Abstract
IntroductionPeople from Minority Ethnic backgrounds living in the UK are at greater risk of not only contracting COVID-19, but also experiencing serious consequences of the virus. These emerging health inequalities mirror those already evident in UK society.AimThe aim of this study was to understand how COVID-19 and the associated imposed restrictions affected the lives of people from the Muslim community living in the North West of England.MethodTwenty-five in-depth qualitative interviews and four focus groups (n = 22) explored individual experiences of COVID-19 and imposed restrictions. Data were analysed thematically.FindingsThe virus and associated imposed restrictions had negative impacts on the psychological wellbeing of participants, their families and the wider community. Worry and low mood were particular features of participant’s pandemic stories. Main concerns were those of contracting and transmitting the virus to others and employment-related difficulties. Low mood was particularly linked to the impact of restrictions on fundamental interactions embedded within cultural and religious practices. These practices are central to feelings of belonging and connectedness within the Muslim community. Religious beliefs were important in helping to mitigate psychological distress for some participants.ConclusionPsychological distress was associated with COVID-19 virus and impact of COVID-19 restrictions on livelihoods and fundamental human interactions. Better provision of culturally appropriate information, improving local channels of communication and practical support are important during times of pandemic when usual support systems may be disrupted.
Highlights
People from Minority Ethnic backgrounds living in the UK are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19, and experiencing serious consequences of the virus
Psychological distress was associated with COVID-19 virus and impact of COVID-19 restrictions on livelihoods and fundamental human interactions
Differences in mortality from COVID-19 highlight familiar health inequalities for disadvantaged populations and there is growing evidence to suggest that COVID-19 may be replicating these inequalities and exacerbating them [1, 2]
Summary
People from Minority Ethnic backgrounds living in the UK are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19, and experiencing serious consequences of the virus. These emerging health inequalities mirror those already evident in UK society. Recent evidence shows that the virus and the measures taken to contain it, are having a disproportionately negative impact on people from Ethnic Minority groups further widening health inequalities for these groups [1, 3]. Evidence from the UK charity, Muslim Youth Helpline shows higher levels of depression compared to the general population within Muslim communities during 2019 and a surge of general advice and crisis calls during the first national lockdown [5]. Religion was not included as a variable in the report, around a third of the UK ethnic minority population are Muslim [6]
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