Background Marginalization of undocumented migrants raises concerns about equitable access to COVID-19 immunization. This study describes their self-perceived accessibility of and demand for COVID-19 immunization. Methods A multi-centric cross-sectional survey was conducted in 4 health facilities providing care to undocumented immigrants in the USA, Switzerland, Italy, and France in February-April 2021. A convenience sample of minimum 100 patients per study site was recruited. Data was collected using an anonymous structured questionnaire including demographic variables, health status, and drivers/barriers for COVID-19 immunization. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the primary and secondary outcomes: self-perceived accessibility of and demand for COVID-19 immunization. Results 812 migrants completed the survey (54.3% Geneva, 17.5% Baltimore, 15.5% Milan, and 12.7% Paris). 60.9% were women, the median age was 40 years old (range 17-76), and 19 nationalities were represented: 55.9% Latin America, 12.7% Africa, 11.2% Western Pacific, 7.9% Eastern Mediterranean, 7.6% Europe, 4.7% Asia. Among participants, 14.1% and 26.2% reported prior COVID-19 infection and fear of developing severe COVID-19, respectively. Underlying co-morbidities were common (29.5%). Self-perceived accessibility of COVID-19 immunization was high (86.4%), yet demand was low (41.1%) correlating with age, co-morbidity, and views on immunization which were better for immunization in general (77.3%) than immunization against COVID-19 (56.5%). Hesitancy was mostly due to fear of adverse reactions (39.2%). Conclusions In this multi-centric study, undocumented migrants generally believed they would access local COVID-19 immunization programs. Yet, despite positive views about immunization in general, they reported limited confidence in COVID-19 immunization and willingness to be immunized.

Genovese, E., Fiorini, G., Corrao, G., Page, K., Cailhol, J., Franchi, M., et al. (2021). Multi-centric assessment of COVID-19 immunization access and demand among undocumented migrants. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, 31(Supplement_3) [10.1093/eurpub/ckab164.246].

Multi-centric assessment of COVID-19 immunization access and demand among undocumented migrants

Genovese, E;Corrao, G;Franchi, M;
2021

Abstract

Background Marginalization of undocumented migrants raises concerns about equitable access to COVID-19 immunization. This study describes their self-perceived accessibility of and demand for COVID-19 immunization. Methods A multi-centric cross-sectional survey was conducted in 4 health facilities providing care to undocumented immigrants in the USA, Switzerland, Italy, and France in February-April 2021. A convenience sample of minimum 100 patients per study site was recruited. Data was collected using an anonymous structured questionnaire including demographic variables, health status, and drivers/barriers for COVID-19 immunization. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the primary and secondary outcomes: self-perceived accessibility of and demand for COVID-19 immunization. Results 812 migrants completed the survey (54.3% Geneva, 17.5% Baltimore, 15.5% Milan, and 12.7% Paris). 60.9% were women, the median age was 40 years old (range 17-76), and 19 nationalities were represented: 55.9% Latin America, 12.7% Africa, 11.2% Western Pacific, 7.9% Eastern Mediterranean, 7.6% Europe, 4.7% Asia. Among participants, 14.1% and 26.2% reported prior COVID-19 infection and fear of developing severe COVID-19, respectively. Underlying co-morbidities were common (29.5%). Self-perceived accessibility of COVID-19 immunization was high (86.4%), yet demand was low (41.1%) correlating with age, co-morbidity, and views on immunization which were better for immunization in general (77.3%) than immunization against COVID-19 (56.5%). Hesitancy was mostly due to fear of adverse reactions (39.2%). Conclusions In this multi-centric study, undocumented migrants generally believed they would access local COVID-19 immunization programs. Yet, despite positive views about immunization in general, they reported limited confidence in COVID-19 immunization and willingness to be immunized.
Abstract in rivista
Covid-19 immunization, health inequalities, undocumented migrants, vaccine hesitancy;
English
20-ott-2021
2021
31
Supplement_3
ckab164.246
open
Genovese, E., Fiorini, G., Corrao, G., Page, K., Cailhol, J., Franchi, M., et al. (2021). Multi-centric assessment of COVID-19 immunization access and demand among undocumented migrants. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, 31(Supplement_3) [10.1093/eurpub/ckab164.246].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10281/336035
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