Navigating Life with HIV During the Pandemic: Experiences of Immigrants and Refugees in Canada

• In Event: 20862 - Section on International Migration Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 9: Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Impacts on Migration

Abstract

Background: The Public Health Agency of Canada estimated that more than 62,000 people were living with HIV in Canada in 2018, and Alberta reported the fourth highest number of cases in the country, with 21,702 STIs/HIV cases in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened health risks for many, especially immigrants and refugees living with HIV (IRLH). With limited access to outpatient care, IRLH often turn to emergency rooms, where changes in care delivery due to COVID-19 have further reduced access. Given the knowledge gaps in the literature, this paper proposes a community-led, transformative HIV model to address these gaps in care post-pandemic.

Methods: The concurrent parallel mixed-methods approach was used to explore the intersectional oppressions experienced by IRLH, focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic. Quantitative data were collected using a self-developed survey (n=124), and qualitative data were collected through three photovoice sessions (n=13) among IRLH across Alberta. The participants were recruited through the support of local community partners serving the IRLH across Alberta.

Findings: Participants in the photovoice sessions highlighted how COVID-19 and lockdown measures amplified their vulnerabilities, worsening mental health, psychosocial challenges, and socio-economic marginalization. Survey results revealed 51.5% struggled with healthcare access during COVID-19, compared to 38.4% before, while 58% faced housing issues (up from 47.5%) and 77% had trouble accessing legal services (up from 40.8%). Social support was positively linked to well-being [r(102)=.33, p=.001], while stigma was negatively correlated [r(100)=.446, p<.001]. These findings, aligned with photovoice data, show that IRLH faced compounded challenges—food insecurity, housing, mental health issues, and more—during the pandemic.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted IRLH, making it even harder for them to access healthcare, housing, food, employment, childcare, and community support. Their physical and mental health have severely impacted. Yet, stronger social support has shown to improve their health and well-being. It is crucial to develop coordinated healthcare and public health programs that prioritize the unique needs of IRLH, ensuring equitable access, dignity, and social justice.

Authors

• Karun Kishor Karki, University of British Columbia

• Rita Dhungel, University of the Fraser Valley