardless of race or gender 13…”

“… 10–12 As such, throughout this scoping review, we will use the terms Hispanic/Latino/a and Latinx interchangeably to refer all Spanish-speaking cultures or origins, regardless of race or gender. 13 …”

Enhancing immigrant families’ mental health through the promotion of structural and community-based support

“…The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated stress and mental health inequities nation-wide ( 8 , 9 ), catalyzing the need to re-examine public investments in mental health promotion, prevention and treatment, especially in families from historically marginalized populations. Scholars and advocates are increasingly recognizing the potential of population-level policies and programs to prevent mental health disorders and reduce inequities ( 10 ).…”