Impacts of COVID-19 on Brazilians living abroad and the social determinants of their emotional health

Objective: to describe the experiences of Brazilians living in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight its impact on their social determinants of emotional health. Method: an online survey as a part of a convergent mixed-methods design. Participants were Brazilians living in Canadian urban areas throughout the COVID-19 pandemic (May-October 2021). An original questionnaire was created in Portuguese, English, and French. A sample of 113 respondents answered the questionnaire’s closing question: “For us to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on your life, you are welcome to share any additional information about your experiences.” The thematic analysis was applied. Results: narrative responses reveal no sociodemographic identification. Reported impacts were about the determinants of health regarding participants’ coping mechanisms and the impacts on emotional life, emotional stability, social support and the impact on feelings of belonging, as well as multiple gains in life. The evidence indicates that emotional health was preserved for most respondents. Conclusion: the stress related to the pandemic had a significant impact on the mental and physical health of Brazilians in Canada. Uncertainties resulting from the pandemic and government response measures resulted in concerns about one’s own health and that of family members, friends, co-workers, and the community in general.