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

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.