Toronto, ON, July 3, 2024 — The Federation of Black Canadians(FBC) is excited to announce the results of the “Resilience Throughout COVID-19” project, a vital study lead by Dr. Obidimma Ezezika. Funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada and Western Research in partnership with FBC. This study sheds light on the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black communities in Canada and aims to engage Black communities, policymakers, and researchers with these critical findings to promote equitable health outcomes and access to care.
Visit our page to learn more about FBC’s commitment to Black health in Canada and our work understanding how COVID has affected Black Canadians.
Study Overview
Approved by the University of Toronto’s Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education Research Ethics Board, the study involved 130 participants aged 20-89. Data was collected through interviews and focus groups from November 2021 to June 2022.
Key Findings
The study revealed that participants experienced high severity of infection, stigma, and long recovery times. Many faced a lack of emotional and physical support, along with financial hardships. Themes of isolation and restricted mobility were prominent, and participants noted both positive and negative work-related outcomes, challenges with remote activities, and concerns about well-being and access to basic needs.
Importance of the Study
Conducting studies like this is crucial for understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by specific communities during global health crises. “At the pandemic’s outset, there was a significant lack of race-based data, particularly concerning how different groups were affected,” said a lead researcher. “This research reveals the over-representation of the Black community in COVID-19’s impacts, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and systemic changes.”
The study underscores the systemic trust issues between the health system and the Black community. “Many were more inclined to listen to community-based trusted entities rather than central health agencies,” noted another researcher. “This underscores the importance of culturally relevant and community-based approaches to health education and safety.”
Future Directions
The findings advocate for policies that mandate stronger community partnerships and proactive engagement forums to discuss government actions with the community. “We need policies that require health researchers and legislation to engage with communities proactively,” emphasized a study team member. “This will help get feedback, buy-in, and insight into how actions impact the community, addressing systemic issues that affect support efforts during future pandemics.”
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About the Federation of Black Canadians:
The Federation of Black Canadians is a national organization dedicated to the advancement of Black communities in Canada through advocacy, education, and collaboration.
