Ethnic minorities use multi-tiered coping strategies during public health crises, systematic review finds

This systematic review synthesized findings from 65 peer-reviewed studies to characterize coping strategies used by ethnic minority populations during public health crises, with a focus on the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors identified a multi-tiered coping response comprising four levels: (1) individual-level cognitive-emotional regulation and faith-based practices; (2) microsystem-level familial and communal support and digital mediation; (3) exosystem-level community governance and health policy; and (4) macrosystem-level cultural values and systemic belief structures.

The review found a pronounced research emphasis on individual and microsystemic adaptations, while noting a critical empirical gap concerning structural and policy-driven interventions. The authors did not report on adverse events, serious adverse events, discontinuations, or tolerability, as these were not the focus of the included studies.

Limitations acknowledged by the authors include the critical empirical gap regarding structural and policy-driven interventions. The findings underscore the need for future research and policy to prioritize integrated, multilevel frameworks capable of effectively mitigating mental health inequities during future public health emergencies. Clinicians should interpret these findings cautiously, as the review is descriptive and does not provide quantitative effect sizes or comparative data.