Preventive Health Practices and Stress Management Among Bangladeshi Immigrants During COVID-19: A Culture-Centered Approach

Abstract

Underrepresented communities were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic across all states in America. Since immigrants have diverse ethnic backgrounds, their health behaviors and coping mechanisms might vary during the pandemic. Therefore, this study investigates the health behaviors of low-income Bangladeshi immigrants in the USA to understand their preventive health practices and stress-buffering processes during COVID-19. Using a culture-centered approach for data analysis, a total of 15 participants, including undocumented immigrants, were recruited for the study. The results show that the immigrants’ health behaviors concerning COVID-19 were heavily influenced by their cultural beliefs, which determined whether they perceived the COVID-19 virus as dangerous or not. Their preventive health practices and stress-buffering processes were predominantly shaped by traditional home remedies, common preventive measures, and prayers. Additionally, it was found that structural barriers made it difficult for them to maintain a healthier life, as they could not afford regular food or medicine delivery services during COVID-19. Not only did affordability pose challenges, but the lack of language and computer skills restricted their online access to purchasing food or other necessities as well. Future research directions and limitations of the study are also discussed.