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

TL;DR

The study found that migrants in Finland experienced greater psychosocial and economic challenges during the pandemic compared to the general population, with sex differences not always matching those in the general population.

Contribution

The paper highlights the increased vulnerability of migrant populations during the pandemic and the complex interplay between gender and migrant origin.

Findings

Migrants had higher odds of reporting economic hardship, loneliness, and sleep issues compared to the general population.

Psychosocial and economic impacts were higher in women in the general population but not consistently in migrants.

Migrant populations showed increased vulnerability during the pandemic, suggesting a need for targeted support.

Abstract

To study sex differences in the psychosocial and economic impact of the restrictive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 among the migrant origin and the general population in Finland.

Cross-sectional MigCOVID Survey data (10/2020–2/2021; n=3668) were used. FinHealth 2017 Follow-up Study participants constituted the general population reference group (n=3490). Sex differences in self-perceived impact of the restrictive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 on the psychosocial and economic situation were examined with multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for sociodemographics and self-rated health.

The migrant origin population had higher odds for reporting weakened economic situation (odds ratio (OR) 5.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.96–7.39), increased loneliness (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.35–2.28), decrease in feelings of hope for the future (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.33–2.19) and increased sleeping difficulties and nightmares (OR 1.98; 95% CI 1.34–2.92) than the general population. While the psychosocial and economic impact of COVID-19 was higher in women compared with men in the general population, findings were not fully replicated in the migrant origin population.

Individuals of migrant origin faced a higher likelihood of experiencing adverse changes in both psychosocial and economic aspects during the pandemic, suggesting increased vulnerability linked to migrant origin. Additional research is required to delve into the intricate connections among gender, migrant origin, and the impact of COVID-19, aiming to enhance comprehensive understanding of the contributing factors. Vulnerabilities of different population groups should be identified and addressed when planning measures to reduce adverse societal impact in future crises.

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