Can mHealth improve migrant wellness during public health emergencies? A community-engaged qualitative study during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant healthcare access disparities for migrant communities, with infection rates up to three times higher than the general population. While mobile health technology offers potential solutions for reaching vulnerable populations during public health emergencies, implementation barriers persist. This study evaluates how mobile health interventions can effectively serve migrant communities through analysis of a digital health program implemented in rural Nebraska. Results: Analysis of semi-structured interviews with migrant family members between February 2022 and June 2024 revealed three key elements driving program success: culturally congruent support through community navigators, immediate access to testing and results, and program adaptability to meet broader community needs. Community navigators proved essential, expanding beyond technical support to address social needs ranging from food insecurity to domestic issues. The combination of digital tools with human support enabled families to make timely decisions about work and school attendance while accessing crucial social services. Conclusions: Digital health interventions can effectively serve migrant communities when designed with cultural sensitivity and supported by community navigators. While public health systems should prioritize technological infrastructure for emergency response, success requires concurrent investment in culturally responsive human support systems. The integration of digital tools with adaptable community navigation provides a model for reaching vulnerable populations during future public health emergencies. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s44247-026-00253-0.