Unequal Burdens: A Literature Review on COVID-19’s Impact on Black Mental Health in Canada

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: For the Black community, pre-existing challenges in the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) were further stressed by COVID-19 pandemic-related stressors. With poor access to healthcare resources and inequitable social circumstances, the mental health of the Black community continues to deteriorate. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to elucidate how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the mental health of the Black community within Canada through the exacerbation of social stressors. Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and broad Google searches relating to the mental health state of Black Canadians during the pandemic. Searches were limited to 2019-2025, yielding four articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Results: The literature review produced four articles, all of which identified compounding effects that placed strain on SDOH and were found to be associated with poor mental health outcomes within the Black community. Some of these effects create obstacles that hinder efforts to improve poor mental health outcomes. Conclusion: Historically strained SDOH made the Black community more susceptible to the negative impacts of pandemic-related stressors, and there are structural and systemic barriers in place that require intervention. Clinicians can provide culturally competent care to address specific concerns in the Black community. Community initiatives can also integrate Black advocates and organizations to ensure applicability and cultural sensitivity to the particular needs of the Black community and increase utilization.