Arab American Well-Being and Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives: Like other racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States, discrimination has contributed to health disparities for Arab Americans and placed them at increased risk for health concerns that have only persisted with the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the present study was to identify how the wellbeing of Arab Americans was impacted during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Method: Using a qualitative approach, we gathered responses from 604 Arab Americans to open-ended questions. Relying on coders and thematic analysis, common patterns were identified in the data. Results: Themes and subthemes that focused on the impact of COVID-19 were identified in the data set. The themes of negative outcomes included depression, interpersonal loss, and anxiety. The theme of positive outcomes included time with family, heightened reflection, and strengthened faith. The theme of challenging adjustments included disrupted routine and change in plans. Conclusions: As Arab Americans in this study reported numerous mental health outcomes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conclusion that this group warrants attention in the health disparities discourse was further reinforced. The themes discovered in this study can be used to develop culturally relevant health interventions for Arab Americans as a means of beginning to make health care more accessible for this population.