1. Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Analysis of Asylum Seekers' Experiences and Worries in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland.
- Author
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Morisod K, Martin T, Rawlinson C, Grazioli VS, von Plessen C, Durand MA, Selby K, Le Pogam MA, Bühler N, and Bodenmann P
- Subjects
- Humans, Pandemics, Switzerland epidemiology, Refugees, COVID-19 epidemiology, Sleep Wake Disorders
- Abstract
Objectives: The clinical and social burden of the COVID-19 pandemic were high among asylum seekers (ASs). We aimed to understand better ASs' experiences of the pandemic and their sources of worries. Methods: Participants ( n = 203) completed a survey about their worries, sleep disorders, and fear of dying. We also conducted semi-structured interviews with ASs living in a community center ( n = 15), focusing on how social and living conditions affected their experiences and worries. Results: ASs in community centers experienced more sleep disorders related to the COVID-19 pandemic than those living in private apartments (aOR 2.01, p = 0.045). Similarly, those with lower education had greater fear for their life due to the COVID-19 pandemic (aOR 2.31, p = 0.015). Qualitative findings showed that sharing living spaces was an important source of worries for ASs and that protective measures were perceived to increase social isolation. Conclusion: Our study highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for ASs and the importance of tailoring public health measures to their needs and living conditions., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they do not have any conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Morisod, Martin, Rawlinson, Grazioli, von Plessen, Durand, Selby, Le Pogam, Bühler and Bodenmann.)
- Published
- 2023
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