Systematic review of the psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on West African migrants in Victoria, Australia

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted among others on physical and mental health, and this is profound and, projected to persist for a long period. The impact was compounded by measures such as social distancing and community lockdowns especially in Victoria, Australia to control the spread.

Aim: To review published studies that focus on the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Victorians in Australia.

Methods: This study followed the PRISMA-ScR process. The McMasters critical appraisal tool was utilised to appraise the identified studies of which 76% were quantitative, the SPICE framework was used to identify the studies.

Results: Data search yielded 232,159 articles, out of which only 33 were included for critical appraisal. Most (87%) of the articles reported on psychosocial distress relative to 33% on social support, and 24% on coping strategies. Considerably less of the studies focused on other phenomenona of interests including 15% on life satisfaction, 9% on past trauma histories, and minimal 1% on memory of the previous traumatic events.

Conclusion: This review highlights the extent that past studies have focused on phenomena around psychosocially distress from COVID-19, and the subsequent coping strategies, which are imperative for patient care. Therefore, this report highlights a void in literature, especially regarding strongest memory of events and previous trauma history. The implication of this report is on how findings can guide mental health policy and trauma-informed care for migrant communities affected by multiple traumas.