Experiences of migrants from India living in Norway with COVID-19 Infodemic: A qualitative study

Abstract

This qualitative study discusses the unique experiences of migrants from India in Norway, offering an in-depth exploration of their encounters with what has been called an “infodemic” during the COVID-19 pandemic. By conducting interviews with ten migrants and one general practitioner, this research aimed to comprehend the influence of exposure to transnational and sometimes contradictory information sources on health preserving behaviours and risk perceptions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was transcribed and analyzed using the Systematic Text Condensation method. The identified themes are i) Sources of Information, ii) Trust, Verification, and Local Authority in Health Information, iii) Informational Influences on Vaccination Decision-Making, iv) Healthcare Guidance: Balancing Local and Transnational Expertise, v) Emotional Impact and Coping Mechanisms. These findings highlight the complexities of information consumption and its effects on the cognitive-emotional processes of migrants, discussing the role of factors such as familiarity, emotional comfort, and trust. Further, the study identified the need for culturally sensitive health communication, the establishment of trust with migrant communities through accurate information dissemination, and the requirement of strategies to support the emotional well-being of migrants in situations when health information varies quickly and differ geographically. The implications of this research extend to the development of effective public health strategies for migrant communities during global health crises