ABSTRACT
Objective: Although essential workers of color in the United States have been notably at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, less is known about the impacts of associated life stressors within this population. Thus, the purpose of this study is to understand (a) the impact of life stressors among a sample of essential workers of color during the COVID-19 pandemic and (b) associations between life stressors and sociodemographic characteristics, work, mental health, substance use, and eating behaviors. Method: Essential workers of color (N=319) completed the Holms-Rahe Life Stress Inventory to examine whether any set of 43 life stress experiences occurred because of COVID-19. We used latent class analysis to examine patterns of clustering. Results: We identified three latent classes: (a) minimally impacted, (b) moderately impacted, and (c) widely impacted. Most of our sample reported being minimally impacted (53%) or moderately impacted (35%) by life events during the pandemic. However, participants clustered within the widely impacted pattern (11%) reported significantly more concerns with substance use, binge eating, and perceived stress. Conclusions: Findings highlight distinct patterns of life-stress impacts caused by COVID-19 among essential workers of color. Social workers must consider how to implement policies to reduce the systematic challenges faced by those who are most marginalized.
ABSTRACT
This study sought to examine the experiences of Black women essential workers and their perspectives on wellbeing and coping during the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and structural racism. We used a qualitative approach and purposive sampling techniques to interview 22 essential workers who identified as Black women. Research took place in a large southeastern portion of the United States. Data collection included a brief demographic questionnaire and individual interviews. Thematic and content analysis were used to identify themes and quantify the types of mechanisms used to cope with the pandemics. Four themes were identified to reflect these essential workers' experiences coping with the pandemics: pervasive distress;varied responses to emergent events;mechanisms for survival;and the persistent obligation to remain strong. Predominant coping mechanisms included the use of social support, faith and spirituality, and increased food consumption. Despite concerns related to imminent threats to their health, widespread uprisings against police brutality, and shifts in caretaking responsibilities, these women's narratives demonstrated a persistent obligation to remain strong. Moreover, contextual factors related to their roles as essential workers and caretakers, such as others' reliance on them, contributed to the necessity for survival and their display of strength during such turbulence. These findings highlight the emotional toll essential workers experienced while managing their work-related responsibilities and navigating caregiving roles. Future research should focus on the development of culturally relevant coping strategies to mitigate unwanted effects from pandemic-related stress and dismantling systems of oppression to improve general wellbeing for essential workers and their families. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Qualitative Social Work is the property of Sage Publications, Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)