Ethical Dilemmas in Meeting Health Needs of Migrant Youth and Mothers During COVID-19 in New York City
Name: Arielle Richey Levine
School: Institute of Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Class of 2020
Mentor: Manuela Orjuela-Grimm, MD, ScM
Abstract
This study focuses on gaining a better understanding of changes in diet and food access among Latin American migrant youth and mothers living in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also asks about the factors that have impacted food access for these participants and their families. The effects of COVID-19 on food security and dietary habits represents a novel and emerging situation. Latino immigrant households have been found to be at higher risk for food insecurity across the United States, thus likely making these households more vulnerable to changes in diet and food access due to the changes caused by COVID-19. The qualitative aspects of this study were added as part of an additional questionnaire within pre-existing studies that have been administered remotely during social distancing. Participants are asked open-ended questions that rely on interview transcriptions for qualitative analysis. This study showed varied changes in diet due to more limited food access among the participants that can seem contradictory due to the multifactorial causes that need to be taken into account. This study shows the complex and interconnected nature of dietary choices and food access, that is particularly highlighted during these extraordinary circumstances. These issues have also highlighted ethical dilemmas that we face as researchers and in our partnerships with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). This information can be used to inform adjustments to nutrition education and partnerships with CBOs associated with the ongoing studies to which this questionnaire was added for the duration of this pandemic.