Being a migrant woman during disasters: a mixed-methods study exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Milan, Italy

This PhD explored the experiences of migrant women (MW) in disasters through an intersectional lens, focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic in Milan, Italy. Using a transdisciplinary, mixed-methods approach, data collection included qualitative studies with MW and key informants, quantitative analyses of Sacco Hospital ED and EMERGENCY NGO datasets, and systematic literature reviews. The findings highlighted pre-existing vulnerabilities. The pandemic worsened their economic situation and marginalization and hindered regularization and empowerment paths. Gender-based violence increased. Caregivers and sex workers were the most vulnerable subgroups. MW did not see themselves as particularly vulnerable. Many expressed skepticism regarding the coronavirus, vaccination, the national healthcare system, and Italian media. Conversely, NGOs were highly trusted. The analysis of Sacco Hospital data showed that MW and men exceeded their pre-pandemic visit levels. After the pandemic, ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) visits among MW slightly increased, indicating potential worsening health status and the need for ongoing monitoring. During the pandemic, MW’s visits to EMERGENCY increased sharply. EMERGENCY serves both undocumented migrants, who face greater barriers to accessing care, and MW registered in the national healthcare system. Applying an intersectional lens revealed that the unique vulnerabilities of MW stem from multiple systems of oppression, yet their migrant identity had a greater impact on the challenges they faced than their gender identity.