Stress management preferences and stress experiences among Latinx immigrants in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic: Mixed-methods results from a community-academic research team

Background: Latinx individuals in the U.S. have higher levels of stress than other ethnic groups. Latinx immigrants living in non-traditional immigration destinations (NTIDs) have worse access to social and medical support and were particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to contextualize stress in Latinx immigrants in an NTID during the COVID-19 pandemic and to understand Latinx immigrants' preferences for stress management interventions given the sociopolitical and public health context.

Method: Using a community-based participatory research approach with mixed methods research design, community co-researchers gathered data using a quantitative survey and then contextualized survey results using a qualitative community conversation.

Results: Community conversation participants were surprised at the relatively low levels of reported stress and pandemic impact in survey participants, and they proposed the reason was the level of pre-pandemic stressors. Guatemalan immigrants in an NTID reported more stigma but fewer changes between pre- and post-pandemic stress levels. Survey respondents preferred to learn about stress management through YouTube videos or groups led by professionals.

Conclusions: Understanding the diversity of stress experiences among Latinx immigrant groups is critical to developing effective interventions. Coping strategy preferences are variable among different Latinx immigration groups, but asynchronous and/or professional-led stress management was preferred.