Examining the Influence of Health Insurance on COVID-19 Preventative Practices Among Border Town Populations in Arizona

This study investigates the relationship between COVID-19 preventive behaviors and health insurance coverage in populations residing in Arizona border towns, a transnational geographical area with limited research focus. The literature highlights the impact of healthcare policies on immigrant communities, suggesting that restricted access to healthcare exacerbates vulnerability to COVID-19. This secondary data analysis study is based on data collected from 2022 to 2023. The data revealed that being uninsured (b = -0.04, p = 0.44) or having public health insurance (b = -0.02, p = 0.72) did not predict stronger masking attitudes. The lack of a significant association between health insurance and preventive behaviors could be explained by the widespread dissemination of knowledge and adherence to established public health guidelines at that point in the pandemic. Additionally, culturally adaptive information and training for healthcare professionals was necessary to address migrants' health needs. Access to health services is crucial for all populations, including immigrants, to improve public health despite the loss of health insurance caused by the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.