Advancing Health Equity Among Women of Borderland Communities Peri- and Post-COVID-19: An Intersectional Community-Based Participatory Research Study

Abstract

This mixed-methods convergent study identified systemic barriers and community assets impacting the health outcomes of women residing in a geopolitical borderland community peri- and post-COVID-19. The study was conducted in a southern Arizona region during the post-pandemic recovery period. The study sample (N = 33) consisted predominantly of Latiné women, 18 years+, who have participated in Young Women’s Christian Association Southern Arizona health and well-being programs. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through a survey, interviews, and focus groups. Utilizing a community-based participatory research approach, volunteer women of the community co-developed and co-led the study, which increased connection and trust with the host community, offered crucial guidance, and contextualized interpretation and translation of data. In addition, recognizing the importance of social identities and the influences of structural power, an intersectional approach was implemented. Data indicated that peri- and post-COVID-19, 60% of participants had little or no access to health care, 50% experienced racial/ethnic (26%) and language-based (24%) discrimination, and 85% reported feeling stressed in day-to-day circumstances. Findings resulted in 10 community-based initiatives that directed organizational leadership in strategic approaches to advance their community health. Furthermore, through iterative reviews of the data, a grounded theory model emerged denoting how the community built strength and inclusion through connection during COVID-19. This study outlines how organizations can investigate their own community’s strengths and needs and collaboratively work with community members to develop equitable leadership, social support networks, and community-directed policies and practices for sustainable health promotion.