Social Isolation, Loneliness and Health: A Descriptive Study of the Experiences of Migrant Mothers With Young Children (0–5 Years Old) at La Maison Bleue

May combine two claims.

An absence of or a small social network contributes to low self-esteem and self-confidence, and a reduced sense of parental competence.

“An absence of or a small social network has also been shown to contribute to low self-esteem and self-confidence, and a reduced sense of parental competence (6, 13, 16, 17).”

• cites [6] Floyd, 2017, Healthcare access for refugee women with limited literacy: layers of disadvantage, Int J for Equity Health. sourceCould not verify

  The Results (Isolation; page not available) describe social isolation and a lack of community help, but attribute participants’ shame to limited education and language skills. Searches for social-network size, self-esteem or self-confidence, and parental competence found no passage linking a small network to the claimed outcomes. (LLM, conf=0.72)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [13] Felsman, 2019, Measuring distress levels of refugee women to enhance community-based psycho-social interventions, Issues Ment Health Nurs. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [16] Goodman, 2011, Maternal depression and child psychopathology: a meta-analytic review, Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [17] Liamputtong, 2003, Life as mothers in a new land: the experience of motherhood among Thai women in Australia, Health Care Women Int. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Key factors that may contribute to or exacerbate social isolation and loneliness among migrant mothers include family separation, language barriers, past traumas, precarious immigration status, and unfamiliarity with the host country's culture.

“Key factors that may contribute to, or exacerbate social isolation and loneliness, include family separation, language barriers, past traumas, having a precarious immigration status, and unfamiliarity with the host country's culture (6–11).”

• cites [6] Floyd, 2017, Healthcare access for refugee women with limited literacy: layers of disadvantage, Int J for Equity Health. sourcePartly supported

  The Results > Isolation section (page unavailable) links language barriers and adaptation to a new environment with feeling isolated, and describes a woman who had lost contact with her husband. The paper therefore supports parts of the list, but the passages do not link past trauma or precarious immigration status to isolation or loneliness. (LLM, conf=0.88)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [7] Immigrant Women HudonT CanadaStatistics Canada.2016Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [8] Merry, 2011, Refugee claimant women and barriers to health and social services post-birth, Can J Public Health. sourcePartly supported

  The Isolation section directly links separation from family and friends to feeling isolated. The introduction describes trauma, precarious status, limited language fluency, and unfamiliarity with Canadian systems and laws as sources of stress, but does not link each to isolation or loneliness; it also does not specifically identify unfamiliarity with the host country's culture. (LLM, conf=0.85)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [9] Ogunsiji, 2012, Beginning again: West African women's experiences of being migrants in Australia, J Transcult Nurs. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [10] Renzaho, 2014, Closing the gap in maternal and child health: a qualitative study examining health needs of migrant mothers in Dandenong, Victoria, Australia, Matern Child Health J. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [11] Russo, 2015, A. qualitative exploration of the emotional wellbeing and support needs of new mothers from Afghanistan living in Melbourne, Australia, BMC Pregn Childbirth. sourcePartly supported

  The Discussion (page not provided) links separation from family to loneliness and isolation among Afghan mothers, and describes language and cultural barriers as disrupting refugee women’s social-support networks. The Background mentions past trauma, but does not link it specifically to isolation or loneliness; the passages found do not identify precarious immigration status as a factor. (LLM, conf=0.88)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

Childbearing migrant women commonly report social isolation and a lack of social support.

“Research has found that childbearing migrant women commonly report social isolation and a lack of social support (3, 4).”

• cites [3] Immigrant and refugee social networks: determinants and consequences of social support among women newcomers to Canada2646 HynieM CrooksVA BarraganJ 22435307Can J Nurs Res.432011Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [4] Kandasamy, 2014, Obstetric risks and outcomes of refugee women at a single centre in Toronto, J Obstet Gynaecol Can. sourcePartly supported

  The Discussion reports significantly higher rates of poor social support among refugee women than non-refugee controls, and the introduction identifies social isolation as a barrier for women refugees. The study concerns refugee women at one Toronto centre, however, and does not establish that childbearing migrant women generally commonly report both experiences. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Ethnic and racial minorities have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic due to pre-existing social and economic inequalities such as poverty, discrimination and poor access to healthcare.

“ethnic and racial minorities have been disproportionally affected by the pandemic due to pre-existing social and economic inequalities (i.e., poverty, discrimination, poor access to healthcare) (23).”

• cites [23] Miconi, 2020, Ethno-cultural disparities in mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study on the impact of exposure to the virus and COVID-19-related discrimination and stigma on mental health across ethno-cultural groups in Quebec (Canada), BJPsych Open. sourceSupported

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Other studies have shown that maintaining transnational relationships can help migrants cope with isolation and provide a space of belonging, which involves connecting culturally and in their own language.

“Other studies have also shown that maintaining transnational relationships can help migrants cope with isolation and provide a space of belonging, which involves connecting culturally and in their own language (52–55).”

• cites [52] Aubé, 2019, La Maison Bleue: Strengthening resilience among migrant mothers living in Montreal, Canada, PLoS One. sourceSupported
• cites [53] Cardoso, 2010, Common themes of resilience among Latino immigrant families: a systematic review of the literature, Famil Soc. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [54] Pannetier, 2017, Mental health of Sub-Saharan African migrants: the gendered role of migration paths and transnational ties, SSM Popul Health. sourcePartly supported

  The Introduction (Transnational ties and mental health; page not provided) reports that support from relatives abroad helped migrants cope with isolation and provided an alternative space of belonging; the Discussion reiterates this finding. Neither passage says that this involved connecting culturally or in migrants’ own language, so that part of the attributed claim is unsupported. (LLM, conf=0.88)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [55] Viruell-Fuentes, 2009, Toward a dynamic conceptualization of social ties and context: implications for understanding immigrant and Latino health, Am J Public Health. sourceSupported

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Having large and diverse social networks (i.e., transnational ties as well as local social ties) are associated with an overall positive sense of wellbeing.

“However, studies have also found that transnational connections can be a source of stress, and having large and diverse social networks (i.e., transnational ties as well as local social ties) are associated with an overall positive sense of wellbeing (56, 57).”

• cites [56] Djundeva, 2019, Social support networks and loneliness of Polish migrants in the Netherlands, J Ethn Migr Stud. sourcePartly supported

  The discussion (p. 8) links diverse networks to higher well-being and proposes that migrants with both local and transnational ties will be least lonely. The results (p. 16) find that migrants with small, homogeneous networks are most likely to be lonely, but find little difference among the other network types. The paper therefore supports an association with lower loneliness, not a demonstrated association between specifically large, mixed local–transnational networks and overall well-being. (LLM, conf=0.85)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [57] Vancea, 2013, E-migrant women in Catalonia: Mobile phone use and maintenance of family relationships, Gend Technol Dev. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Postpartum and early childhood are periods when mothers may feel isolated and lonely.

“Postpartum and early childhood are known to be periods when mothers may feel isolated and lonely (36–40).”

• cites [36] Arimoto, 2021, Individual, family, and community factors related to loneliness in mothers raising children less than 3 years of age: a cross-sectional study, BMC Women's Health. sourceSupported
• cites [37] Bates, 2016, Locality, loneliness and lifestyle: a qualitative study of factors influencing women's health perceptions, Health Soc Care Commun. sourcePartly supported

  The Health and well-being perceptions section identifies being at home with young children as a cause of loneliness, supporting the early-childhood part of the claim. It does not specifically address the postpartum period; no page number is available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [38] Lee, 2017, ‘Lonely within the mother’: An exploratory study of first-time mothers' experiences of loneliness, J Health Psychol. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [39] Junttila, 2015, Intercorrelations and developmental pathways of mothers' and fathers' loneliness during pregnancy, infancy and toddlerhood - STEPS study, Scand J Psychol. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [40] Rokach, 2004, Giving life: Loneliness, pregnancy and motherhood, Soc Behav Pers. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Studies have found that transnational connections can be a source of stress.

“However, studies have also found that transnational connections can be a source of stress, and having large and diverse social networks (i.e., transnational ties as well as local social ties) are associated with an overall positive sense of wellbeing (56, 57).”

• cites [56] Djundeva, 2019, Social support networks and loneliness of Polish migrants in the Netherlands, J Ethn Migr Stud. sourceCould not verify

  The Social support networks and loneliness in migrants section (p. 8) describes transnational ties as sources of attachment and companionship, while the Discussion (p. 17) links a conflict between attachment and integration to loneliness. Neither passage says that transnational connections themselves can be a source of stress; a search for stress, strain, and burden did not establish that point. (LLM, conf=0.72)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [57] Vancea, 2013, E-migrant women in Catalonia: Mobile phone use and maintenance of family relationships, Gend Technol Dev. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Our results and emerging literature highlight the vulnerability and potential severe and long-term effects that the pandemic may have for certain groups.

“Our results, as well as the emerging literature on the COVID-19 pandemic' impacts on wellbeing and mental health, highlight the vulnerability and the potential severe and long-term effects that the pandemic may have for certain groups (21, 44, 45).”

• cites [21] Jurblum, 2020, Psychological consequences of social isolation and quarantine: Issues related to COVID-19 restrictions, Aust J Gen Pract. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [44] Connor, 2020, Health risks and outcomes that disproportionately affect women during the Covid-19 pandemic: A review, Soc Sci Med. sourceSupported
• cites [45] Smith, 2020, How the COVID-19 pandemic is focusing attention on loneliness and social isolation, Public Health Res Pract. sourcePartly supported

  The Social impacts of COVID-19 section reports pandemic-related anxiety and loneliness, including effects reported by young people and differences between women and men. The Abstract and Strategies to address enduring loneliness and social isolation section describe serious health consequences and loneliness that may endure beyond the pandemic, but do not establish that the pandemic itself may cause severe, long-term effects in particular groups. Page numbers are unavailable in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.83)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

Interventions for migrant mothers with young children often aim to provide social support and childcare assistance to break isolation, reduce stress and decrease women's risks for depression; loneliness has been given less attention.

“Interventions for migrant mothers with young children, such as home visit programs and parent groups, often aim to provide social support and childcare assistance to break isolation, reduce stress and decrease women's risks for depression; loneliness, however, has been given less attention (10, 11, 13, 14, 59–62).”

• cites [10] Renzaho, 2014, Closing the gap in maternal and child health: a qualitative study examining health needs of migrant mothers in Dandenong, Victoria, Australia, Matern Child Health J. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [11] Russo, 2015, A. qualitative exploration of the emotional wellbeing and support needs of new mothers from Afghanistan living in Melbourne, Australia, BMC Pregn Childbirth. sourcePartly supported

  The Discussion links Afghan mothers’ isolation and loneliness to reduced social support and postnatal depression, and identifies friendships, playgroups and childcare as positive influences on emotional wellbeing (page not provided). It does not establish that home visits or parent groups commonly aim to reduce stress and depression, or that interventions have given loneliness less attention. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [13] Felsman, 2019, Measuring distress levels of refugee women to enhance community-based psycho-social interventions, Issues Ment Health Nurs. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [14] Hoban, 2013, Cambodian migrant women's postpartum experiences in Victoria, Australia, Midwifery. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [59] McKnight, 2019, A. systematic review of asylum-seeking women's views and experiences of UK maternity care, Midwifery. sourcePartly supported

  The Isolation section reports social isolation, childcare difficulties during labour, and improved feelings of isolation through contact with midwives. The Discussion describes a service offering home visits and befriending to pregnant asylum seekers. The paper does not establish that interventions commonly provide childcare assistance to reduce stress or depression risk, or that loneliness has received less attention; its focus is pregnant asylum seekers in UK maternity care, not migrant mothers with young children generally. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [60] Hancock, 2015, Playgroup participation and social support outcomes for mothers of young children: a longitudinal cohort study, PLoS ONE. sourcePartly supported

  The Introduction (page unavailable) describes playgroups as a way for parents of young children to build social networks and says social support may buffer stress and is associated with lower depression rates. It does not establish these aims specifically for migrant mothers or home-visit programs, and it does not say loneliness has received less attention. It also distinguishes playgroups from childcare arrangements rather than describing them as childcare assistance. (LLM, conf=0.87)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [61] Strange, 2015, Mothers' group participation: associations with social capital, social support and mental well-being, J Adv Nurs. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [62] Strange, 2014, Fostering supportive community connections through mothers' groups and playgroups, J Adv Nurs. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Single motherhood, immigration status, family separation, and/or different cultural norms may contribute to migrant mothers' feelings of loneliness.

“The findings of our study suggest that healthcare providers should not only assess for social isolation, but should also inquire about feelings of loneliness and the circumstances (e.g., single motherhood, immigration status, family separation, and/or different cultural norms) that may be contributing to these emotions in order to identify an appropriate response (25, 58).”

• cites [25] Quebec: La Maison Bleue; c2018. Who do we help?Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [58] Rogers, 2020, Responding to the health needs of women from migrant and refugee backgrounds-Models of maternity and postpartum care in high-income countries: a systematic scoping review, Health Soc Care Community. sourcePartly supported

  The Introduction (page unavailable) says cultural and social barriers can result in social isolation, and §3.6 (page unavailable) identifies isolation from family and friends as relevant to migrant mothers’ care. The review does not establish that single motherhood or immigration status contributes to loneliness, or specifically connect the listed circumstances to feelings of loneliness rather than social isolation. (LLM, conf=0.82)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

Research has shown that community and religious organizations can help reduce loneliness by connecting migrants to resources or by directly offering assistance and by creating a sense of belonging.

“Research has shown previously that these organizations can help reduce loneliness by connecting migrants to resources or by directly offering assistance and by creating a sense of belonging (42).”

• cites [42] Salway, 2020, Reducing loneliness among migrant and ethnic minority people: a participatory evidence synthesis, Southampton, UK: NIHR J Library. sourcePartly supported

  The intervention review reports that community-based groups and services for migrants can provide practical support, link people to other services, and foster belonging (Chapter 5, pp. 35–36; intervention effects, p. 60). It does not establish the same claim specifically for religious organizations, and it cautions that some organizational initiatives lacked evidence of individual-level outcomes. (LLM, conf=0.82)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

Not all migrant families may have access to internet and communication devices or are eligible for support programs that help gain access to these.

“Not all migrant families may have access to internet and communication devices or are eligible for support programs that help gain access to these (57, 70–73).”

• cites [57] Vancea, 2013, E-migrant women in Catalonia: Mobile phone use and maintenance of family relationships, Gend Technol Dev. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [70] Benda, 2020, Broadband internet access is a social determinant of health!, Am J Public Health sourcePartly supported

  The Health Care System and Education sections report that some Americans lack broadband or devices, and that families need enough devices for students. The Conclusions and Recommendations discuss reduced-price access for low-income households, but the paper does not address migrant families specifically or say whether they are eligible for access programs. Page numbers were not available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [71] Bletscher, 2020, Communication technology and social integration: access and use of communication technologies among Floridian resettled refugees, Int Migration Integration. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [72] Reddick, 2020, Determinants of broadband access and affordability: An analysis of a community survey on the digital divide, Cities. sourcePartly supported

  The Discussion of results reports that some low-income San Antonio households lack home broadband, and the literature review says limited income can make devices difficult to purchase. The paper does not establish this specifically for migrant families or address their eligibility for support programs. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [73] Connecting FamiliesCanadaCanada.ca2019Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Early childhood education and socialization are essential as they promote development and may prevent long-term negative outcomes associated with social inequalities.

“Early childhood education and socialization are essential as they promote development and may prevent long-term negative outcomes associated with social inequalities (68, 69).”

• cites [68] Cornelissen, 2018, Who benefits from universal child care? Estimating marginal returns to early child care attendance, J Political Econ. sourcePartly supported

  The Introduction (page unavailable) describes early childhood programs as promoting social and cognitive development. The Conclusions (page unavailable) report that early child care nearly eliminated a school-readiness gap between minority and majority children. But the paper measures development at school entry, not whether care prevents long-term outcomes associated with social inequalities; its Introduction also says evidence for universal programs is mixed, so calling them essential overstates the source. (LLM, conf=0.85)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites [69] Havnes, 2015, Is universal child care leveling the playing field?, J Public Econ. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Multiple factors contributed to women's and children's social isolation and loneliness, including migration status, socioeconomic circumstances, language barriers, and being a single mother.

“Multiple factors contributed to women's and children's social isolation and loneliness, including migration status, socioeconomic circumstances, language barriers, and being a single mother.”

The quote only partly states this claim.

For three mothers, they also received advice on childcare through transnational communication.

“For three mothers, they also received advice on childcare.”

May combine two claims.

Cost prevented asylum-seeking mothers from using childcare, which in turn meant they could not work or partake in other activities which could help them improve their situation.

“Two other asylum-seeking mothers also expressed that cost prevented them from using childcare, which in turn meant they could not work or partake in other activities which could help them improve their situation.”

May combine two claims.

All eleven participants came to Canada without their immediate or extended families, whom they described as important sources of support and assistance for the care of their children.

“All eleven participants came to Canada without their immediate or extended families, whom they described as important sources of support and assistance for the care of their children.”

May combine two claims.

Generally, mothers did not seem to think that their challenges and experiences of social isolation and loneliness were affecting their children because they felt that their children were either too young to understand the situation or because the mothers hid their negative feelings.

“Generally, mothers did not seem to think that their challenges and experiences of social isolation and loneliness were affecting their children because they felt that their children were either too young to understand the situation or because the mothers hid their negative feelings.”

May combine two claims.

These women expressed fear and anxiety due to being single mothers and worried about not having anyone close by who could care for their children should something happen to them.

“These women expressed fear and anxiety due to being single mothers and worried about not having anyone close by who could care for their children should something happen to them.”

May combine two claims.

The physical separation from family and the resulting lack of help led to the mothers feeling a greater sense of burden, stress, and ultimately, loneliness.

“The physical separation from family and the resulting lack of help led to the mothers feeling a greater sense of burden, stress, and ultimately, loneliness.”

May combine two claims.

Due to the pandemic, LMB had to adapt their services and the open-door policy was no longer possible; some women reported feeling that LMB had become less accessible.

“However, due to the pandemic, LMB had to adapt their services and the open-door policy was no longer possible. Some of the women reported feeling that LMB had become less accessible”

May combine two claims.

Women in our study further elaborated that social isolation was also due to a lack of opportunity, capacity and available time to create social connections, rooted in difficulties accessing resources and services such as childcare, lack of employment and financial hardship.

“However, women in our study further elaborated and explained that social isolation was also due to a lack of opportunity, capacity and available time to create social connections, and that this was rooted in their difficulties in accessing resources and services (e.g., childcare), their lack of employment and their financial hardship.”

May combine two claims.

Although motherhood and associated responsibilities contributed to women's isolation, their children also offered them a sense of purpose.

“Although motherhood and the associated responsibilities contributed to women's isolation, their children also offered them a sense of purpose.”

May combine two claims.

All eleven participants stated that caring for their children was a priority and that most of their daily activities revolved around caring for their children and doing household work.

“All eleven participants stated that caring for their children was a priority and that most of their daily activities revolved around caring for their children and doing household work.”

May combine two claims.

While some women were able to somewhat break their isolation through online activities, and some even found this option quite advantageous due to its flexibility, it was not an acceptable alternative for all.

“While some women were able to somewhat break their isolation through online activities, and some even found this option quite advantageous due to its flexibility, it was not an acceptable alternative for all.”

May combine two claims.

All participants thought that their children were generally happy and healthy, which they associated with good physical health, expressions of happiness, having their needs satisfied, and being loved and cared for.

“All participants thought that their children were generally happy and healthy, which they associated with good physical health (e.g., eating well, having no illness), expressions of happiness (e.g., smiling and playfulness), having their needs satisfied (e.g., toys, food) and being loved and cared for.”

May combine two claims.

Two participants were no longer attending French classes either because they were canceled or because they feared contracting COVID-19.

“For example, two participants were no longer attending French classes either because they were canceled or because they feared contracting COVID-19.”

May combine two claims.

Three participants spoke specifically about being separated from their partners, while two others shared that they had no significant partner in their life.

“Three participants spoke specifically about being separated from their partners, while two others shared that they had no significant partner in their life.”

May combine two claims.

Ten participants directly expressed feeling alone and having to take care of everything by themselves.

“Ten participants directly expressed feeling “alone” and having to take care of everything by themselves.”

May combine two claims.

Six other participants suggested that experiences of social isolation and loneliness could have negative impacts on their children, which is why they made a point to put on a façade and hide their feelings to protect their children.

“Six other participants suggested that experiences of social isolation and loneliness could have negative impacts on their children, which is why they made a point to put on a “façade” and hide their feelings to protect their children.”

May combine two claims.

The pandemic has had an impact on participants' mood, increased their anxiety and fear, and worsened their situation regarding access to social support and opportunities for self-development and employment.

“It has had an impact on their mood, increased their anxiety and fear, and worsened their situation regarding access to social support and opportunities for self-development and employment.”

May combine two claims.

All eleven participants described LMB as an important resource and space where they could socialize, acquire new skills, and discuss their children and childcare.

“All eleven participants described LMB as an important resource and space where they could socialize, acquire new skills, and discuss their children and childcare”

May combine two claims.

Women felt lonely because the types of support, when available, were not what they were used to, and did not align with their values, thus making it difficult to establish meaningful relationships.

“Moreover, women felt lonely because the types of support, when available, were not what they were used to, and did not align with their values, thus making it difficult to establish meaningful relationships.”

May combine two claims.

Eight women reported communicating regularly (at least once a week) with their family members, while two spoke with their families daily (one to several times a day).

“Eight women reported communicating regularly (at least once a week) with their family members, while two spoke with their families daily (one to several times a day).”

May combine two claims.

Tending to the needs of their young children, combined with the lack of access to childcare or more informal support due to family separation, made it difficult for mothers to create and build a social network, learn English or French, and find paid work.

“Tending to the needs of their young children, combined with the lack of access to childcare or more informal support (due to family separation), made it difficult for mothers to create and build a social network, learn English or French, and find paid work.”

May combine two claims.

These differences also seemed to make it more difficult to create meaningful and close relationships, thus adding to participants' feelings of sadness and aloneness.

“These differences also seemed to make it more difficult to create meaningful and close relationships, thus adding to participants' feelings of sadness and aloneness.”

May combine two claims.

Our findings align with earlier work, in that women in our study described social isolation as being cut off from support networks they had in their home countries, and as being consumed by motherhood due to a lack of support.

“Our findings align with this earlier work, in that women in our study also described social isolation as being “cut-off” from the support networks they had in their home countries, and as being consumed by motherhood due to a lack of support.”

May combine two claims.

Three women expressed that relationships with others in Canada are different from their home country, requiring planning and appointments, which restricted their access to support.

“In Canada, they often must plan social visits and make appointments for services in advance unlike in their home country where they could see family and friends, depend on their neighbors, and access services without having to schedule encounters ahead of time.”

May combine two claims.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, participants reported that they limited social interactions and refrained from participating in recreational and other activities that could help them secure employment and expand their social network.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic, participants reported that they limited social interactions and refrained participating in recreational and other activities that could help them secure employment and expand their social network.”

May combine two claims.

Asylum-seeking women did not have access to childcare because it was not affordable, contributing to children staying home.

“Asylum-seeking women also did not have access to childcare because it was not affordable, so this also contributed to children staying home.”

May combine two claims.

In our study, the COVID-19 pandemic heightened migrant mothers' stress and concerns, generated additional barriers to creating social connections, and directly affected their emotional wellbeing.

“In our study, the COVID-19 pandemic heightened migrant mothers' stress and concerns, generated additional barriers to creating social connections and directly affected their emotional wellbeing.”

May combine two claims.

Migrant mothers, especially single mothers, expressed feeling there was absolutely no one they could depend on, and worried that if something happened to them, their children would be left without anyone to care for them.

“was also expressed as feeling that there was absolutely no one who they could depend on, especially for those who were single mothers; these women worried that if something were to happen to them, their children would be left without anyone to care for them.”

May combine two claims.

We noted that although women maintained strong transnational ties, they often only had small, local social networks.

“We noted that although women maintained strong transnational ties, they often only had small, local social networks.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Social isolation and loneliness are increasingly recognized as major public health issues, particularly among migrants.

“Social isolation and loneliness are increasingly recognized as major public health issues, particularly among migrants (2).”

• cites [2] État des connaissances sur l'isolement et la solitude des parents, de la grossesse à la fin de la petite enfance: définitions, instruments de mesures, ampleur et facteurs associés ArulthasS QuebecCentre d'expertise et de référence en santé publique2021Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Previous research shows that migrant women during pregnancy and motherhood feel isolated, lonely and depressed due to the lack of practical assistance from their extended family, especially during the first year.

“Previous research on the experiences of migrant women during pregnancy and motherhood, shows that women feel isolated, lonely and depressed due to the lack of practical assistance from their extended family, especially during the first year when they are still recovering from childbirth and adjusting to their role as mothers (33–35).”

• cites [33] Benza, 2014, Pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood: a meta-synthesis of the lived experiences of immigrant women, Midwifery sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [34] Benza, 2017, Becoming an ‘Amai’: Meanings and experiences of motherhood amongst Zimbabwean women living in Melbourne, Australia, Midwifery. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [35] Stewart, 2017, Social support needs of Sudanese and Zimbabwean refugee new parents in Canada, Int J Migr Health Soc Care. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

All transcriptions were verified by ML to ensure accuracy.

“All transcriptions were verified by ML to ensure accuracy.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The first two transcripts were independently coded by AVH and LM, and all three met to discuss and reach consensus on the codes.

“The first two transcripts were also independently coded by AVH and LM, and all three met to discuss and reach consensus on the codes.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The study received ethical approval in November 2020 before the commencement of recruitment and data collection.

“The study received ethical approval in November 2020 before the commencement of recruitment and data collection.”

May combine two claims.

Early childhood is a time of rapid physical, developmental and emotional growth, and the consequences of social isolation during this period can have long-lasting effects.

“Early childhood is a time when children experience rapid physical, developmental and emotional growth, and thus the consequences of social isolation during this period can have long-lasting effects (20).”

• cites [20] Thompson, 2001, Development in the first years of life, Future Child. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Migrant women also feel a strong sense of loss due to the absence of support to help maintain traditional practices.

“Migrant women also feel a strong sense of loss due to the absence of support to help maintain traditional practices (33).”

• cites [33] Benza, 2014, Pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood: a meta-synthesis of the lived experiences of immigrant women, Midwifery sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The final themes were confirmed through an iterative process of analysis and exchange between the authors.

“The final themes were confirmed through an iterative process of analysis and exchange between the authors.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

LMB staff referred 25 women, of which 11 accepted to participate; 10 refused and four did not respond.

“LMB staff referred 25 women, of which 11 accepted to participate; 10 women refused and four did not respond.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Women reported a lack of time and privacy concerns as reasons for refusal of participation.

“Women reported a lack of time and privacy concerns (despite explaining that the research team was obligated to maintain confidentiality) as reasons for refusal of participation.”

May combine two claims.

Migrant parents are adapting to new cultural and social norms, which can make them doubt their parental ability, feel anxiety in their role, and/or leave them disappointed due to different expectations and ideals around family life and parenting.

“Migrant parents are also adapting to new cultural and social norms, which can make them doubt their parental ability, and feel anxiety in their role, and/or leave them disappointed due to different expectations and ideals around family life and parenting (17, 38).”

• cites [17] Liamputtong, 2003, Life as mothers in a new land: the experience of motherhood among Thai women in Australia, Health Care Women Int. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [38] Lee, 2017, ‘Lonely within the mother’: An exploratory study of first-time mothers' experiences of loneliness, J Health Psychol. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Quebec has a subsidized childcare program but asylum seekers are not eligible.

“(Quebec has a subsidized childcare program but asylum seekers are not eligible)”

• cites [47] Who is eligible for the reduced contribution?2020Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites [48] Morantz, 2013, Resettlement challenges faced by refugee claimant families in Montreal: lack of access to child care, Child Fam Soc Work. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Goodman et al. (16) showed that social isolation and loneliness among mothers are associated with adverse child outcomes, including higher levels of internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems, general psychopathology, and negative emotional affect.

“Goodman et al. (16) showed that social isolation and loneliness among mothers are associated with adverse child outcomes, including higher levels of internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems, general psychopathology, and negative emotional affect.”

• cites Goodman et al. (16) Goodman, 2011, Maternal depression and child psychopathology: a meta-analytic review, Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Mothers' experiences affect their emotional and mental health, while for their children, it can impact opportunities for interactions outside the home.

“Mothers' experiences affect their emotional and mental health while for their children, it can impact opportunities for interactions outside the home.”

May combine two claims.

Many migrant families may not be able to communicate with their family abroad or participate in online local support groups, places of worship, educational activities and health and social services, leaving these families more isolated, especially during the pandemic.

“Many families therefore may not be able to communicate with their family abroad or participate in online local support groups, places of worship, educational activities and health and social services; leaving these families more isolated, especially during the pandemic.”

May combine two claims.

Data collection happened during the start of the second COVID-19 wave in Montreal, and therefore the study was able to capture mothers' actual experiences during the pandemic.

“The data collection also happened during the start of the second COVID-19 wave in Montreal, and therefore we were able to capture mothers' actual experiences during the pandemic.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The women followed at LMB may be a select population and so results may not be applicable to other contexts.

“The women followed at LMB may be a select population and so results may not be applicable to other contexts.”

May combine two claims.

Community agencies and initiatives, as well as faith-based institutions, are often dependent on donations and volunteers to operate, and during the pandemic, resources have been stretched, thus limiting their capacity to meet the needs of their communities.

“Community agencies and initiatives, as well as faith-based institutions, however, are often dependent on donations and volunteers to operate, and during the pandemic, resources have been stretched, thus limiting their capacity to meet the needs of their communities (65).”

• cites [65] Imagine Canada's sector monitor: Ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic LasbyD Canadaimaginecanada.ca2021Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The participants provided written or verbal informed consent to participate in this study.

“The participants provided written or verbal informed consent to participate in this study.”

May combine two claims.

Numerous policy changes implemented during the pandemic and over the years to manage migration flows and reduce the "burden" on Canadian health and social systems have left many migrants, particularly those who are low-income, living in uncertainty for long periods of time, or unable to reunite with their loved ones.

“Numerous policy changes implemented during the pandemic (e.g., temporary closure of international borders), and over the years to manage migration flows and to reduce the “burden” on the Canadian health and social systems, have left many migrants, particularly those who are low-income, living in uncertainty for long periods of time, or unable to reunite with their loved ones.”

• cites [75] Bélanger, 2020, The politics of ‘waiting’ for care: immigration policy and family reunification in Canada, J Ethn Migr Stud. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [76] Bhuyan, 2020, Family reunification as an earned right: a framing analysis of migrant workers' pathways to neoliberal multicultural citizenship in Canada, New Political Sci. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Family reunification reduces stress, can strengthen intergenerational ties and family cohesion, which in turn promotes overall wellbeing.

“Family reunification not only reduces stress, but can also strengthen intergenerational ties and family cohesion, which in turn promotes overall wellbeing (74).”

• cites [74] Bragg, 2015, “Cancelled dreams”: family reunification and shifting Canadian immigration policy, J Immigr Refug Stud. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The use of different modes (zoom, telephone and in-person interviews) for data collection and the limited observational data gathered during virtual/phone interviews could have affected the information obtained.

“The use of different modes (zoom, telephone and in-person interviews) for data collection and the limited observational data gathered during virtual/phone interviews, could have affected the information obtained.”

May combine two claims.

The refusal rate was high; only half of the women referred agreed to participate.

“The refusal rate was high; only half of the women referred agreed to participate.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The study was reviewed and approved by the Research Review Office of the CIUSSS West-Central Montreal (reference number 2021-2265).

“The study was reviewed and approved by the Research Review Office of the CIUSSS West-Central Montreal (reference number 2021-2265).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In Montreal, there are many community organizations that specifically aim to support newcomers and young families living in poverty.

“In Quebec, community organizations are integrated into the provincial healthcare network to facilitate referrals and optimize continuity of care (63) and in Montreal there are many that specifically aim to support newcomers and young families living in poverty (64).”

• cites [64] Quebec: The Neighbourhood Round TablesNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

The sample size was small and the timeframe for data collection was short, so data saturation might not have been achieved.

“The sample size was also small and the timeframe for data collection was short, so data saturation might not have been achieved.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The sample was diverse; it included women with different immigration statuses and backgrounds as well as newly resettled women and those who had been in Canada for much longer, and so perspectives were varied.

“The sample, however, was diverse; it included women with different immigration statuses and backgrounds as well as newly resettled women and those who had been in Canada for much longer, and so perspectives were varied.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In Quebec, community organizations are integrated into the provincial healthcare network to facilitate referrals and optimize continuity of care.

“In Quebec, community organizations are integrated into the provincial healthcare network to facilitate referrals and optimize continuity of care (63) and in Montreal there are many that specifically aim to support newcomers and young families living in poverty (64).”

• cites [63] Health and social services system in briefQuebecGovernment of Quebec2015Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.