STRUCTURAL RACISM IN HEALTH CARE FOR BLACK IMMIGRANTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN BRAZIL

Abstract

Introduction: The black population in Brazil was the most severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, both in terms of incidence and the lethality of the disease. Structural racism presents significant barriers to access to healthcare services for the black immigrant population. There is a lack of information regarding how structural racism impacted access, welcoming, and healthcare practices for black immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Goals and Methods: This study aimed to identify how healthcare professionals received and provided care to black immigrants who sought healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. It employed qualitative exploratory and descriptive research, utilizing the conceptual framework of structural racism. Data was collected between October 2020 and January 2021 through semi-structured interviews with a script created by the researchers. Twenty-one professionals from the multidisciplinary health team in ten Primary Health Care Units in a southern Brazilian city participated. The statements were audio-recorded, transcribed, and subjected to content analysis with the support of MaxQDA software®. Results: Two empirical categories emerged from the analysis: structural racism concealed in the discourse of health professionals; and structural racism as a social determinant and its impact on the health of the black immigrant population. Final Considerations: The study highlighted that racial and social issues exacerbate the health condition of the black immigrant population. Thus, health professionals need awareness regarding how structural racism determines access to healthcare for the black immigrant population. Therefore, the promotion of training focused on recognizing the impact of structural racism on the health of this population is an essential step in countering the trivialization of the topic and promoting anti-racist actions.