Publicly Insured Hispanic Families’ Perspectives on Well-Being and Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Previous studies have identified negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and physical health of children in the United States, including exacerbation of previously existing disparities according to income, race, and ethnicity. However, a knowledge gap exists regarding the experience of minority families who were disproportionately affected by the pandemic. This qualitative study explores publicly insured Hispanic families’ experiences with school, physical, and sedentary activities and overall health and well-being during the pandemic and subsequent lifting of stay-at-home orders. Fourteen (7 Spanish-speaking, 7 English-speaking) caregivers participated in semi-structured, language-concordant telephone interviews. Through an iterative coding process, this study identified 3 thematic categories: (1) challenges with virtual learning, (2) changes in children’s activity, and (3) resilience and silver linings. Minority populations suffered substantial morbidity and mortality in the United States, and so their experiences are critical as we document the significant impacts of the global pandemic on underserved populations.