Abstract Background Structural and social inequities greatly impacted the mental and physical health of Latinx and Indigenous Mexican populations Hispanic/Latino immigrants in rural communities in the COVID-19 pandemic. These populations experienced disproportionate infection and mortality rates, exacerbated by existing structural and social inequities, creating unique stressors that negatively impacted community members’ mental health. Limited financial resources, lack of healthcare infrastructure, fear of deportation, and stigma shaped decisions to access mental healthcare services. The historical economic instability, social isolation, and limited healthcare access experienced by this group set the stage for the challenges they faced throughout the pandemic. Methods Between September 2022 and June 2024, qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants, focusing on their mental health experiences during the pandemic. The socioecological model was used as a conceptual framework to contextualize findings with multiple spheres of influence. Results At the macro level, structural inequities such as precarious labor, exclusionary immigration policies, and underinvestment in rural regions, set the stage for pandemic-related stressors such as isolation, loss, and misinformation. At the individual level, fear of deportation and stigma surrounding mental health discouraged help-seeking behaviors. These intersecting influences underscore the socioecological determinants that shaped mental health care access among rural Latinx and Indigenous Mexican communities. Conclusions Structural interventions are needed to reduce inequities, rebuild trust, and improve access to mental healthcare services in underserved, rural populations.
Baltrushes et al. (Mon,) studied this question.