RESUMO
AIMS: The objective of this study was to describe and understand irregular migrants' (IMs') experiences of health disparities while living in informal settlements (ISs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: Qualitative descriptive study. METHODS: Thirty-four IMs originating from different African countries living in ISs took part in this study. Data were collected between January and March 2022 through three focus groups and 17 in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data with ATLAS.ti computer software. RESULTS: Three main themes emerged: (1) Extreme vulnerability: ISs and abuse; (2) Inequality in health treatment has increased during COVID-19; and (3) The impact of COVID-19 on the health of IMs: help from non-governmental organizations and nurses. CONCLUSION: Irregular migrants are at a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to their precarious living conditions, administrative situation and access to the health system. It is recommended that specific programmes be strengthened to improve health care for this population. IMPACT: What problem did the study address? This study examines IMs' experiences of health disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic. What were the main findings? IMs are at higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to social, health, housing and work inequalities. Community health nurses alongside non-governmental organizations have facilitated the implementation of measures to protect this population against COVID-19. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? With the aim of improving care for IMs, strategies have been suggested for health institutions to address problems relating to accessing the health system, and to promote networking between non-governmental organizations and community health nurses.