‘Who is telling the truth?’ Migrants’ experiences with COVID-19 related information in Norway: a qualitative study

Abstract

Aims:

The over-representation of migrants among those infected by COVID-19 in high-income countries has spurred questions about insufficient distribution of health information to society’s subgroups. Our study aimed to shed light on migrants’ experiences with information relating to COVID-19 in Norway.

Methods:

We conducted 55 semi-structured interviews with migrants from five different countries living in Norway: Somalia (10), Syria (15), Sri Lanka (10), Chile (10), and Poland (10). The interviews were performed by bilingual researchers with a migrant background, audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.

Results:

We identified the four key themes of multiple and contradictory information sources, language barriers, conspiracy theories/speculations, strategies for information provision and ways ahead. Participants accessed and combined several often transnational sources of information. Information was perceived as confusing and contradictory and there was a wish for more translated information.

Conclusions:

It is important to recognise the specific factors affecting migrants’ ability to receive, trust and use health-related information during pandemics and other health crises.

Keywords

COVID-19 migrants information Norway

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