The Experiences of Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Migrant Mothers at La Maison Bleue and Their Perceptions of Their Health and Their Children’s Health in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A descriptive study

Mona Lim¹, Andraea Van Hulst², Sarah Pisanu³, Lisa Merry⁴ 

¹Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada

²Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada

³Director of Programme, La Maison Bleue, Montreal, QC, Canada

⁴Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada

Corresponding Author: Mona Lim, mona.lim@mail.mcgill.ca

Background and Objective

It is well established that social isolation and loneliness are associated with negative health outcomes. Migrant women, especially asylum seekers and refugees, are especially at risk of social isolation and loneliness due to compounding vulnerability factors. However, there has been little research specifically exploring the relationship between loneliness and social isolation among migrant mothers with children aged 0-5 in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This research study aimed to reduce these gaps. 

Methods 

We conducted a descriptive study. Recruitment and data collection occurred concurrently from November to December 2020. Eleven participants were invited to a Zoom, telephone, or in-person, semi-structured interview and to complete a socio-demographic questionnaire. Data were thematically analysed.

Results 

Multiple determinants contribute to migrant women’s social isolation and loneliness, such as challenges of resettlement (language barriers, access to employment and daycare) and motherhood, decreased social support, socioeconomic status, and measures implemented to decrease the spread of COVID-19.  Social isolation and loneliness affected migrant women’s emotional and mental health. However, the extent to which social isolation and loneliness affected migrant families’ health and how maternal isolation and loneliness influenced child development and health are less clear. 

Conclusion/Implications

Going forward, we should re-examine current pandemic measures, work towards strategies that reduce determinants of health and adopt approaches that are gender-inclusive and culturally adapted.