COVID-19-related racism, healthcare access, and equity in New South Wales: a research update

Description

In early 2020, Australia reported the first case of COVID-19, which would quickly spiral into a global pandemic changing the way we work, live, and connect. Historically—as cited in many pandemics during the preliminary months of COVID-19—it had been reported that a new wave of racism, related to COVID-19, was evident in Australia (Larson 2020; Wen 2020; Shimizu 2020). The country's Human Rights Commission cited increasing reports of discrimination, with one-in-four from February 2020 to April 2020 citing racism related to COVID-19 (Commonwealth, 2020).

Therefore, as a collaboration between Federation of Ethnic Communities Council (FECCA), the Wagga Wagga Multicultural Council and led by Charles Sturt University, our research sought to explore the experiences of peoples from diverse backgrounds in New South Wales related to COVID-19-related racism, healthcare access and equity. Following recruitment through an online webpage, 11 interviews and one focus group were held via ZOOM.

Findings reported a heightened state of racism that led to increased fear and anxiety during the pandemic. Participants described existing strategies that supported their wellness and strength during periods of lock down. In contrast, periods of lock down for some participants were a period of rest and convalescence from the challenges faced each day during non- pandemic times. In addition, the team conducted a systematic review of existing literature in high-income contexts and found comparable results.

The findings of this project will inform healthcare policy and practice and support healthcare access and equity for diverse peoples in New South Wales. In the future, we hope to expand on our study and explore the experiences of peoples in States beyond New South Wales. If you would like to connect with the research team, please do so through FECCA, Dr Janecke Wille- [email protected] or Wagga Wagga Multicultural Council, Belinda Crain- [email protected]