Immigrant men's use of services in Quebec: Perceived physical health, psychological well-being, and the effects of COVID-19

Background: Little is known about men's access to health and social and psychological services, especially in the context of migration and COVID-19. This study compares immigrant male users and non-users of physical health and social and psychological services in Quebec, Canada, concerning (a) their self-assessed physical health and psychological well-being, (b) how those changed during COVID-19, and (c) men's reported use of services during COVID-19. Methods: Participants were 421 immigrant men, with provincial public health insurance. One-way independent t-tests compared differences in participants’ psychological well-being and physical health. Chi-Square analyses explored associations between accessing health services, experiencing physical health problems, psychological well-being, and COVID-19 related worries. Results: Participants who accessed social and psychological services had significantly lower average psychological well-being than those who did not access services. Almost all participants who experienced physical health problems accessed the corresponding service. Conclusion: The challenges involving troubles accessing social and psychological services problems might be affected by cultural norms and put immigrant men in a more vulnerable condition.