The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among migrants in shelters in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. Issue 3 (11th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bojorquez-Chapela, Ietza; Strathdee, Steffanie A; Garfein, Richard S; Benson, Constance A; Chaillon, Antoine; Ignacio, Caroline; Sepulveda, Jaime
• Is Part Of: BMJ global health. Volume 7:Issue 3(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03-11
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- epidemiology -- cross-sectional survey; World health -- Periodicals; 362.105
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007202
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2059-7908

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Migrants, especially those in temporary accommodations like camps and shelters, might be a vulnerable population during the COVID-19 pandemic, but little is known about the impact of the pandemic in these settings in low-income and middle-income countries. We assessed SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and RNA prevalence, the correlates of seropositivity (emphasising socially determined conditions), and the socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic among migrants living in shelters in Tijuana, a city on the Mexico-US border. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, non-probability survey of migrants living in shelters in Tijuana in November–December 2020 and February–April 2021. Participants completed a questionnaire and provided anterior nasal swab and blood samples for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies (IgG and IgM), respectively. We explored whether SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with sociodemographic and migration-related variables, access to sanitation, protective behaviours and health-related factors. Results: Overall, 481 participants were enrolled, 67.7% from Northern Central America, 55.3% women, mean age 33.2 years. Seven (1.5%) participants had nasal swabs positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and 53.0% were SARS-CoV-2 seropositive. Avoiding public transportation (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.90) and months living in Tijuana (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.10) were associated with seropositivity. Sleeping on the streets or other risky places and having diabetes were marginally associated with seropositivity. Most participants (90.2%) had experienced some socioeconomic impact of the pandemic (eg, diminished income, job loss). Conclusion: Compared with results from other studies conducted in the general population in Mexico at a similar time, migrants living in shelters were at increased risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2, and they suffered considerable adverse socioeconomic impacts as a consequence of the pandemic. Expanded public health and other social support systems are needed to protect migrants from COVID-19 and reduce health inequities.