Conversations About Covid-19: How Latino Day Laborers Coped with the Challenges of the Early Pandemic

Conversations About Covid-19: How Latino Day Laborers Coped with the Challenges of the Early Pandemic | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Conversations About Covid-19: How Latino Day Laborers Coped with the Challenges of the Early Pandemic Maria Lizette Rangel, Angela Checa Mora, Maria Eugenia Fernandez-Esquer This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6903204/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted underserved populations, including Latino day laborers, primarily male immigrants from Mexico and Central America, who work in informal sectors such as construction, cleaning, moving, and landscaping. Although informally classified as essential workers, they faced elevated health risks, significant mental health repercussions, job insecurity, and severe financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges were further intensified by limited access to healthcare, social support, and essential services. This study explores how Latino day laborers navigated the multifaceted challenges of the early pandemic and the coping strategies they employed to protect their wellbeing. Methods Six semi-structured virtual focus groups were conducted with 6 Latino day laborers in the summer of 2020. Sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically using an inductive approach. Two bilingual coders independently coded the data in Spanish, identifying themes related to COVID-19 stressors and adopted coping strategies according to Skinner’s 12 coping families framework. Results Six Latino day laborers from Harris County, Texas participated in virtual focus group sessions. Participants reported individual-related pandemic challenges, such as fear of infection, anxiety about pandemic’s uncertainty, financial hardship, misinformation, and discrimination in accessing services. They also reported work-related stressors, such as increased risk of exposure, lack of personal protective equipment, and unstable employment. Qualitative data analysis indicated that coping strategies reported by participants aligned with Skinner’s framework. Adaptive strategies, which support long-term adjustment and stress management, included information seeking, support seeking, problem solving, and self-comforting. In contrast, less adaptive strategies, which may offer short-term relief but hinder effective coping, included escape, helplessness, accommodation, and negotiation. Conclusions The study highlights the systemic vulnerabilities Latino day laborers faced during the pandemic, including financial instability, workplace safety risks, limited access to services, and significant mental health impacts. Despite these challenges, participants showed resilience through information seeking, community support, and adaptive coping strategies. These findings point to the need for targeted, culturally responsive interventions that improve access to resources, enhance workplace protections, address misinformation, and provide mental health support for both Latino day laborers and other at-risk essential workers in future public health crises. coping strategy COVID-19 Latino day laborers qualitative research stressors resilience Figures Figure 1 Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic, Latino day laborers were classified as essential workers and placed in situations where they confronted occupational exposures, inadequate opportunities for social distancing, and limited access to healthcare and insurance ( 1 ). Latino day laborers are individuals, mostly male immigrants from Mexico and Central America, who perform manual labor in informal jobs in construction, cleaning, moving and landscaping sectors. These workers are usually hired on a temporary basis and lack formal employment training or benefits, making them particularly vulnerable to work, financial, and health hardships ( 2 ). They also live in densely populated areas, often in crowded apartments, and have limited access to healthcare, facing significant health risks due to these structural and living conditions ( 3 ). The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected Latino day laborers exposing them to significant impacts across physical, mental, social, and financial dimensions. As essential workers, many continued to work in environments with high risks, such as construction sites and agricultural fields, where COVID-19 safety protocols and formal training were often insufficient ( 4 ). This exposure, combined with barriers to healthcare services, contributed to higher infection and hospitalization rates ( 5 , 6 , 7 ). The pandemic also exacerbated mental health disparities among Latino communities, with Latino day laborers experiencing a particularly severe impact, as it intensified their levels of stress, depression and anxiety ( 4 , 5 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ). Latino day laborers faced unique challenges that compounded their psychological distress, including pandemic uncertainty, COVID-19 heightened exposure, social isolation ( 4 , 5 , 12 ), economic hardships ( 5 , 13 ) and job insecurity ( 14 ). Additionally, concerns over immigration further heightened their anxiety, as the fear of deportation or legal repercussions added to their mental health burden ( 15 ). In this paper, we describe the strategies they adopted to cope with these circumstances during the closure of non-essential business in the early pandemic (summer of 2020) in order to maintain their health and wellbeing. Coping during the pandemic. Studies on coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic have provided valuable insights into the experiences of Latino immigrants which includes the subgroup of day laborers. For instance, one study found that Latino immigrants relied heavily on family cohesion and community networks to navigate the emotional and financial difficulties exacerbated by the pandemic ( 4 ). Additionally, another study highlighted culturally specific coping mechanisms such as drawing on faith-based support and engaging in mutual resource sharing, to address both immediate and long-term needs ( 5 ). Other study documented how disruptions in work and housing stability led to heightened financial stress but also prompted innovative coping strategies like community food distribution and informal financial support networks ( 8 ). These studies underscore the resilience of Latino immigrants, but they are not informed by conceptual frameworks that articulate how individuals deploy multiple coping strategies in an attempt to reduce stress and protect their wellbeing. Furthermore, no studies have specifically described the coping strategies adopted by Latino day laborers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Coping frameworks. For our study, coping strategies are defined as actions taken to alleviate pandemic-related stressors, whether they occur in the workplace, or in an individual’s personal life. The Stress and Coping Model proposed by Lazarus and Folkman offers a valuable framework for analyzing how Latino day laborers managed stress generated by the pandemic ( 16 ). This model proposes two overarching types of coping processes: problem-focused coping , which involves addressing the stressor directly to mitigate its impact and emotion-focused coping , which involves managing emotional responses to the stressor ( 16 ). For Latino day laborers, who faced unique stressors such as job insecurity, health risks, and limited access to resources, problem-focused coping strategies might include seeking alternative sources of income or assessing community resources to mitigate economic hardships. On the other hand, emotion-focused coping strategies may involve leveraging strong family and community support networks to manage the emotional toll of the pandemic ( 17 , 18 ). Guided by an understanding of the Stress and Coping Model, we adopted a framework proposed for understanding the COVID-19 pandemic which included both problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies. Skinner and colleagues developed a hierarchical system that categorized over 100 coping strategies into 12 core families, including problem solving, information-seeking, helplessness, escape, support-seeking, self-comforting, delegation, social isolation, accommodation, negotiation, submission, and opposition ( 19 ). Skinner’s framework was chosen because it had been previously used to understand coping strategies in a review by Mak and colleagues, which examined labor migrants from 33 countries, including several Latino nations as they dealt with stressors such as job instability, irregular legal status, immigration-related stigma, family issues, and health concerns ( 20 , 21 ). Applying Skinner’s 12 core families allowed us to categorize the complex coping responses employed by Latino day laborers, who faced a range of stressors and coping strategies similar to those encountered by other migrant populations. Our study builds on existing coping frameworks and demonstrates their usefulness by investigating the coping strategies of Latino day laborers. While existing literature covers coping strategies in Latino populations in four studies ( 4 , 8 , 12 ) and thus, there remains a significant gap in understanding the specific experiences and resilience mechanisms of Latino day laborers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to address this gap in understanding by exploring how Latino day laborers navigated the physical, mental, and social, and economic challenges posed by the pandemic and the coping strategies they deployed to maintain their wellbeing. Methods This qualitative study was undertaken as part of a larger randomized clinical trial (Vales Mas Tu: Targeting Psychosocial Stressors to Reduce Latino Day Laborers Injuries Disparities—Supplement grant (1R01MD012928) in order to understand the initial impact of the pandemic on the wellbeing and work practices of day laborers. To ensure transparency and comprehensiveness in the presentation of the study’s methodology and findings, the COREQ checklist was used to report key aspects of the qualitative research process ( 22 ). We aimed to better understand, and document experiences and practices adopted by Latino day laborers to confront the COVID-19 pandemic during closure of non-essential business, limitations on public gathering and recommendations for people to stay at home except for essential activities in the summer of 2020. The study was reviewed and approved by the University of Texas Health Science Center’s Internal Review Board Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects (IRB #: HSC-SPH-18-0337). Participants and Setting The study was conducted remotely using the Zoom platform between June and August of 2020. A total of six Latino Day laborers (LDLs) were invited to participate in 6 biweekly meetings. Participants of these focus groups were all male adults over the age of 18 who had previous or current experience working as day laborers in Harris County, Texas. The research team had prior relationship with the participants since they were part of the Vales + Tu project’s community advisory board (CAB), a fact that facilitated rapport and disclosure. Five out of the 6 invitees were CAB members who agreed to participate in the study and 4 of them remained active at the conclusion of the six conversations. Participants dropouts were primarily due to work obligations and family responsibilities. Consent forms were mailed out to each participant in advance, accompanied by a pre-stamped envelope. All enrolled participants completed the consent forms. Procedures Before the focus groups began, one-to-one training was arranged between a research staff member and the participants to install and familiarize them with Zoom and ensure proficiency in using the audio and visual features on their computers or personal mobile devices. In addition, an introductory meeting was arranged between the research team and participants to review the mailed consent document and to ensure that each participant was able to connect via Zoom. A series of six 2-hour focus group sessions were held every other week from June 25 to August 6. Meetings were scheduled in the evenings from 6:00pm to 8:00pm to accommodate participants’ schedules and to maximize attendance. Prior to each session, the focus group team deliberated on the main topic and crafted a question guide consisting of 8 to 12 open-ended questions, informed by both existing literature and relevant current events about the COVID-19 pandemic. We prepared six focus group guides tailored to the objectives set for each weekly session. All focus group conversations were conducted and audio-recorded (with previous participant approval) in Spanish. Each focus group session was facilitated by the research team, including the study’s principal investigator, who has a background in immigrant health and experience working with Latino day laborers, along with two trained team members who alternated as co-facilitators. Facilitators’ background in immigrant health may have influenced the framing of questions. However, efforts were made to remain neutral and open-ended. A fourth member observed and took notes of participants’ involvement in the conversation. A semi-structured question guide was used to frame and guide the discussion, and when necessary, the research team posed additional probing and follow-up questions beyond the initial guide, aiming to clarify responses and deepen the content of the ongoing discussion. After each meeting, field notes from previous conversations were reviewed to identify emerging themes and areas of interest, allowing for the adaptation of the upcoming interview guide. This interactive process ensured that the guide remained responsive to participants’ concerns and reflected on their experiences. Key topics explored during the focus groups included participants' perceptions of adherence to COVID-19 mitigation practices among various social circles (e.g., family, friends, coworkers, acquaintances outside their network), their personal adherence to these practices, their coping strategies to alleviate the stress related to the pandemic, opinions on management of the pandemic, business re-opening, healthcare services, and future expectations regarding the pandemic's trajectory. At the end of each meeting, participants were asked to observe their surroundings and to discuss what they noticed about people’s behavior or the news in the next focus group meeting. As part of a single session, the study also employed an innovative approach by incorporating a “telenovela” (dramatized TV series narrated as a story) format into one of the weekly guides in order to engage participants in problem-solving scenarios related to COVID-19. Each component of the narrated TV story presented real-world dilemmas faced by Latino day laborers across different work scenarios where workers confronted health and safety concerns related to the pandemic, job insecurity, and access to protective measures. After each work scenario was presented. participants were prompted to offer strategies to prevent COVID-19, allowing them the opportunity to rehearse decision-making and critical thinking strategies in a culturally relevant context that reflected their unique challenges during the pandemic. For time and effort, each participant received a $ 75 Walmart gift card for attending each meeting, totaling $ 450 over the course of the six meetings. This generous stipend followed guidelines established by the CAB during the pilot phase of the study (2013–2015). CAB members recognized that time spent on research activities often meant day laborers’ time away from work, and therefore, they believed this compensation was essential. Data Analysis Audio recordings of the six sessions were transcribed to facilitate detailed analysis. Two trained research staff members independently coded each transcript in the original Spanish language to ensure reliability and rigor in the analysis process. A thematic analysis approach guided by an inductive methodology( 23 ) was used to explore emergent themes embedded in the coping strategies that were described by the participants and the associated COVID-19 related stressors. The coding scheme for these coping strategies is presented in Fig. 1 . The initial codes were systematically organized into categories based on the types of stressors (individual and work) and the 12 Shinner’s core coping families ( 19 ). The two Spanish speaking coders then compared their results to ensure a consistent understanding and accurate coding for each transcript. In cases of disagreement in coding, a third reviewer was consulted to facilitate resolution and ensure the integrity of the coding process. This collaborative approach enabled the identification of the most prevalent coping strategies, and specific personal or work-related challenges faced by participants. After completing the coding of all interviews, relevant quotations were compiled into a spreadsheet, categorized by coping strategies and associated stressors. These quotations were subsequently translated into English. The qualitative data was managed using Atlas.ti software (Version 23), which facilitated the organization, coding, and systematic analysis of the data. This approach ensured through documentation of codes and themes, enhancing the rigor and transparency of the analysis process. Results During the COVID-19 pandemic, Latino day laborers faced a myriad of individual- and work-related challenges that significantly impacted their daily lives. Figure 1 describes the most common individual- and work-related challenges confronted by the laborers during the pandemic. Some of the key challenges are described below. Individual challenges. During the pandemic, Latino day laborers confronted a range of individual-related challenges that deeply affected their lives. Many of them were overwhelmed by the fear of contracting the COVID-19 virus and the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. Day laborers with pre-existing health conditions experienced heightened anxiety about contracting the virus and the stigma surrounding their health concerns putting them at higher risk of COVID-19. This often made it difficult for them to discuss symptoms openly. Two of the participants were former day laborers who were wheelchair-bound, adding an additional level of stress to their health concerns. One participant expressed his concern stating, “I wear medical gloves…I don’t get out, I always stay in the car…it’s like when I get gas…we have to be very careful because it’s easy to get infected (Focus group number, participant ( 1 , 4 )).” Financial distress emerged as another significant burden, with worries about paying for basic needs such as food, utilities, and rent added to their stress. One participant reflected, “Undocumented Latinos don’t qualify for unemployment…if one doesn’t work, there’s no money, and how do you pay rent? ( 2 , 3 ).” They also felt discriminated against when trying to access medical services. One laborer noted, “The highest number of deaths among Hispanics are undocumented, and they believe that because they lack papers, they do not receive the care that a resident or citizen would ( 5 , 1 ).” This financial uncertainty was compounded by a broader climate of misinformation about COVID-19, further contributing to their anxiety. A worker shared their experience with this issue: “I think there is a lot of influence from social media…some say to wear a mask and other say that it doesn’t work ( 2 , 5 ).” Workplace challenges. Although most people could follow the stay-at-home orders, Latino day laborers had to perform work as essential workers and had to confront pandemic related challenges on a daily basis. One major issue was the increased risk of COVID-19 infection due to frequent exposure to members of their communities, at day labor corners, and during work. As one laborer expressed, “Those who are going to the corner have to take care of themselves because the need compels them to go out to work ( 3 , 5 ),” highlighting the constant pressure to seek work despite the health risks. Many day laborers reported the lack of protective equipment, such as masks and sanitizers, making it difficult to safeguard their health. Even when provided one, one laborer noted, “It is very difficult to wear a mask… you can’t breathe, being outside, in the sun, with heat…working in construction and wearing a mask is very complicated ( 5 , 2 ).” Availability of work was an important challenge. A laborer shared his experience with job scarcity, stating, “Unfortunately, many (day laborers) have not been able to work during the entire quarantine…there are people who sometimes go for more than a week without working, not a single day ( 2 , 3 ).” Labor relations also became strained both with other day laborers and with employers. One participant noted regarding the increased risk of infection from coworkers at the workplace, “We really don’t know if they are well or unwell…if we go (to the corners), we have to take all safety measures ( 3 , 5 ).” Adopted coping strategies The stressors faced by Latino day laborers during the pandemic, including heightened workplace risks and uncertainty, created a pressing need for effective coping strategies. In response to these challenges, the laborers adopted a variety of strategies to manage the difficult circumstances. This section describes the most frequently employed coping strategies that helped them navigate the hardships brought on by the pandemic. These adaptative strategies, which help support long-term adjustments and stress management, included information seeking, support seeking, problem-solving, and self-comforting. Information seeking Information-seeking as a coping strategy refers to Latino day laborers actively searching for credible and relevant information about COVID-19 pandemic and the relevant needed resources to help them. Information seeking involves the process of gathering, analyzing, and applying information to address specific problems or emerging challenges. The participants reported seeking credible information from trusted sources, such as television, radio, and social medial platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, as well as family, peers, other laborers, and organizations, to ensure they were following accurate safety protocols and to alleviate the stress related to the pandemic uncertainty. One laborer emphasized, “Follow the government's instructions, like the basics, keep your distance when you arrive somewhere, and use disinfectant, clean everything, basically ( 1 , 2 ).” They also mentioned the importance of engagement with local health authorities for guidance. Many laborers sought credible information from various media sources, such as television and online platforms, to stay informed about the pandemic and safety guidelines. One laborer stated, “Normally, television, a doctor in television and Facebook are what we use the most to stay informed ( 1 , 1 ).” Another laborer shared using multiple simultaneous strategies “Well, I like to watch a lot of news, on the internet, I like to watch CNN. I also like to watch Fox News in English, so I kind of make a comparison between the news from a Latino channel and another channel. That’s where you can find a bit of confusion, even if it’s not entirely true ( 1 , 2 ).” Laborers shared their skepticism regarding available media. One participant stated, “I think that some news, especially Latino news, is very sensationalistic ( 1 , 2 ),” suggesting that they perceived some media as exaggerating the pandemic’s impact, which affected their information seeking behavior. In the presence of misinformation and absence of reliable medical guidance, many Latino day laborers turned to peer-shared knowledge and home remedies commonly circulated within their communities. When asked what participants used to treat his COVID-19 infection, one participant explained, “I only took ginger tea. You also add garlic, red onion, and honey... it's a remedy that almost everyone knows, and we would pass it along to each other, so most of us were taking the same thing. I also noticed that other people who got infected were using the same recipe, and it does help ( 6 , 1 )." This collective exchange of culturally familiar remedies reflects not only the resourcefulness of Latino day laborers, but also the vital role of community networks of disseminating health information and coping strategies during times of uncertainty. Support Seeking In response to the challenges of the pandemic, LDLs also coped by actively seeking support from others, relying on personal networks, peers, and community organizations to access encouragement, shared experiences, resources, and guidance during uncertain times. Social networks and communal ties foster resilience and provide essential support during difficult times. Latino day laborers used support seeking strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic to navigate the challenges posed by health concerns and economic uncertainty. Multifaceted approaches were employed, including reaching out to family for financial assistance, seeking organizations for basic needs resources, and engaging with faith-based organizations for support. Many participants emphasized the role of faith and community in providing emotional and spiritual relief. Regular Zoom meetings at church offered a sense of connection and hope. One participant noted, "Here we all believe in God and always…things (challenges), get a little bit easier ( 1 , 3 ).” This sentiment illustrates how shared beliefs, and their faith eased their mental burdens during difficult times. Study participants relied on family members, particularly siblings, for financial support. One laborer mentioned that his brother in Los Angeles provided crucial economic assistance during the early days of the pandemic. Additionally, worker centers were recognized for their efforts in offering food and financial aid to those day laborers in need. The laborers maintained open lines of communication with friends and neighbors, exchanging information and support. They discussed strategies for avoiding contagion and shared resources, illustrating a strong communal bond. As one participant stated, " true friends show themselves in difficult moments ( 2 , 4 ).” Communication with peers was essential for sharing safety practices. One laborer noted the importance of discussing precautions: “I talk to them (peers at the corners) almost every day, telling them to take their precautions ( 3 , 2 ),” indicating how important it was for them to share information and strategies for staying safe. While acknowledging the seriousness of the virus, some laborers expressed frustration with the challenges of adhering to distancing guidelines, particularly the difficulty of socializing while keeping safe distances. One laborer remarked on the difficulty of maintaining the recommended six feet, stating, “It’s difficult to maintain a distance of six feet exactly ( 6 , 5 ).” This struggle was compounded by the need for connection and camaraderie in their work environment, making it hard to navigate both social interactions and health precautions. Problem Solving The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, prompting individuals to develop a variety of problem-solving strategies to navigate the uncertainty and stress of this new reality. A problem-solving strategy is a structured approach including a plan to address the issue through planning, analyzing potential solutions, or taking preventative measures (Skinner et al 2016). The following quotations illustrate these personal strategies. Managing household tasks became crucial while working from home. One participant noted, “doing all the household chores, like washing clothes and dishes ( 1 , 4 ), “highlighting how staying engaged in these tasks helped maintain a routine amid the uncertainty. Financial management was another significant aspect. A participant mentioned, “I had some savings here and that’s what kept me going ( 2 , 3 ),“ illustrating how they relied on savings and family support to navigate the financial uncertainties during the early days. Throughout the pandemic, day laborers developed problem-solving skills to address immediate needs. They shared tips on health and safety, coordinated mutual aid efforts, and encouraged one another during challenging times. One laborer shared. “I think now I have realized that people are more united, because we are going through something really hard. At least in our organization, we’re more than 50 people who know each other and we’re always there. There’s a group dedicated to calling people. We’ve brought people food, and even financial assistance because many don’t have anything ( 1 , 4 ). This adaptive approach fostered a sense of solidarity and collective resilience within their communities. Self-Comforting The COVID-19 pandemic brough abrupt changes that necessitated significant adjustments for Latino day laborers. In response, many turned to self-comforting strategies, engaging in self-care practices such as mindfulness, rest, spiritual activities, hobbies, or daily routines to support their emotional and mental well-being. As one laborer remarked, “it’s also about preparing ourselves mentally, right? ( 1 , 3 )” emphasizing the need for mental readiness to face the unexpected challenges brought on by the pandemic. To cope with stresses of the pandemic, many laborers not only made significant mental adjustments, but also relied on various self-comforting strategies to manage their emotional well-being. While cognitive readiness helped them face the unknown, emotional coping involved actively engaging in self-care practices that offered relief and stability during uncertainty. For example, reading provided a distraction and a source of emotional relief, while establishing routines helped create structure and promote physical activity. One laborer shared, “when I had time, even if little, I read a story … all of that helps, it brings a sense of relief ( 1 , 3 ).” Engaging in hobbies, such as restoring furniture—” I restore furniture; if someone has piece, I restore it for them ( 4 , 6 )” (FG#)—served as a way to find job and distraction during difficult times. Taking short breaks to move around during the stay-at-home orders became a common coping strategy. For some, driving provided a form of relaxation, with one stating, “Sometimes I get in the car in the afternoon and drive a couple of miles ( 4 , 1 ).” Another laborer mentioned using trips to the store to buy items for his hobby as a way to manage stress, saying, “I am going to buy something to work on as my hobby projects, like going to buy varnish or stain to varnish furniture ( 4 , 6 ).” These self-comforting activities allowed them to find moments of respite and maintain emotional well-being during the stressful times. Nature emerged as a crucial element for many, with one laborer noting “that’s my distraction…it gives me encouragement ( 4 , 3 ).” Nature gives me strength.” Laborers managed anxiety through mindfulness and self-care, often relying on home remedies like herbal teas for comfort and recovery. Despite the challenges, the desire to return to normal activities, such as visiting parks, highlighted their longing for connection and stability. One laborer expressed, “I used to go to the park, and I hadn’t gone for almost two months ( 6 , 4 ).” Other Coping Strategies In contrast to positive coping strategies, participants also mentioned other strategies that offered short-term relief and hindered effective coping included escape, helplessness, accommodation, and negotiation. These coping strategies were used to manage stress in ways that allowed individuals to temporarily avoid or escape a challenging situation. Escape, for instance, was a common strategy where participants physically distanced themselves from their immediate environment, seeking relief through activities like shopping or visiting stores despite the ongoing risks of the pandemic. One participant explained: Well, sometimes when I leave her (wife), I’m just really bored. I’m tired of everything, so I stop by the store to see what’s there, maybe buy something, and then I go home ( 4 , 2 ).” Helplessness emerges as participants expressed feelings of being overwhelmed by the circumstances, unable to control, or change the situation. Despite all the recommended precautions, participants felt that COVID-19 infection was almost inevitable, especially for those living in close quarters. One participant expressed: “I think it’s inevitable when a person from a household, family, or not, lives in a house together; even if all the precautions are taken, it’s inevitable that they will get infected ( 4 , 6 ).” One participant reflects on the process of accommodation to new patterns of social interactions with family and friends: “I don’t know, even though one doesn’t feel very comfortable because we are already used to greeting each other properly, sometimes with a hug. And it’s difficult, right? Right now, so to speak, we are adapting to whole new life, you would say, because those weren’t our customs before, and so it really is a challenge ( 4 , 2 ).” Another strategy was negotiation, where participants engage in open discussions with others about safety measures to establish mutually agreeable terms for social interactions. One participant explained “Look, if a sibling or family member invited me (to their home), I would say yes, but keeping a distance, keeping the proper distance so we don’t create a problem with the family ( 6 , 1 ).” Participants were able to find a balance between communicating the need for precautions while still fostering connections, thus highlighting the importance of negotiation and mutual respect. Discussion The study offers valuable insights into the significant challenges faced by Latino Day laborers that affected their daily lives. These challenges fell into individual related issues and workplace-related concerns. Latino day laborers faced significant individual-related challenges including profound anxiety about contracting COVID-19 particularly among those with pre-existing health conditions. Many experienced isolation and stigma, complicating their ability to seek help. Some participants reported that the stigma surrounding their health concerns made it difficult to disclose COVID-19 symptoms openly, as people often assumed that individuals with underlying conditions were more likely to contract the virus. Financial distress was widespread, as the lack of access to unemployment benefits left many unable to meet basic needs. This situation was further complicated by systematic barriers to healthcare access and the confusion caused by misinformation about COVID-19 safety protocols. In the workplace, laborers faced increased exposure to the virus, exacerbated by the lack of protective equipment provided by employers and limited job availability during lockdowns. This job scarcity forced many to endure extended periods without work, intensifying their economic hardships. To navigate the challenges of the pandemic, participants reported the adoption of multiple coping strategies. To navigate the uncertainty brought about by the pandemic, laborers engaged in proactive information seeking. They turned to trusted media sources such as television and social media platforms for guidance on safety measures and pandemic updates. Support from family, friends, and community organizations played a vital role in helping laborers cope with the challenges of the pandemic. Many sought financial assistances from relatives and relied on community resources, such as worker’s centers or churches, for essential needs. Participants demonstrate adaptability through problem-solving strategies that include financial management and household preparedness. Many emphasized the importance of mental readiness to cope with the pandemic’s abrupt changes and self-comfort to mitigate its emotional impact. Engaging in hobbies and spending time in nature were employed as self-comforting strategies to manage anxiety, consistent with findings that suggest such activities can improve mental health. The participants employed various coping mechanisms simultaneously, including seeking emotional support from family and friends, engaging in prayer, and maintaining a positive outlook. They emphasized the importance of mental resilience and community cohesion in facing the uncertainties of the pandemic. They also used other coping strategies such as escape, helplessness, accommodation, and negotiation to help manage the COVID-19 related stress. These strategies allowed them to temporarily avoid stress, accept the situation, and submit to the reality of the pandemic. Limitations This study on Latino day laborers’ coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic has several factors that may affect the generalizability and depth of findings. First, the sample size was small, consisting of only six participants, which limits the diversity of experiences and the broader applicability of the results. To address this limitation, we focused on gathering in-depth, qualitative insights from participants over six conversations that allowed a rich exploration of their coping strategies, despite the limited sample size. Due to the on-going pandemic, the study was conducted using remote focus groups via the Zoom platform, which may have affected the contributions made by individuals who were less comfortable with digital platforms. To address this limitation, we provided one-on-one training sessions to ensure participants were comfortable with using the platform and provided technical assistance to resolve any issues that arose during the study conversations. This study was conducted in a specific location (Harris County, Texas), which may limit the applicability of the findings to Latino day laborers in other parts of the United States. Future research could replicate this study in other places to explore potential regional differences or similarities among Latino day laborers in diverse communities. Another limitation of the study is the potential for social desirability bias, as participants may have adjusted their responses to present themselves more favorably, especially in regard to their adherence to COVID-19 safety measures. We attempted to facilitate disclosure by creating the “telenovela” strategy to encourage them to report their own practices while focusing on a fictionalized situation. The final limitation of this study is the potential for historical bias, as the data was collected during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically from June to August 2020. At this time, the public's understanding of the virus, safety protocols, and the broader societal impacts of the pandemic were still evolving. The rapidly changing nature of the crisis could have influenced participants’ perceptions and coping strategies, potentially making their experiences unique to that early period of uncertainty and fear. We acknowledge that the findings may reflect a snapshot of coping mechanisms specific to the initial phase of the pandemic, when information was scarce, and the threat was perceived as more immediate and overwhelming. However, our report highlights the way vulnerable workers cope with uncertainty and adapt to new conditions. The study also provided valuable insights from the use of digital tools and the focus group methodology. These methods allowed both the research team and participants to engage meaningfully on an extended basis, even in the stay-at-home period of the pandemic. The interactive, team-based focus group approach was particularly successful in promoting discussion, knowledge-sharing, and connection between the research team and the participants and among participants themselves, despite the challenges of remote interaction. Despite the lengthy 2-hour duration of the sessions, participants frequently expressed a desire to continue, appreciating the opportunity to connect, and engage with others. Even despite the profound challenges they faced, including several participants contracting COVID-19 and experiencing the loss of a family member due to the virus, they remained committed to sharing and contributing their experiences and knowledge. One participant noted, “I’ve really enjoyed the conversations, getting to know you a little more in depth, all of you...sharing exactly what each of us is living through with the coronavirus, because we’re all more or less the same, but there are also differences ( 6 , 2 ).” Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by Latino day laborers, exposing systematic inequities and the critical importance of social support networks. The challenges of fear, financial distress, and workplace safety concerns were compounded by limited access to resources and misinformation. However, the resilience exhibited by laborers through proactive information seeking, community support, and adaptive coping strategies demonstrated their capacity to navigate adversity. Implications for practice and policy include the need for targeted interventions that ensure Latino day laborers have access to critical resources and workplace safeguards, as well as the importance of combating misinformation. Future research should focus on developing tailored interventions that strengthen the support system for Latino day laborers, ultimately fostering their resilience and improving their well-being in times of crisis. Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate Informed consent was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Texas Health Science Center’s Internal Review Board Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects (IRB #: HSC-SPH-18-0337). All participants approved the consent participation before signing the consent form. Consent for publication Not applicable Competing interests The authors have no competing interests to declare. Funding Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (Grant No: R01MD012928-05). The content of this paper is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities or the National Institutes of Health. Author Contribution MLR and MEF contextualized the manuscript and supervised the focus groups. MLR and ACM wrote the main manuscript text. MLR and ACM analyzed the data and prepared the tables and figures. All authors reviewed the manuscript. Acknowledgement We want to thank the Latino day laborers who participated in our conversations. Their insights into the pandemic and their own experiences were invaluable for our understanding what day laborers confronted in the early pandemic. We also would like to acknowledge the participation of our research collaborators Yesmel King, PhD(C) and Alejandro Zuñiga. Availability of data and materials Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities 2021 [Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/health-equity/racial-ethnic-disparities/index.html Garcia MA, Thierry AD, Pendergrast CB. The Devastating Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Older Black and Latinx Adults: Implications for Health and Well-Being. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2022;77(8):1501–7. Organista KC, Ngo S, Neilands TB, Kral AH. Living Conditions and Psychological Distress in Latino Migrant Day Laborers: The Role of Cultural and Community Protective Factors. Am J Community Psychol. 2017;59(1–2):94–105. Garcini LM, Rosenfeld J, Kneese G, Bondurant RG, Kanzler KE. Dealing with distress from the COVID-19 pandemic: Mental health stressors and coping strategies in vulnerable latinx communities. Health Soc Care Community. 2022;30(1):284–94. Solheim CA, Ballard J, Fatiha N, Dini Z, Buchanan G, Song S. Immigrant Family Financial and Relationship Stress From the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Fam Econ Issues. 2022;43(2):282–95. Romano SD, Blackstock AJ, Taylor EV, El Burai Felix S, Adjei S, Singleton CM, et al. Trends in Racial and Ethnic Disparities in COVID-19 Hospitalizations, by Region - United States, March-December 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2021;70(15):560–5. Rodriguez-Diaz CE, Guilamo-Ramos V, Mena L, Hall E, Honermann B, Crowley JS, et al. Risk for COVID-19 infection and death among Latinos in the United States: examining heterogeneity in transmission dynamics. Ann Epidemiol. 2020;52:46–e532. Vargas ED, Sanchez GR. COVID-19 Is Having a Devastating Impact on the Economic Well-being of Latino Families. J Econ Race Policy. 2020;3(4):262–9. Macias Gil R, Marcelin JR, Zuniga-Blanco B, Marquez C, Mathew T, Piggott DA. COVID-19 Pandemic: Disparate Health Impact on the Hispanic/Latinx Population in the United States. J Infect Dis. 2020;222(10):1592–5. Odame EA, Elhabashy M, Adzrago D, Chiangong J, Ormiston CK, Williams F. Mental health symptoms and discrimination among immigrant and US-born Hispanic or Latino adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychol. 2025;13(1):504. Ayieko SA, Atkinson J, Llamas A, Fernandez-Esquer ME. Coping with Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Resilience and Mental Health Among Latino Day Laborers. COVID. 2025;5(1):1. Ornelas IJ, Tornberg-Belanger S, Balkus JE, Bravo P, Perez Solorio SA, Perez GE, et al. Coping With COVID-19: The Impact of the Pandemic on Latina Immigrant Women's Mental Health and Well-being. Health Educ Behav. 2021;48(6):733–8. Payan DD, Perez-Lua F, Goldman-Mellor S, Young MT. Rural Household Food Insecurity among Latino Immigrants during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nutrients. 2022;14(13). Yamanis TJ, Rao S, Reichert AJ, Haws R, Morrissey T, Suarez A. Dignity of Work and at Work: The Relationship between Workplace Dignity and Health among Latino Immigrants during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024;21(7). Salinas JL, Salinas M. Systemic racism and undocumented Latino migrant laborers during COVID-19: A narrative review and implications for improving occupational health. J Migr Health. 2022;5:100106. Lazarus RS, Folkman S. Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer publishing company; 1984. Yang C, Gao H, Li Y, Wang E, Wang N, Wang Q. Analyzing the role of family support, coping strategies and social support in improving the mental health of students: Evidence from post COVID-19. Front Psychol. 2022;13:1064898. Jewett RL, Mah SM, Howell N, Larsen MM. Social Cohesion and Community Resilience During COVID-19 and Pandemics: A Rapid Scoping Review to Inform the United Nations Research Roadmap for COVID-19 Recovery. Int J Health Serv. 2021;51(3):325–36. Skinner EA, Zimmer-Gembeck MJ. Ways and Families of Coping as Adaptive Processes. The Development of Coping: Stress, Neurophysiology, Social Relationships, and Resilience During Childhood and Adolescence. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2016. pp. 27–49. Mak J, Roberts B, Zimmerman C. Coping with Migration-Related Stressors: A Systematic Review of the Literature. J Immigr Minor Health. 2021;23(2):389–404. Mak J, Zimmerman C, Roberts B. Coping with migration-related stressors - a qualitative study of Nepali male labour migrants. BMC Public Health. 2021;21. Tong A, Sainsbury P, Craig J. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ): a 32-item checklist for interviews and focus groups. Int J Qual Health Care. 2007;19(6):349–57. Braun V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Res Psychol. 2006;3(2):77–101. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files LDLConvoManuscriptISSMCOREQChecklist.pdf Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6903204","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":485971365,"identity":"9f59485d-e281-4b8d-b539-f5eb7f9a58c9","order_by":0,"name":"Maria Lizette Rangel","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA5UlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYJCCA1Ca8cDHBjDDgGgtDAdnEqsFDg7zEqNFt/3swwM/GO7Jm/MvPnDYdoddNAN78zYJfFrMzqQbHOxhKDbcOeNZwuHcM8m5DTzHyvBrOZDGcICHIYFxw40zBodz2w7kNkjkmOHXcv4Zw8E/DAn2G26c/3DYEqRF/g0BLTfSGA4DbUnccL6H4TAj2BYeQlqeMRyWMUhI3nCDzeBgL9AvbTxpxRb4HZbG/PFNRYLthvOHHz74ucMut5/98MYb+LRAACgiJBIgbDbCymGA/wDxakfBKBgFo2BkAQBaxlOiuWX/ywAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"Baylor College of Medicine","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Maria","middleName":"Lizette","lastName":"Rangel","suffix":""},{"id":485971367,"identity":"8724ab84-80c8-4500-9089-108beec3140c","order_by":1,"name":"Angela Checa Mora","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Texas","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Angela","middleName":"Checa","lastName":"Mora","suffix":""},{"id":485971370,"identity":"55106e76-dfe8-464b-826c-afa736a2bd0c","order_by":2,"name":"Maria Eugenia Fernandez-Esquer","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Texas","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Maria","middleName":"Eugenia","lastName":"Fernandez-Esquer","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-06-16 08:23:16","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6903204/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6903204/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":87269213,"identity":"35efe525-e5b2-42b9-8932-5404bd681c71","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-22 08:14:02","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":89610,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSchema Illustrating Findings Relating to Reported COVID-19 Pandemic-related Challenges and Strategies to Cope\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6903204/v1/de456357a8b243b287f218da.png"},{"id":92224718,"identity":"446e5aea-bb61-47f0-a645-f62b20597f5f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-09-26 04:17:20","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":661749,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6903204/v1/3a2618cc-25e0-4c78-8710-00e78f5a889b.pdf"},{"id":87269219,"identity":"fe8fdb4a-4ec5-41da-99e4-e0bca579a0fc","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-22 08:14:02","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":365060,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"LDLConvoManuscriptISSMCOREQChecklist.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6903204/v1/7c22ac633fdf469f34cedede.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Conversations About Covid-19: How Latino Day Laborers Coped with the Challenges of the Early Pandemic","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, Latino day laborers were classified as essential workers and placed in situations where they confronted occupational exposures, inadequate opportunities for social distancing, and limited access to healthcare and insurance (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Latino day laborers are individuals, mostly male immigrants from Mexico and Central America, who perform manual labor in informal jobs in construction, cleaning, moving and landscaping sectors. These workers are usually hired on a temporary basis and lack formal employment training or benefits, making them particularly vulnerable to work, financial, and health hardships (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). They also live in densely populated areas, often in crowded apartments, and have limited access to healthcare, facing significant health risks due to these structural and living conditions (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected Latino day laborers exposing them to significant impacts across physical, mental, social, and financial dimensions. As essential workers, many continued to work in environments with high risks, such as construction sites and agricultural fields, where COVID-19 safety protocols and formal training were often insufficient (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). This exposure, combined with barriers to healthcare services, contributed to higher infection and hospitalization rates (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe pandemic also exacerbated mental health disparities among Latino communities, with Latino day laborers experiencing a particularly severe impact, as it intensified their levels of stress, depression and anxiety (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e). Latino day laborers faced unique challenges that compounded their psychological distress, including pandemic uncertainty, COVID-19 heightened exposure, social isolation (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e), economic hardships (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e) and job insecurity (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e). Additionally, concerns over immigration further heightened their anxiety, as the fear of deportation or legal repercussions added to their mental health burden (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e). In this paper, we describe the strategies they adopted to cope with these circumstances during the closure of non-essential business in the early pandemic (summer of 2020) in order to maintain their health and wellbeing.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Underline\" class=\"Underline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eCoping during the pandemic.\u003c/span\u003e Studies on coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic have provided valuable insights into the experiences of Latino immigrants which includes the subgroup of day laborers. For instance, one study found that Latino immigrants relied heavily on family cohesion and community networks to navigate the emotional and financial difficulties exacerbated by the pandemic (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). Additionally, another study highlighted culturally specific coping mechanisms such as drawing on faith-based support and engaging in mutual resource sharing, to address both immediate and long-term needs (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). Other study documented how disruptions in work and housing stability led to heightened financial stress but also prompted innovative coping strategies like community food distribution and informal financial support networks (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e). These studies underscore the resilience of Latino immigrants, but they are not informed by conceptual frameworks that articulate how individuals deploy multiple coping strategies in an attempt to reduce stress and protect their wellbeing. Furthermore, no studies have specifically described the coping strategies adopted by Latino day laborers during the COVID-19 pandemic.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Underline\" class=\"Underline\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eCoping frameworks.\u003c/span\u003e For our study, coping strategies are defined as actions taken to alleviate pandemic-related stressors, whether they occur in the workplace, or in an individual\u0026rsquo;s personal life. The Stress and Coping Model proposed by Lazarus and Folkman offers a valuable framework for analyzing how Latino day laborers managed stress generated by the pandemic (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e). This model proposes two overarching types of coping processes: \u003cem\u003eproblem-focused coping\u003c/em\u003e, which involves addressing the stressor directly to mitigate its impact and \u003cem\u003eemotion-focused coping\u003c/em\u003e, which involves managing emotional responses to the stressor (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e). For Latino day laborers, who faced unique stressors such as job insecurity, health risks, and limited access to resources, problem-focused coping strategies might include seeking alternative sources of income or assessing community resources to mitigate economic hardships. On the other hand, emotion-focused coping strategies may involve leveraging strong family and community support networks to manage the emotional toll of the pandemic (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGuided by an understanding of the Stress and Coping Model, we adopted a framework proposed for understanding the COVID-19 pandemic which included both problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies. Skinner and colleagues developed a hierarchical system that categorized over 100 coping strategies into 12 core families, including problem solving, information-seeking, helplessness, escape, support-seeking, self-comforting, delegation, social isolation, accommodation, negotiation, submission, and opposition (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e). Skinner\u0026rsquo;s framework was chosen because it had been previously used to understand coping strategies in a review by Mak and colleagues, which examined labor migrants from 33 countries, including several Latino nations as they dealt with stressors such as job instability, irregular legal status, immigration-related stigma, family issues, and health concerns (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e). Applying Skinner\u0026rsquo;s 12 core families allowed us to categorize the complex coping responses employed by Latino day laborers, who faced a range of stressors and coping strategies similar to those encountered by other migrant populations.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur study builds on existing coping frameworks and demonstrates their usefulness by investigating the coping strategies of Latino day laborers. While existing literature covers coping strategies in Latino populations in four studies (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e) and thus, there remains a significant gap in understanding the specific experiences and resilience mechanisms of Latino day laborers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to address this gap in understanding by exploring how Latino day laborers navigated the physical, mental, and social, and economic challenges posed by the pandemic and the coping strategies they deployed to maintain their wellbeing.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis qualitative study was undertaken as part of a larger randomized clinical trial (Vales Mas Tu: Targeting Psychosocial Stressors to Reduce Latino Day Laborers Injuries Disparities\u0026mdash;Supplement grant (1R01MD012928) in order to understand the initial impact of the pandemic on the wellbeing and work practices of day laborers. To ensure transparency and comprehensiveness in the presentation of the study\u0026rsquo;s methodology and findings, the COREQ checklist was used to report key aspects of the qualitative research process (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e). We aimed to better understand, and document experiences and practices adopted by Latino day laborers to confront the COVID-19 pandemic during closure of non-essential business, limitations on public gathering and recommendations for people to stay at home except for essential activities in the summer of 2020. The study was reviewed and approved by the University of Texas Health Science Center\u0026rsquo;s Internal Review Board Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects (IRB #: HSC-SPH-18-0337).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eParticipants and Setting\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted remotely using the Zoom platform between June and August of 2020. A total of six Latino Day laborers (LDLs) were invited to participate in 6 biweekly meetings. Participants of these focus groups were all male adults over the age of 18 who had previous or current experience working as day laborers in Harris County, Texas. The research team had prior relationship with the participants since they were part of the Vales\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Tu project\u0026rsquo;s community advisory board (CAB), a fact that facilitated rapport and disclosure. Five out of the 6 invitees were CAB members who agreed to participate in the study and 4 of them remained active at the conclusion of the six conversations. Participants dropouts were primarily due to work obligations and family responsibilities. Consent forms were mailed out to each participant in advance, accompanied by a pre-stamped envelope. All enrolled participants completed the consent forms.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProcedures\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore the focus groups began, one-to-one training was arranged between a research staff member and the participants to install and familiarize them with Zoom and ensure proficiency in using the audio and visual features on their computers or personal mobile devices. In addition, an introductory meeting was arranged between the research team and participants to review the mailed consent document and to ensure that each participant was able to connect via Zoom.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA series of six 2-hour focus group sessions were held every other week from June 25 to August 6. Meetings were scheduled in the evenings from 6:00pm to 8:00pm to accommodate participants\u0026rsquo; schedules and to maximize attendance. Prior to each session, the focus group team deliberated on the main topic and crafted a question guide consisting of 8 to 12 open-ended questions, informed by both existing literature and relevant current events about the COVID-19 pandemic. We prepared six focus group guides tailored to the objectives set for each weekly session. All focus group conversations were conducted and audio-recorded (with previous participant approval) in Spanish.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach focus group session was facilitated by the research team, including the study\u0026rsquo;s principal investigator, who has a background in immigrant health and experience working with Latino day laborers, along with two trained team members who alternated as co-facilitators. Facilitators\u0026rsquo; background in immigrant health may have influenced the framing of questions. However, efforts were made to remain neutral and open-ended. A fourth member observed and took notes of participants\u0026rsquo; involvement in the conversation. A semi-structured question guide was used to frame and guide the discussion, and when necessary, the research team posed additional probing and follow-up questions beyond the initial guide, aiming to clarify responses and deepen the content of the ongoing discussion. After each meeting, field notes from previous conversations were reviewed to identify emerging themes and areas of interest, allowing for the adaptation of the upcoming interview guide. This interactive process ensured that the guide remained responsive to participants\u0026rsquo; concerns and reflected on their experiences. Key topics explored during the focus groups included participants' perceptions of adherence to COVID-19 mitigation practices among various social circles (e.g., family, friends, coworkers, acquaintances outside their network), their personal adherence to these practices, their coping strategies to alleviate the stress related to the pandemic, opinions on management of the pandemic, business re-opening, healthcare services, and future expectations regarding the pandemic's trajectory. At the end of each meeting, participants were asked to observe their surroundings and to discuss what they noticed about people\u0026rsquo;s behavior or the news in the next focus group meeting.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs part of a single session, the study also employed an innovative approach by incorporating a \u0026ldquo;telenovela\u0026rdquo; (dramatized TV series narrated as a story) format into one of the weekly guides in order to engage participants in problem-solving scenarios related to COVID-19. Each component of the narrated TV story presented real-world dilemmas faced by Latino day laborers across different work scenarios where workers confronted health and safety concerns related to the pandemic, job insecurity, and access to protective measures. After each work scenario was presented. participants were prompted to offer strategies to prevent COVID-19, allowing them the opportunity to rehearse decision-making and critical thinking strategies in a culturally relevant context that reflected their unique challenges during the pandemic.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor time and effort, each participant received a \u003cspan\u003e$\u003c/span\u003e75 Walmart gift card for attending each meeting, totaling \u003cspan\u003e$\u003c/span\u003e450 over the course of the six meetings. This generous stipend followed guidelines established by the CAB during the pilot phase of the study (2013\u0026ndash;2015). CAB members recognized that time spent on research activities often meant day laborers\u0026rsquo; time away from work, and therefore, they believed this compensation was essential.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAudio recordings of the six sessions were transcribed to facilitate detailed analysis. Two trained research staff members independently coded each transcript in the original Spanish language to ensure reliability and rigor in the analysis process. A thematic analysis approach guided by an inductive methodology(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e) was used to explore emergent themes embedded in the coping strategies that were described by the participants and the associated COVID-19 related stressors. The coding scheme for these coping strategies is presented in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe initial codes were systematically organized into categories based on the types of stressors (individual and work) and the 12 Shinner\u0026rsquo;s core coping families (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e). The two Spanish speaking coders then compared their results to ensure a consistent understanding and accurate coding for each transcript. In cases of disagreement in coding, a third reviewer was consulted to facilitate resolution and ensure the integrity of the coding process. This collaborative approach enabled the identification of the most prevalent coping strategies, and specific personal or work-related challenges faced by participants.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAfter completing the coding of all interviews, relevant quotations were compiled into a spreadsheet, categorized by coping strategies and associated stressors. These quotations were subsequently translated into English. The qualitative data was managed using Atlas.ti software (Version 23), which facilitated the organization, coding, and systematic analysis of the data. This approach ensured through documentation of codes and themes, enhancing the rigor and transparency of the analysis process.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, Latino day laborers faced a myriad of individual- and work-related challenges that significantly impacted their daily lives. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e describes the most common individual- and work-related challenges confronted by the laborers during the pandemic. Some of the key challenges are described below.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIndividual challenges.\u003c/b\u003e During the pandemic, Latino day laborers confronted a range of individual-related challenges that deeply affected their lives. Many of them were overwhelmed by the fear of contracting the COVID-19 virus and the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. Day laborers with pre-existing health conditions experienced heightened anxiety about contracting the virus and the stigma surrounding their health concerns putting them at higher risk of COVID-19. This often made it difficult for them to discuss symptoms openly. Two of the participants were former day laborers who were wheelchair-bound, adding an additional level of stress to their health concerns. One participant expressed his concern stating, \u0026ldquo;I wear medical gloves\u0026hellip;I don\u0026rsquo;t get out, I always stay in the car\u0026hellip;it\u0026rsquo;s like when I get gas\u0026hellip;we have to be very careful because it\u0026rsquo;s easy to get infected (Focus group number, participant (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e)).\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFinancial distress emerged as another significant burden, with worries about paying for basic needs such as food, utilities, and rent added to their stress. One participant reflected, \u0026ldquo;Undocumented Latinos don\u0026rsquo;t qualify for unemployment\u0026hellip;if one doesn\u0026rsquo;t work, there\u0026rsquo;s no money, and how do you pay rent? (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo; They also felt discriminated against when trying to access medical services. One laborer noted, \u0026ldquo;The highest number of deaths among Hispanics are undocumented, and they believe that because they lack papers, they do not receive the care that a resident or citizen would (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo; This financial uncertainty was compounded by a broader climate of misinformation about COVID-19, further contributing to their anxiety. A worker shared their experience with this issue: \u0026ldquo;I think there is a lot of influence from social media\u0026hellip;some say to wear a mask and other say that it doesn\u0026rsquo;t work (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWorkplace challenges.\u003c/b\u003e Although most people could follow the stay-at-home orders, Latino day laborers had to perform work as essential workers and had to confront pandemic related challenges on a daily basis. One major issue was the increased risk of COVID-19 infection due to frequent exposure to members of their communities, at day labor corners, and during work. As one laborer expressed, \u0026ldquo;Those who are going to the corner have to take care of themselves because the need compels them to go out to work (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e),\u0026rdquo; highlighting the constant pressure to seek work despite the health risks. Many day laborers reported the lack of protective equipment, such as masks and sanitizers, making it difficult to safeguard their health. Even when provided one, one laborer noted, \u0026ldquo;It is very difficult to wear a mask\u0026hellip; you can\u0026rsquo;t breathe, being outside, in the sun, with heat\u0026hellip;working in construction and wearing a mask is very complicated (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvailability of work was an important challenge. A laborer shared his experience with job scarcity, stating, \u0026ldquo;Unfortunately, many (day laborers) have not been able to work during the entire quarantine\u0026hellip;there are people who sometimes go for more than a week without working, not a single day (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo; Labor relations also became strained both with other day laborers and with employers. One participant noted regarding the increased risk of infection from coworkers at the workplace, \u0026ldquo;We really don\u0026rsquo;t know if they are well or unwell\u0026hellip;if we go (to the corners), we have to take all safety measures (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdopted coping strategies\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stressors faced by Latino day laborers during the pandemic, including heightened workplace risks and uncertainty, created a pressing need for effective coping strategies. In response to these challenges, the laborers adopted a variety of strategies to manage the difficult circumstances. This section describes the most frequently employed coping strategies that helped them navigate the hardships brought on by the pandemic. These adaptative strategies, which help support long-term adjustments and stress management, included information seeking, support seeking, problem-solving, and self-comforting.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eInformation seeking\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eInformation-seeking as a coping strategy refers to Latino day laborers actively searching for credible and relevant information about COVID-19 pandemic and the relevant needed resources to help them. Information seeking involves the process of gathering, analyzing, and applying information to address specific problems or emerging challenges. The participants reported seeking credible information from trusted sources, such as television, radio, and social medial platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, as well as family, peers, other laborers, and organizations, to ensure they were following accurate safety protocols and to alleviate the stress related to the pandemic uncertainty. One laborer emphasized, \u0026ldquo;Follow the government's instructions, like the basics, keep your distance when you arrive somewhere, and use disinfectant, clean everything, basically (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo; They also mentioned the importance of engagement with local health authorities for guidance.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Many laborers sought credible information from various media sources, such as television and online platforms, to stay informed about the pandemic and safety guidelines. One laborer stated, \u0026ldquo;Normally, television, a doctor in television and Facebook are what we use the most to stay informed (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo; Another laborer shared using multiple simultaneous strategies \u0026ldquo;Well, I like to watch a lot of news, on the internet, I like to watch CNN. I also like to watch Fox News in English, so I kind of make a comparison between the news from a Latino channel and another channel. That\u0026rsquo;s where you can find a bit of confusion, even if it\u0026rsquo;s not entirely true (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo; Laborers shared their skepticism regarding available media. One participant stated, \u0026ldquo;I think that some news, especially Latino news, is very sensationalistic (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e),\u0026rdquo; suggesting that they perceived some media as exaggerating the pandemic\u0026rsquo;s impact, which affected their information seeking behavior.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the presence of misinformation and absence of reliable medical guidance, many Latino day laborers turned to peer-shared knowledge and home remedies commonly circulated within their communities. When asked what participants used to treat his COVID-19 infection, one participant explained, \u0026ldquo;I only took ginger tea. You also add garlic, red onion, and honey... it's a remedy that almost everyone knows, and we would pass it along to each other, so most of us were taking the same thing. I also noticed that other people who got infected were using the same recipe, and it does help (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\" This collective exchange of culturally familiar remedies reflects not only the resourcefulness of Latino day laborers, but also the vital role of community networks of disseminating health information and coping strategies during times of uncertainty.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSupport Seeking\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn response to the challenges of the pandemic, LDLs also coped by actively seeking support from others, relying on personal networks, peers, and community organizations to access encouragement, shared experiences, resources, and guidance during uncertain times. Social networks and communal ties foster resilience and provide essential support during difficult times. Latino day laborers used support seeking strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic to navigate the challenges posed by health concerns and economic uncertainty. Multifaceted approaches were employed, including reaching out to family for financial assistance, seeking organizations for basic needs resources, and engaging with faith-based organizations for support.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Many participants emphasized the role of faith and community in providing emotional and spiritual relief. Regular Zoom meetings at church offered a sense of connection and hope. One participant noted, \"Here we all believe in God and always\u0026hellip;things (challenges), get a little bit easier (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo; This sentiment illustrates how shared beliefs, and their faith eased their mental burdens during difficult times.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStudy participants relied on family members, particularly siblings, for financial support. One laborer mentioned that his brother in Los Angeles provided crucial economic assistance during the early days of the pandemic. Additionally, worker centers were recognized for their efforts in offering food and financial aid to those day laborers in need.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe laborers maintained open lines of communication with friends and neighbors, exchanging information and support. They discussed strategies for avoiding contagion and shared resources, illustrating a strong communal bond. As one participant stated, \" true friends show themselves in difficult moments (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCommunication with peers was essential for sharing safety practices. One laborer noted the importance of discussing precautions: \u0026ldquo;I talk to them (peers at the corners) almost every day, telling them to take their precautions (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e),\u0026rdquo; indicating how important it was for them to share information and strategies for staying safe.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e While acknowledging the seriousness of the virus, some laborers expressed frustration with the challenges of adhering to distancing guidelines, particularly the difficulty of socializing while keeping safe distances. One laborer remarked on the difficulty of maintaining the recommended six feet, stating, \u0026ldquo;It\u0026rsquo;s difficult to maintain a distance of six feet exactly (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo; This struggle was compounded by the need for connection and camaraderie in their work environment, making it hard to navigate both social interactions and health precautions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProblem Solving\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, prompting individuals to develop a variety of problem-solving strategies to navigate the uncertainty and stress of this new reality. A problem-solving strategy is a structured approach including a plan to address the issue through planning, analyzing potential solutions, or taking preventative measures (Skinner et al 2016). The following quotations illustrate these personal strategies.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eManaging household tasks became crucial while working from home. One participant noted, \u0026ldquo;doing all the household chores, like washing clothes and dishes (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e), \u0026ldquo;highlighting how staying engaged in these tasks helped maintain a routine amid the uncertainty. Financial management was another significant aspect. A participant mentioned, \u0026ldquo;I had some savings here and that\u0026rsquo;s what kept me going (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e),\u0026ldquo; illustrating how they relied on savings and family support to navigate the financial uncertainties during the early days.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThroughout the pandemic, day laborers developed problem-solving skills to address immediate needs. They shared tips on health and safety, coordinated mutual aid efforts, and encouraged one another during challenging times. One laborer shared. \u0026ldquo;I think now I have realized that people are more united, because we are going through something really hard. At least in our organization, we\u0026rsquo;re more than 50 people who know each other and we\u0026rsquo;re always there. There\u0026rsquo;s a group dedicated to calling people. We\u0026rsquo;ve brought people food, and even financial assistance because many don\u0026rsquo;t have anything (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). This adaptive approach fostered a sense of solidarity and collective resilience within their communities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSelf-Comforting\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe COVID-19 pandemic brough abrupt changes that necessitated significant adjustments for Latino day laborers. In response, many turned to self-comforting strategies, engaging in self-care practices such as mindfulness, rest, spiritual activities, hobbies, or daily routines to support their emotional and mental well-being. As one laborer remarked, \u0026ldquo;it\u0026rsquo;s also about preparing ourselves mentally, right? (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e)\u0026rdquo; emphasizing the need for mental readiness to face the unexpected challenges brought on by the pandemic.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo cope with stresses of the pandemic, many laborers not only made significant mental adjustments, but also relied on various self-comforting strategies to manage their emotional well-being. While cognitive readiness helped them face the unknown, emotional coping involved actively engaging in self-care practices that offered relief and stability during uncertainty. For example, reading provided a distraction and a source of emotional relief, while establishing routines helped create structure and promote physical activity. One laborer shared, \u0026ldquo;when I had time, even if little, I read a story \u0026hellip; all of that helps, it brings a sense of relief (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo; Engaging in hobbies, such as restoring furniture\u0026mdash;\u0026rdquo; I restore furniture; if someone has piece, I restore it for them (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e)\u0026rdquo; (FG#)\u0026mdash;served as a way to find job and distraction during difficult times.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTaking short breaks to move around during the stay-at-home orders became a common coping strategy. For some, driving provided a form of relaxation, with one stating, \u0026ldquo;Sometimes I get in the car in the afternoon and drive a couple of miles (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo; Another laborer mentioned using trips to the store to buy items for his hobby as a way to manage stress, saying, \u0026ldquo;I am going to buy something to work on as my hobby projects, like going to buy varnish or stain to varnish furniture (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo; These self-comforting activities allowed them to find moments of respite and maintain emotional well-being during the stressful times.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNature emerged as a crucial element for many, with one laborer noting \u0026ldquo;that\u0026rsquo;s my distraction\u0026hellip;it gives me encouragement (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo; Nature gives me strength.\u0026rdquo; Laborers managed anxiety through mindfulness and self-care, often relying on home remedies like herbal teas for comfort and recovery. Despite the challenges, the desire to return to normal activities, such as visiting parks, highlighted their longing for connection and stability. One laborer expressed, \u0026ldquo;I used to go to the park, and I hadn\u0026rsquo;t gone for almost two months (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOther Coping Strategies\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn contrast to positive coping strategies, participants also mentioned other strategies that offered short-term relief and hindered effective coping included escape, helplessness, accommodation, and negotiation. These coping strategies were used to manage stress in ways that allowed individuals to temporarily avoid or escape a challenging situation. Escape, for instance, was a common strategy where participants physically distanced themselves from their immediate environment, seeking relief through activities like shopping or visiting stores despite the ongoing risks of the pandemic. One participant explained: Well, sometimes when I leave her (wife), I\u0026rsquo;m just really bored. I\u0026rsquo;m tired of everything, so I stop by the store to see what\u0026rsquo;s there, maybe buy something, and then I go home (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHelplessness emerges as participants expressed feelings of being overwhelmed by the circumstances, unable to control, or change the situation. Despite all the recommended precautions, participants felt that COVID-19 infection was almost inevitable, especially for those living in close quarters. One participant expressed: \u0026ldquo;I think it\u0026rsquo;s inevitable when a person from a household, family, or not, lives in a house together; even if all the precautions are taken, it\u0026rsquo;s inevitable that they will get infected (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e One participant reflects on the process of accommodation to new patterns of social interactions with family and friends: \u0026ldquo;I don\u0026rsquo;t know, even though one doesn\u0026rsquo;t feel very comfortable because we are already used to greeting each other properly, sometimes with a hug. And it\u0026rsquo;s difficult, right? Right now, so to speak, we are adapting to whole new life, you would say, because those weren\u0026rsquo;t our customs before, and so it really is a challenge (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Another strategy was negotiation, where participants engage in open discussions with others about safety measures to establish mutually agreeable terms for social interactions. One participant explained \u0026ldquo;Look, if a sibling or family member invited me (to their home), I would say yes, but keeping a distance, keeping the proper distance so we don\u0026rsquo;t create a problem with the family (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo; Participants were able to find a balance between communicating the need for precautions while still fostering connections, thus highlighting the importance of negotiation and mutual respect.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe study offers valuable insights into the significant challenges faced by Latino Day laborers that affected their daily lives. These challenges fell into individual related issues and workplace-related concerns. Latino day laborers faced significant individual-related challenges including profound anxiety about contracting COVID-19 particularly among those with pre-existing health conditions. Many experienced isolation and stigma, complicating their ability to seek help. Some participants reported that the stigma surrounding their health concerns made it difficult to disclose COVID-19 symptoms openly, as people often assumed that individuals with underlying conditions were more likely to contract the virus. Financial distress was widespread, as the lack of access to unemployment benefits left many unable to meet basic needs. This situation was further complicated by systematic barriers to healthcare access and the confusion caused by misinformation about COVID-19 safety protocols. In the workplace, laborers faced increased exposure to the virus, exacerbated by the lack of protective equipment provided by employers and limited job availability during lockdowns. This job scarcity forced many to endure extended periods without work, intensifying their economic hardships.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo navigate the challenges of the pandemic, participants reported the adoption of multiple coping strategies. To navigate the uncertainty brought about by the pandemic, laborers engaged in proactive information seeking. They turned to trusted media sources such as television and social media platforms for guidance on safety measures and pandemic updates. Support from family, friends, and community organizations played a vital role in helping laborers cope with the challenges of the pandemic. Many sought financial assistances from relatives and relied on community resources, such as worker\u0026rsquo;s centers or churches, for essential needs.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eParticipants demonstrate adaptability through problem-solving strategies that include financial management and household preparedness. Many emphasized the importance of mental readiness to cope with the pandemic\u0026rsquo;s abrupt changes and self-comfort to mitigate its emotional impact. Engaging in hobbies and spending time in nature were employed as self-comforting strategies to manage anxiety, consistent with findings that suggest such activities can improve mental health.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e The participants employed various coping mechanisms simultaneously, including seeking emotional support from family and friends, engaging in prayer, and maintaining a positive outlook. They emphasized the importance of mental resilience and community cohesion in facing the uncertainties of the pandemic. They also used other coping strategies such as escape, helplessness, accommodation, and negotiation to help manage the COVID-19 related stress. These strategies allowed them to temporarily avoid stress, accept the situation, and submit to the reality of the pandemic.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eLimitations\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study on Latino day laborers\u0026rsquo; coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic has several factors that may affect the generalizability and depth of findings. First, the sample size was small, consisting of only six participants, which limits the diversity of experiences and the broader applicability of the results. To address this limitation, we focused on gathering in-depth, qualitative insights from participants over six conversations that allowed a rich exploration of their coping strategies, despite the limited sample size.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDue to the on-going pandemic, the study was conducted using remote focus groups via the Zoom platform, which may have affected the contributions made by individuals who were less comfortable with digital platforms. To address this limitation, we provided one-on-one training sessions to ensure participants were comfortable with using the platform and provided technical assistance to resolve any issues that arose during the study conversations.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study was conducted in a specific location (Harris County, Texas), which may limit the applicability of the findings to Latino day laborers in other parts of the United States. Future research could replicate this study in other places to explore potential regional differences or similarities among Latino day laborers in diverse communities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnother limitation of the study is the potential for social desirability bias, as participants may have adjusted their responses to present themselves more favorably, especially in regard to their adherence to COVID-19 safety measures. We attempted to facilitate disclosure by creating the \u0026ldquo;telenovela\u0026rdquo; strategy to encourage them to report their own practices while focusing on a fictionalized situation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe final limitation of this study is the potential for historical bias, as the data was collected during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically from June to August 2020. At this time, the public's understanding of the virus, safety protocols, and the broader societal impacts of the pandemic were still evolving. The rapidly changing nature of the crisis could have influenced participants\u0026rsquo; perceptions and coping strategies, potentially making their experiences unique to that early period of uncertainty and fear. We acknowledge that the findings may reflect a snapshot of coping mechanisms specific to the initial phase of the pandemic, when information was scarce, and the threat was perceived as more immediate and overwhelming. However, our report highlights the way vulnerable workers cope with uncertainty and adapt to new conditions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study also provided valuable insights from the use of digital tools and the focus group methodology. These methods allowed both the research team and participants to engage meaningfully on an extended basis, even in the stay-at-home period of the pandemic. The interactive, team-based focus group approach was particularly successful in promoting discussion, knowledge-sharing, and connection between the research team and the participants and among participants themselves, despite the challenges of remote interaction.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Despite the lengthy 2-hour duration of the sessions, participants frequently expressed a desire to continue, appreciating the opportunity to connect, and engage with others. Even despite the profound challenges they faced, including several participants contracting COVID-19 and experiencing the loss of a family member due to the virus, they remained committed to sharing and contributing their experiences and knowledge. One participant noted, \u0026ldquo;I\u0026rsquo;ve really enjoyed the conversations, getting to know you a little more in depth, all of you...sharing exactly what each of us is living through with the coronavirus, because we\u0026rsquo;re all more or less the same, but there are also differences (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusions","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by Latino day laborers, exposing systematic inequities and the critical importance of social support networks. The challenges of fear, financial distress, and workplace safety concerns were compounded by limited access to resources and misinformation. However, the resilience exhibited by laborers through proactive information seeking, community support, and adaptive coping strategies demonstrated their capacity to navigate adversity. Implications for practice and policy include the need for targeted interventions that ensure Latino day laborers have access to critical resources and workplace safeguards, as well as the importance of combating misinformation. Future research should focus on developing tailored interventions that strengthen the support system for Latino day laborers, ultimately fostering their resilience and improving their well-being in times of crisis.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e Informed consent was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Texas Health Science Center\u0026rsquo;s Internal Review Board Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects (IRB #: HSC-SPH-18-0337). All participants approved the consent participation before signing the consent form.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe authors have no competing interests to declare.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFunding\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eResearch reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (Grant No: R01MD012928-05). The content of this paper is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities or the National Institutes of Health.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMLR and MEF contextualized the manuscript and supervised the focus groups. MLR and ACM wrote the main manuscript text. MLR and ACM analyzed the data and prepared the tables and figures. All authors reviewed the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e We want to thank the Latino day laborers who participated in our conversations. Their insights into the pandemic and their own experiences were invaluable for our understanding what day laborers confronted in the early pandemic. We also would like to acknowledge the participation of our research collaborators Yesmel King, PhD(C) and Alejandro Zu\u0026ntilde;iga.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eData sharing is not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities 2021 [Available from: \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/health-equity/racial-ethnic-disparities/index.html\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/health-equity/racial-ethnic-disparities/index.html\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGarcia MA, Thierry AD, Pendergrast CB. The Devastating Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Older Black and Latinx Adults: Implications for Health and Well-Being. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2022;77(8):1501\u0026ndash;7.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrganista KC, Ngo S, Neilands TB, Kral AH. Living Conditions and Psychological Distress in Latino Migrant Day Laborers: The Role of Cultural and Community Protective Factors. Am J Community Psychol. 2017;59(1\u0026ndash;2):94\u0026ndash;105.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGarcini LM, Rosenfeld J, Kneese G, Bondurant RG, Kanzler KE. Dealing with distress from the COVID-19 pandemic: Mental health stressors and coping strategies in vulnerable latinx communities. Health Soc Care Community. 2022;30(1):284\u0026ndash;94.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSolheim CA, Ballard J, Fatiha N, Dini Z, Buchanan G, Song S. Immigrant Family Financial and Relationship Stress From the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Fam Econ Issues. 2022;43(2):282\u0026ndash;95.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRomano SD, Blackstock AJ, Taylor EV, El Burai Felix S, Adjei S, Singleton CM, et al. Trends in Racial and Ethnic Disparities in COVID-19 Hospitalizations, by Region - United States, March-December 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2021;70(15):560\u0026ndash;5.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRodriguez-Diaz CE, Guilamo-Ramos V, Mena L, Hall E, Honermann B, Crowley JS, et al. Risk for COVID-19 infection and death among Latinos in the United States: examining heterogeneity in transmission dynamics. Ann Epidemiol. 2020;52:46\u0026ndash;e532.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVargas ED, Sanchez GR. COVID-19 Is Having a Devastating Impact on the Economic Well-being of Latino Families. J Econ Race Policy. 2020;3(4):262\u0026ndash;9.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMacias Gil R, Marcelin JR, Zuniga-Blanco B, Marquez C, Mathew T, Piggott DA. COVID-19 Pandemic: Disparate Health Impact on the Hispanic/Latinx Population in the United States. J Infect Dis. 2020;222(10):1592\u0026ndash;5.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOdame EA, Elhabashy M, Adzrago D, Chiangong J, Ormiston CK, Williams F. Mental health symptoms and discrimination among immigrant and US-born Hispanic or Latino adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychol. 2025;13(1):504.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAyieko SA, Atkinson J, Llamas A, Fernandez-Esquer ME. Coping with Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Resilience and Mental Health Among Latino Day Laborers. COVID. 2025;5(1):1.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrnelas IJ, Tornberg-Belanger S, Balkus JE, Bravo P, Perez Solorio SA, Perez GE, et al. Coping With COVID-19: The Impact of the Pandemic on Latina Immigrant Women's Mental Health and Well-being. Health Educ Behav. 2021;48(6):733\u0026ndash;8.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePayan DD, Perez-Lua F, Goldman-Mellor S, Young MT. Rural Household Food Insecurity among Latino Immigrants during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nutrients. 2022;14(13).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYamanis TJ, Rao S, Reichert AJ, Haws R, Morrissey T, Suarez A. Dignity of Work and at Work: The Relationship between Workplace Dignity and Health among Latino Immigrants during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024;21(7).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalinas JL, Salinas M. Systemic racism and undocumented Latino migrant laborers during COVID-19: A narrative review and implications for improving occupational health. J Migr Health. 2022;5:100106.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLazarus RS, Folkman S. Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer publishing company; 1984.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYang C, Gao H, Li Y, Wang E, Wang N, Wang Q. Analyzing the role of family support, coping strategies and social support in improving the mental health of students: Evidence from post COVID-19. Front Psychol. 2022;13:1064898.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJewett RL, Mah SM, Howell N, Larsen MM. Social Cohesion and Community Resilience During COVID-19 and Pandemics: A Rapid Scoping Review to Inform the United Nations Research Roadmap for COVID-19 Recovery. Int J Health Serv. 2021;51(3):325\u0026ndash;36.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSkinner EA, Zimmer-Gembeck MJ. Ways and Families of Coping as Adaptive Processes. The Development of Coping: Stress, Neurophysiology, Social Relationships, and Resilience During Childhood and Adolescence. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2016. pp. 27\u0026ndash;49.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMak J, Roberts B, Zimmerman C. Coping with Migration-Related Stressors: A Systematic Review of the Literature. J Immigr Minor Health. 2021;23(2):389\u0026ndash;404.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMak J, Zimmerman C, Roberts B. Coping with migration-related stressors - a qualitative study of Nepali male labour migrants. BMC Public Health. 2021;21.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTong A, Sainsbury P, Craig J. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ): a 32-item checklist for interviews and focus groups. Int J Qual Health Care. 2007;19(6):349\u0026ndash;57.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBraun V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Res Psychol. 2006;3(2):77\u0026ndash;101.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"coping strategy, COVID-19, Latino day laborers, qualitative research, stressors, resilience","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6903204/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6903204/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted underserved populations, including Latino day laborers, primarily male immigrants from Mexico and Central America, who work in informal sectors such as construction, cleaning, moving, and landscaping. Although informally classified as essential workers, they faced elevated health risks, significant mental health repercussions, job insecurity, and severe financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges were further intensified by limited access to healthcare, social support, and essential services. This study explores how Latino day laborers navigated the multifaceted challenges of the early pandemic and the coping strategies they employed to protect their wellbeing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethods\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSix semi-structured virtual focus groups were conducted with 6 Latino day laborers in the summer of 2020. Sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically using an inductive approach. Two bilingual coders independently coded the data in Spanish, identifying themes related to COVID-19 stressors and adopted coping strategies according to Skinner’s 12 coping families framework.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSix Latino day laborers from Harris County, Texas participated in virtual focus group sessions. Participants reported individual-related pandemic challenges, such as fear of infection, anxiety about pandemic’s uncertainty, financial hardship, misinformation, and discrimination in accessing services. They also reported work-related stressors, such as increased risk of exposure, lack of personal protective equipment, and unstable employment. Qualitative data analysis indicated that coping strategies reported by participants aligned with Skinner’s framework. Adaptive strategies, which support long-term adjustment and stress management, included information seeking, support seeking, problem solving, and self-comforting. In contrast, less adaptive strategies, which may offer short-term relief but hinder effective coping, included escape, helplessness, accommodation, and negotiation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study highlights the systemic vulnerabilities Latino day laborers faced during the pandemic, including financial instability, workplace safety risks, limited access to services, and significant mental health impacts. Despite these challenges, participants showed resilience through information seeking, community support, and adaptive coping strategies. These findings point to the need for targeted, culturally responsive interventions that improve access to resources, enhance workplace protections, address misinformation, and provide mental health support for both Latino day laborers and other at-risk essential workers in future public health crises.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Conversations About Covid-19: How Latino Day Laborers Coped with the Challenges of the Early Pandemic","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-07-22 08:13:58","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6903204/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"541de37f-c60f-4cba-924a-cb780ab45c58","owner":[],"postedDate":"July 22nd, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-09-26T04:09:12+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-07-22 08:13:58","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6903204","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6903204","identity":"rs-6903204","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}