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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Avicenna J Med 2022; 12(04): 174-177
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1756674
Brief Report

The Understanding and Impact of COVID-19 and Pandemic Policies on Syrian and Other Arabic-Speaking Refugees in Tampa, Florida

Ahmad M. Harb
1   Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
,
Brennan Ninesling 
1   Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
,
Alfredo Ortega Cotte
1   Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
,
Asa Oxner
1   Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
,
Lynette J. Menezes 
2   Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
,
Dillon Mahoney
3   Department of Anthropology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
,
Roberta D. Baer
3   Department of Anthropology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Background Vulnerable communities around the world, such as Syrian refugees, faced increased social and financial strain due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We evaluated the underlying issues and inequities of Arabic-speaking refugees during the pandemic.

Methods Data were collected from Arabic-speaking refugees (N = 20) in July 2020, using an online 97-item questionnaire, in short response and multiple-choice formats.

Results Participants' reports indicate adequate knowledge about COVID-19 symptoms and preventative measures, but experienced linguistic, financial, and cultural challenges during the pandemic. “Essential” low-paying occupations put the population at risk for COVID-19. Local mosques and nonprofits have provided essential social support and food.

Conclusion Syrian and Arabic-speaking refugees reported several problems suggesting the need for increased understanding of this understudied, marginalized, and vulnerable population. Making resources and governmental programs more accessible is critical, so refugees can better access information regarding jobs, housing, and education. Organizations central to community support, including mosques, should be assisted.

Keywords

Arabic - coronavirus disease 2019 - immigrant - pandemic - refugees - Syrian

Prior Presentations

This study was previously presented at the UCF Global Health Conference on January 15, 2022; at the Refugee Task Force Meeting on February 6, 2021; at the USF Research Day on February 26, 2021; and at the USF Symposium on October 30, 2022.


Authors' Contributions

A.M.H., B.N., and A.O.C. collected data, coded data, wrote the paper, and edited drafts. A.O., L.M., D.M., and R.D.B. all assisted in review of drafts, editing, and reworking the paper.


Ethical Approval

As an evaluation, this project was deemed not to require IRB approval from the University of South Florida Institutional Review Board after communication with university IRB manager.




Publication History

Article published online:
19 September 2022

© 2022. Syrian American Medical Society. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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