Examining changes in self-reported mental health among selected Asian and White populations in Canada between 2019 to 2022: A retrospective study

Introduction: Research has shown that the mental health of Canadians has been negatively impacted during the pandemic, particularly within racialized populations. This impact may be especially true among Chinese (due to xenophobia) and South Asian people (due to high COVID-19 infection) in Canada. This study examines the change in self-reported mental health among Chinese, South Asian, and Other Southeast and East Asian populations compared to the White population by immigration status before and during the pandemic. Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study used four cycles (2019 to 2022) of the Canadian Community Health Survey. Differences in high levels of mental health were compared using logistic regression, taking into consideration immigrant status and duration since landing, and controlled for demographic, socio-economic factors, and sense of belonging. Results: The overall Asian and White populations reported similar prevalence of high mental health. This was followed by a widening of the Asian-White differential, advantaging the Asian population. The Chinese sub-group had the lowest prevalence of high mental health pre-pandemic compared to their White counterparts, but the differential disappeared by 2022. Conclusion: Study results support an overall deterioration in mental health during the pandemic, especially among White and non-immigrant Asian populations, while highlighting a healthy immigrant effect among recent Asian immigrants. The low mental health level of the Other Southeast and East Asian non-immigrant group in 2022 warrants further exploration.