Perceptions of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Social, Mental, and Physical Health of Native American and Latino Communities

The study investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic shaped social, mental, and physical health among underserved Native American and Latino communities. Motivated by the pandemic’s disruption of health systems and disparities in access to care, the research aimed to document community perceptions and experiences in rural and underserved settings to inform strategies that support families and health in these populations.

Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory, and Social Contextual Factors frameworks, the team developed semi-structured interview guides. Through purposeful community engagement, stakeholders from two communities were recruited: members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation (Montana) and the Hispanic/Latinx community in Yakima Valley (Washington). Data collection comprised six focus group discussions and 30 key informant interviews. A codebook was created, and analysts applied deductive coding to participant responses, followed by an inductive, constant-comparison approach. Three analysts refined the codebook and completed inter-rater agreement to ensure coding reliability.

- Four principal impact areas emerged: mental health, physical health, family dynamics, and social disruptions. - Few differences were observed across geographic areas or between focus group (n=39) and key informant (n=28) participants. - Mental health impacts included increases in stress, anxiety, and depression. - Physical health was affected through pandemic-related lifestyle and family changes. - Family routines and dynamics shifted due to staying home, social distancing, and changes in intra-/extra-household interactions. - Social disruptions included financial strain, employment challenges, and difficulty obtaining household staples. - Communities demonstrated resilience, with many members stepping up to assist those in need.

Findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic exerted broadly similar effects across two distinct underserved communities, affecting mental and physical health, family dynamics, and social stability. These results address the research question by documenting common patterns of impact and resilience, underscoring the need for tailored supports that mitigate stress, bolster family routines, and address economic and resource disruptions. Understanding these experiences is crucial for developing community-informed strategies to support families and promote mental and physical health in underserved settings.

This study documents common impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Native American and Latino communities in Montana and Washington, highlighting mental and physical health challenges, shifts in family dynamics, and social disruptions alongside community resilience. Future work should identify and test community-informed strategies to support families, address resource needs, and promote mental and physical health in underserved communities.