Ranie Ahmed1,2, Omer Jamal3,4, Waleed Ishak5, Kiran Nabi3,4, Nida Mustafa3. 1. Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON, M1C 1A4, Canada. ranie.ahmed@mail.utoronto.ca. 2. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON, M1C 1A4, Canada. ranie.ahmed@mail.utoronto.ca. 3. Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON, M1C 1A4, Canada. 4. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON, M1C 1A4, Canada. 5. Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A failure to ensure racial equity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has caused Black communities in Canada to disproportionately be impacted. The aim of the current study was to determine the needs and concerns of Black communities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and to highlight the importance of collecting race-based COVID-19 data early on to address these needs. METHODS: Six qualitative interviews were conducted with local community health centre leaders who serve a high population of racialized communities within the GTA. Content analysis was used to extract the main themes and concerns raised during the interviews. RESULTS: The findings from this study provide further evidence of the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on Black and other racialized communities. Difficulty self-isolating due to overcrowded housing, food insecurity, and less social support for seniors were concerns identified by community health leaders. Also, enhanced financial support for front-line workers, such as Personal Support Workers (PSWs), was an important concern raised. In order to lessen the impact of the pandemic on these communities, leaders noted the need for greater accessibility of testing centres in these areas and a greater investment in tailored health promotion approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings point to the importance of collecting race-based data to ensure an equitable response to the pandemic. The current "one size fits all" response is not effective for all individuals, especially Black communities. Not all populations have access to the same resources, nor do they live in the same conditions (Kantamneni, J Vocal Behav 119:103439, 2020). A deeper consideration of the social determinants of health are needed when implementing COVID-19 policies and responses. Also, a lack of attention to Black communities only continues to perpetuate the under-acknowledged issue of anti-Black racism prevalent in Canada.
BACKGROUND: A failure to ensure racial equity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has caused Black communities in Canada to disproportionately be impacted. The aim of the current study was to determine the needs and concerns of Black communities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and to highlight the importance of collecting race-based COVID-19 data early on to address these needs. METHODS: Six qualitative interviews were conducted with local community health centre leaders who serve a high population of racialized communities within the GTA. Content analysis was used to extract the main themes and concerns raised during the interviews. RESULTS: The findings from this study provide further evidence of the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on Black and other racialized communities. Difficulty self-isolating due to overcrowded housing, food insecurity, and less social support for seniors were concerns identified by community health leaders. Also, enhanced financial support for front-line workers, such as Personal Support Workers (PSWs), was an important concern raised. In order to lessen the impact of the pandemic on these communities, leaders noted the need for greater accessibility of testing centres in these areas and a greater investment in tailored health promotion approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings point to the importance of collecting race-based data to ensure an equitable response to the pandemic. The current "one size fits all" response is not effective for all individuals, especially Black communities. Not all populations have access to the same resources, nor do they live in the same conditions (Kantamneni, J Vocal Behav 119:103439, 2020). A deeper consideration of the social determinants of health are needed when implementing COVID-19 policies and responses. Also, a lack of attention to Black communities only continues to perpetuate the under-acknowledged issue of anti-Black racism prevalent in Canada.
Entities:
Keywords:
Black community; COVID-19; Racial equity; Racialized communities; Social determinants of health
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