Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Muslim older immigrants in Edmonton, Alberta: a community-based participatory research project with a local mosque
Faculty Advisor
Date
2023
Keywords
COVID-19 pandemic, immigrants, older adults, community-based participatory research
Abstract (summary)
Objective: Older Muslim immigrants experience multiple vulnerabilities living in Canada. This study explores the experiences
of Muslim older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify ways to build community resilience as part of a
community-based participatory research partnership with a mosque in Edmonton, Alberta.
Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, check-in surveys (n = 88) followed by semi-structured interviews (n = 16) were
conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19 on older adults from the mosque congregation. Quantitative findings were reported
through descriptive statistics, and thematic analysis guided the identification of key findings from the interviews using the socioecological
model.
Results: Three major themes were identified in consultation with a Muslim community advisory committee: (a) triple jeopardy
leading to loneliness, (b) decreased access to resources for connectivity, and (c) organizational struggles to provide support during
the pandemic. The findings from the survey and interviews highlight various supports that were missing during the pandemic for
this population.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the challenges associated with aging in the Muslim population and contributed
to further marginalization, with mosques being sites of support during times of crises. Policymakers and service providers
must explore ways of engaging mosque-based support systems in meeting the needs of older Muslim adults during pandemics.
Publication Information
Rehmani, A. I., Abdi, K., Mabrouk, E. B., Zhao, T., Salami, B. O., Jones, A., Tong, H., & Salma, J. (2023). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Muslim older immigrants in Edmonton, Alberta: A community-based participatory research project with a local mosque. Canadian journal of public health = Revue canadienne de sante publique, 114(3), 378–388. https://doi.org/10.17269/s41997-023-00764-7
Notes
Item Type
Article
Language
Rights
Attribution (CC BY)
