Preparación y respuesta ante emergencias sensibles a poblaciones migrantes en Chile: perspectivas postpandémicas / Emergency preparedness and response sensitive of migrant populations in Chile: post-pandemic perspectives

El 31 de agosto de 2023, el Gobierno de Chile puso fin a la alerta sanitaria por COVID-19. Este hito invita a reflexionar sobre lecciones aprendidas respecto a la preparación y respuesta ante emergencias, que sean sensibles e informadas sobre la experiencia de la población migrante de nuestro país. En este marco, se presentan tres perspectivas. La primera se centra en evitar la responsabilización individual en el incumplimiento de las medidas de prevención del contagio, ya que este enfoque ignora las inequidades estructurales e históricas. Las recomendaciones de emergencia se deben construir bajo un abordaje colectivo y con la consideración de los diversos contextos socioculturales y políticos. La segunda perspectiva llama a tomar en cuenta y abordar la migración como determinante social de la salud de la población en la preparación y respuesta ante emergencias. Durante la pandemia, los cambios en la gobernanza de la migración en todo el mundo precarizaron los procesos migratorios, con riesgos para la salud física y mental de las personas que migran. Esto requiere una mejor planificación y decisiones informadas en evidencia científica para futuras pandemias. La tercera perspectiva se enfoca en promover la interculturalidad, dado que la comunicación de los riesgos de contagio y de las medidas preventivas se vio dificultada entre poblaciones migrantes con diversas cosmovisiones e interpretaciones de los procesos de salud y enfermedad. Asimismo, el responder a las necesidades de aquellas comunidades históricamente marginadas, requiere establecer modos de vida que respeten la diversidad en las narrativas y las prácticas cotidianas. Los gobiernos y sistemas sanitarios deben incorporar la migración a sus estrategias de preparación y respuesta ante emergencias, con la construcción de las condiciones para su cumplimiento óptimo.

On August 31, 2023, the Chilean government ended the health alert for COVID-19. This milestone invites us to reflect on lessons learned in emergency preparedness and response regarding migrant populations in the country. In this context, three perspectives are presented. The first focuses on avoiding pointing to individual responsibility for non-compliance with prevention measures, as this approach ignores structural and historical inequities. Emergency recommendations should be constructed considering a collective approach and diverse sociocultural and political contexts. The second perspective calls for considering and addressing migration as a social determinant of health. During the pandemic, changes in the governance of migration around the world made migration processes more precarious, with risks to the physical and mental health of migrants, which needs better planning and evidence-based decision-making in future pandemics. The third perspective focuses on promoting intercultural health, as effective communication of contagion risks and preventive measures were hampered among migrant populations with diverse worldviews and interpretations of health and disease processes. Responding to the needs of historically marginalized communities requires establishing ways of life that respect diversity in narratives and everyday practices. Governments and health systems must incorporate migration into their emergency preparedness and response strategies, creating the conditions for optimal compliance.

Emergency preparedness and response sensitive of migrant populations in Chile: post-pandemic perspectives. / Preparación y respuesta ante emergencias sensibles a poblaciones migrantes en Chile: perspectivas postpandémicas.

On August 31, 2023, the Chilean government ended the health alert for COVID-19. This milestone invites us to reflect on lessons learned in emergency preparedness and response regarding migrant populations in the country. In this context, three perspectives are presented. The first focuses on avoiding pointing to individual responsibility for non-compliance with prevention measures, as this approach ignores structural and historical inequities. Emergency recommendations should be constructed considering a collective approach and diverse sociocultural and political contexts. The second perspective calls for considering and addressing migration as a social determinant of health. During the pandemic, changes in the governance of migration around the world made migration processes more precarious, with risks to the physical and mental health of migrants, which needs better planning and evidence-based decision-making in future pandemics. The third perspective focuses on promoting intercultural health, as effective communication of contagion risks and preventive measures were hampered among migrant populations with diverse worldviews and interpretations of health and disease processes. Responding to the needs of historically marginalized communities requires establishing ways of life that respect diversity in narratives and everyday practices. Governments and health systems must incorporate migration into their emergency preparedness and response strategies, creating the conditions for optimal compliance.

El 31 de agosto de 2023, el Gobierno de Chile puso fin a la alerta sanitaria por COVID-19. Este hito invita a reflexionar sobre lecciones aprendidas respecto a la preparación y respuesta ante emergencias, que sean sensibles e informadas sobre la experiencia de la población migrante de nuestro país. En este marco, se presentan tres perspectivas. La primera se centra en evitar la responsabilización individual en el incumplimiento de las medidas de prevención del contagio, ya que este enfoque ignora las inequidades estructurales e históricas. Las recomendaciones de emergencia se deben construir bajo un abordaje colectivo y con la consideración de los diversos contextos socioculturales y políticos. La segunda perspectiva llama a tomar en cuenta y abordar la migración como determinante social de la salud de la población en la preparación y respuesta ante emergencias. Durante la pandemia, los cambios en la gobernanza de la migración en todo el mundo precarizaron los procesos migratorios, con riesgos para la salud física y mental de las personas que migran. Esto requiere una mejor planificación y decisiones informadas en evidencia científica para futuras pandemias. La tercera perspectiva se enfoca en promover la interculturalidad, dado que la comunicación de los riesgos de contagio y de las medidas preventivas se vio dificultada entre poblaciones migrantes con diversas cosmovisiones e interpretaciones de los procesos de salud y enfermedad. Asimismo, el responder a las necesidades de aquellas comunidades históricamente marginadas, requiere establecer modos de vida que respeten la diversidad en las narrativas y las prácticas cotidianas. Los gobiernos y sistemas sanitarios deben incorporar la migración a sus estrategias de preparación y respuesta ante emergencias, con la construcción de las condiciones para su cumplimiento óptimo.

Barriers and facilitators to access sexual and reproductive health services among young migrants in Tarapacá, Chile: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Chile has become a destination country for immigrants from Latin America, including youth. Guaranteeing access and use of sexual and reproductive health services for young migrants is crucial because of their overlapping experiences of transitioning to a new country and to adulthood. However, the existing evidence shows barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare among young migrant populations. In this context, the main objective of this article is to identify the barriers and facilitators that young migrants experience to access sexual and reproductive healthcare in the Tarapacá region of Chile. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted in the Tarapacá region of Chile. Semi-structured interviews with 25 young migrants from Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador, as well as 10 health workers, were carried out. The interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Universidad del Desarrollo (#2019-22). RESULTS: Young migrants face barriers linked to structural shortcomings within the healthcare system, which may be similar to those faced by the local population. Barriers are also derived from reductionist sexual and reproductive health approaches, which prioritise the prevention of pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV, with a predominantly heteronormative focus. The prevailing narratives from the health system are those of risk and lack of control and self-care among young people, and they are exacerbated in the case of migrants. Young migrants, especially from the Caribbean, are stereotyped as over-sexualised and liberal in comparison to the local population and believed to be engaging in riskier sexual behaviours that should be kept under check. This may translate into experiences of discrimination and mistreatment when receiving care. Facilitators include good-quality information and community-level interventions. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a limited approach to the sexual and reproductive health of young migrants in Chile, severely hampering their reproductive and sexual rights. Policies and initiatives must work towards removing structural barriers, changing narratives, and empowering young migrants regarding their sexual and reproductive health.

"Healthcare should be the same for everyone": perceived inequities in therapeutic trajectories of adult patients with lung cancer in Chile, a qualitative study.

Background: Globally, it has been reported that different social determinants of health affect health outcomes in lung cancer (LC). Research on the therapeutic trajectories of patients (TTP) is a novel field for identifying barriers and facilitators in health. The objective of this study was to reveal perceived differences in TTP with LC in Chile according to selected social determinants of health (SDH) and the experiences of patients, health professionals, and civil society leaders. Methods: This is a qualitative paradigm, one case-study design. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients with LC, health professionals, and civil society leaders. The strategies for the recruitment process included social networks, civil society organizations, health professionals, and the snowball technique. A thematic analysis was carried out. Results: Selected SDH impact LC's TTP in Chile, particularly concerning health system access, health services, information, and patient navigation experiences. The analysis of the experiences of the participants allowed us to identify barriers related to the selected SDH in three stages of the TTP: initiation, examinations, and diagnosis and treatment. Individuals with limited education, those residing outside the capital, women, and those in the public health system encountered more barriers throughout their TTP. Discussion: Study findings suggest that being a woman with low education, from the public health system, and not from the capital might represent one of the most powerful intersections for experiencing barriers to effective healthcare in LC in Chile. It is necessary to monitor the TTP from an SDH perspective to guarantee the rights of access, opportunity, quality, and financial protection.

Access to health services for international migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the experience and perception of international migrants in Chile regarding access to health services during the pandemic. METHOD: Collective case study following the qualitative paradigm. Forty semi-structured interviews were carried out with 30 migrants from different countries in Latin America and the Caribbean and 10 key actors from the health or social sector in November and December 2020. The interviews were analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Perceived facilitators for general access to health services are related to formal work, support networks, and good treatment, while barriers are linked to immigration status, information gaps, discrimination, lack of cross-cultural skills, and personal limits of the system. In the context of access to COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, the main barriers identified are: cultural approach to the disease, communication gaps, experiences of discrimination, costs, and lack of support networks. CONCLUSION: Access to health services is related to social vulnerability and violation of international migrants rights.

The social and health protection of migrants in Chile: qualitative analysis of civil society proposals for constitutional change.

BACKGROUND: A sustained period of social, economic, and political unrest took place during October of 2019 in Chile. As an institutional solution, the "Agreement for Social Peace and the New Constitution" was signed. In this document, most political parties committed to reestablishing peace and public order in Chile, agreeing on the initiation of a constitutional process. To promote participation of civil society actors, the "Popular Initiative for Norms" was enabled. This was a platform where civilians could submit proposals for constitutional norms to be discussed by the Constitutional Convention. We aimed to analyze proposals related to migrants and migrant health. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis of the proposals. Sixteen of them were related to migrants, and we analyzed their association to health. We also evaluated their link to the Health Goals 2030 set out by the Chilean Ministry of Health and the Global Action Plan 2019-2023 for Promoting the Health of Refugees and Migrants by the World Health Organization. RESULTS: Four main thematic categories were identified: 1) Humans rights of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers; 2) Nationality and regularization of migrants and refugees; 3) Political participation and cultural integration of migrants and refugees; and 4) Specific regulations on slavery and human trafficking. These resonated with broader frameworks established in the Health Goals 2030 (Chile) and the Global Action Plan 2019-2023 for Promoting the Health of Refugees and Migrants by the World Health Organization. CONCLUSIONS: The 'Popular Initiative for Norms' was a non-binding participatory mechanism. Although the proposals sent through were not guaranteed to be included in the constitutional draft-and despite the final draft being rejected last September 2022-the platform allowed to gain insights into civilian opinions. Our findings showed that there is an incipient yet weak recognition of the rights and situation of migrants in Chile. There was no direct mention of health nor an explicit contemplation of social determinants of health. Despite there being an urgent need to define strategies for migrants' health in Chile, this study demonstrated that civil awareness and interest are still insufficient.

Burns: Why give special attention to adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean from a primary health prevention perspective? / Quemaduras: ¿por qué prestarles especial atención a los adolescentes en América Latina y El Caribe desde un enfoque de prevención primaria en salud?

The existing evidence on burns in the underage population has focused mainly on children under ten years, leaving behind the age group defined as "adolescents" by the World Health Organization. However, adolescents present their own characteristics that differentiate them from their younger counterparts. These differences are relevant from a primary prevention perspective, focusing on preventing illness or injury. In this context, this article reflects on why adolescents need special attention in the primary prevention of burns in Latin America and the Caribbean. First, burn scenarios in adolescents are often linked to participation in risky activities due to pressure, social desirability, or low perception of the associated risks. Second, it is essential to emphasize that adolescents may experience social vulnerability, which entails a higher risk of suffering an intentional or unintentional burn. Third, the risk of burns in adolescents may be related to mental health and self-harm scenarios. These aspects need to be investigated through both quantitative and qualitative studies to design and implement primary prevention strategies relevant to this population group in the region.

La evidencia existente en materia de quemaduras en población menor de edad a nivel global se ha enfocado principalmente en niños y niñas menores de 10 años, dejando atrás al grupo etario definido como "adolescente" por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Sin embargo, la etapa de la adolescencia presenta características propias que la diferencian de los rangos etarios menores con respecto a las quemaduras. Estas diferencias son relevantes desde una perspectiva de prevención primaria, la cual se centra en evitar la enfermedad o lesión. En este contexto, el presente artículo reflexiona en torno a los motivos por los cuales es necesario prestarles especial atención a las y los adolescentes en el marco de la prevención primaria de las quemaduras, con relevancia para Latinoamérica y El Caribe. Primero, los escenarios de quemaduras en adolescentes muchas veces se vinculan con la participación en actividades de riesgo por presión, deseabilidad social o baja percepción de los riesgos asociados. Segundo, es importante recalcar que los adolescentes pueden experimentar vulnerabilidad social, la cual los puede exponer al riesgo de sufrir una quemadura intencional o no. Tercero, el riesgo de quemaduras en adolescentes se puede asociar con la salud mental y escenarios de autolesión. Se requiere indagar en estos aspectos, tanto a través de estudios cuantitativos epidemiológicos como de estudios cualitativos, para poder diseñar e implementar estrategias de prevención primarias relevantes para este grupo de población en la región.

Quemaduras: ¿por qué prestarles especial atención a los adolescentes en América Latina y El Caribe desde un enfoque de prevención primaria en salud? / Burns: Why give special attention to adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean from a primary health prevention perspective?

La evidencia existente en materia de quemaduras en población menor de edad a nivel global se ha enfocado principalmente en niños y niñas menores de 10 años, dejando atrás al grupo etario definido como "adolescente" por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Sin embargo, la etapa de la adolescencia presenta características propias que la diferencian de los rangos etarios menores con respecto a las quemaduras. Estas diferencias son relevantes desde una perspectiva de prevención primaria, la cual se centra en evitar la enfermedad o lesión. En este contexto, el presente artículo reflexiona en torno a los motivos por los cuales es necesario prestarles especial atención a las y los adolescentes en el marco de la prevención primaria de las quemaduras, con relevancia para Latinoamérica y El Caribe. Primero, los escenarios de quemaduras en adolescentes muchas veces se vinculan con la participación en actividades de riesgo por presión, deseabilidad social o baja percepción de los riesgos asociados. Segundo, es importante recalcar que los adolescentes pueden experimentar vulnerabilidad social, la cual los puede exponer al riesgo de sufrir una quemadura intencional o no. Tercero, el riesgo de quemaduras en adolescentes se puede asociar con la salud mental y escenarios de autolesión. Se requiere indagar en estos aspectos, tanto a través de estudios cuantitativos epidemiológicos como de estudios cualitativos, para poder diseñar e implementar estrategias de prevención primarias relevantes para este grupo de población en la región.

The existing evidence on burns in the underage population has focused mainly on children under ten years, leaving behind the age group defined as "adolescents" by the World Health Organization. However, adolescents present their own characteristics that differentiate them from their younger counterparts. These differences are relevant from a primary prevention perspective, focusing on preventing illness or injury. In this context, this article reflects on why adolescents need special attention in the primary prevention of burns in Latin America and the Caribbean. First, burn scenarios in adolescents are often linked to participation in risky activities due to pressure, social desirability, or low perception of the associated risks. Second, it is essential to emphasize that adolescents may experience social vulnerability, which entails a higher risk of suffering an intentional or unintentional burn. Third, the risk of burns in adolescents may be related to mental health and self-harm scenarios. These aspects need to be investigated through both quantitative and qualitative studies to design and implement primary prevention strategies relevant to this population group in the region.

Perceived barriers and facilitators for adhering to COVID-19 preventive measures in Chile: a qualitative study in three large cities.

BACKGROUND: Globally, it has been reported that different social determinants of health -structural, sociodemographic, economic, living conditions and cultural factors- may affect opportunities to adhere to prevention measures against SARS-CoV-2. The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions around barriers and facilitators for adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures among the adult population residing in three large cities in Chile from a social determinants of health perspective. METHODS: Qualitative paradigm, multiple case-study design. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted with men and women aged 18 and over from different socioeconomic groups residing in three large cities. For participant recruitment and selection, purposive contacts were made based on community and social media networks, followed by snowball sampling. Saturation was reached at 61 participants, after which a thematic analysis was carried out with the support of AtlasTi software. The Ethics Committee of the Universidad del Desarrollo in Chile approved this study. RESULTS: The main perceived barriers to adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures are linked to structural social determinants of health such as income, occupation, gender, access to basic supplies, and housing. Perceived facilitators are the fear of contagion and the incorporation of measures into daily habits. The social communication of preventive measures by health authorities is perceived as punitive, affecting adherence once the fear of contagion decreased in the country. It is also perceived that the recommended preventive measures are disconnected from communities' cultural practices and people´s identity, as well as affected by gender inequities and socioeconomic conditions that stakeholders in the country do not sufficiently address. CONCLUSION: Study findings suggest that adherence to preventive measures, such as social distancing, mask use, and hand washing, could be promoted through their incorporation into the daily life habits of people and communities. These measures should consider the structural social determinants that generate multiple barriers to adherence, like poverty, occupational risks, and overcrowding. Socio-cultural dimensions of health and everyday risks need further understanding among the different communities in the country, allowing for differences in viewpoints and practices based on gender, age, place, and social identity.

Promoting the Participation of "Hard-to-Reach" Migrant Populations in Qualitative Public Health Research during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Chile.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further deepened socioeconomic and health inequities worldwide, especially among populations experiencing social vulnerability, such as international migrants. Sustained lockdowns and social distancing have raised challenges to conducting public health research with hard-to-reach populations. This study aims at exploring strategies to recruit "hard-to-reach" international migrants for qualitative public health research during the pandemic in Chile, based on the authors' experience. A retrospective qualitative evaluation process was carried out on the recruitment processes of three qualitative research projects focused on international migrants in Chile. All projects were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, demanding complementary and flexible strategies: (i) social media; (ii) snowball sampling; (iii) referrals from social workers and pro-migrant and migrant-led organizations; (iv) vaccination centers and healthcare centers; and (v) community-based recruitment. The strategies are qualitatively evaluated around seven emerging qualitative categories: (i) feasibility during lockdown periods; (ii) speed of recruitment; (iii) geographical coverage; (iv) sample diversity; (v) proportion of successful interviews; (vi) ethical considerations; and (vii) cost. Engaging hard-to-reach international migrants in public health research during the pandemic required constantly adapting recruitment strategies. Furthermore, relying on strategies that were not only Internet-based promoted the participation of populations with limited access to the Internet and low-digital literacy.

Revisando Conceptos de Acceso, Trayectorias, Participación y Conocimiento Tácito en Investigaciones Sobre Pacientes y Cobertura en Salud.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize 5 approaches that have been developed in research on patients and health coverage, which reveal information from the perspective of patients: (1) access to healthcare, (2) therapeutic trajectories, (3) social participation in decision making on health coverage, (4) tacit knowledge, and (5) communities of practice. METHODS: This is a narrative literature review, based on searches performed in PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science, between August and December 2021. A total of 45 scientific articles were selected for analysis, which were complemented by a gray literature search that provided 6 additional manuscripts. RESULTS: Improving access to health services requires an understanding of the meaning of the concept of access from the users themselves. The patient trajectory approach contributes by emphasizing that the focus of analysis must adopt the patient's perspective, given that it provides valuable information for the decision making on health coverage. In addition, the role that social participation has in the process to grant trust and legitimacy is described. Tacit knowledge makes explicit the importance of revealing it as a source of information that adds value to the decision-making process. Finally, communities of practice are described as spaces where new ways of experiencing the disease originate, as well as ways of relating to the health system and its actors. CONCLUSIONS: The article raises the relevance that various social actors know these approaches, as well as strategies to integrate them into the assessment processes in terms of health coverage.

Access to health services for international migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study / Acesso a serviços de saúde para migrantes internacionais durante a pandemia de COVID-19: estudo qualitativo / Acceso a servicios de salud para personas migrantes internacionales durante la pandemia por COVID-19: estudio cualitativo

ABSTRACT Objective: To explore the experience and perception of international migrants in Chile regarding access to health services during the pandemic. Method: Collective case study following the qualitative paradigm. Forty semi-structured interviews were carried out with 30 migrants from different countries in Latin America and the Caribbean and 10 key actors from the health or social sector in November and December 2020. The interviews were analyzed thematically. Results: Perceived facilitators for general access to health services are related to formal work, support networks, and good treatment, while barriers are linked to immigration status, information gaps, discrimination, lack of cross-cultural skills, and personal limits of the system. In the context of access to COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, the main barriers identified are: cultural approach to the disease, communication gaps, experiences of discrimination, costs, and lack of support networks. Conclusion: Access to health services is related to social vulnerability and violation of international migrants rights.

RESUMO Objetivo: Explorar a experiência e a percepção dos migrantes internacionais no Chile sobre o acesso aos serviços de saúde durante a pandemia. Método: Estudo de caso coletivo sob o paradigma qualitativo. Foram realizadas 40 entrevistas semiestruturadas com 30 migrantes de diferentes países da América Latina e Caribe e 10 atores-chave do setor de saúde ou social em novembro e dezembro de 2020. As entrevistas foram analisadas tematicamente. Resultados: Os facilitadores percebidos para o acesso geral aos serviços de saúde estão relacionados ao trabalho formal, redes de apoio e bom tratamento, enquanto as barreiras estão ligadas ao status de imigração, lacunas de informação, discriminação, falta de habilidades interculturais e limites próprios do sistema. No contexto do acesso ao diagnóstico e tratamento da COVID-19, identificam-se principalmente barreiras: abordagem cultural da doença, lacunas de comunicação, vivências de discriminação, custos e falta de redes de apoio. Conclusão: O acesso aos serviços de saúde está vinculado à vulnerabilidade social e à violação dos direitos dos migrantes internacionais.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Explorar la experiencia y percepción de las personas migrantes internacionales en Chile en torno al acceso a servicios de salud durante la pandemia. Método: Estudio de caso colectivo bajo el paradigma cualitativo. Se llevaron a cabo 40 entrevistas semi-estructuradas con 30 personas migrantes provenientes de diferentes países de América Latina y el Caribe y 10 actores clave del sector salud o social en noviembre y diciembre 2020. Se analizaron las entrevistas temáticamente. Resultados: Los facilitadores percibidos para el acceso general a servicios de salud se relacionan con el trabajo formal, las redes de apoyo y el buen trato, mientras que las barreras se vinculan con situación migratoria, brechas de información, discriminación, falta de competencias interculturales y límites propios del sistema. En contexto de acceso a diagnóstico y tratamiento de COVID-19, se identifican principalmente barreras: abordaje cultural de la enfermedad, brechas comunicacionales, experiencias de discriminación, costos y faltas de redes de apoyo. Conclusión: El acceso a servicios de salud se vincula con vulnerabilidad social y vulneración de derechos de las personas migrantes internacionales.

"If I get sick here, I will never see my children again": The mental health of international migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the mental health of international migrants globally. Chile has managed its response to the pandemic in an ongoing context of social unrest and combined regional migratory and humanitarian crisis. The country's population presents a high prevalence of common mental disorders and a high suicide rate, with limited access to mental healthcare. International migrants in Chile represent 8% of the total population, and although a socioeconomically heterogenous group, they face social vulnerability, a range of mental health stressors and additional barriers to access mental healthcare. This study describes the mental health outcomes, stressors, response, and coping strategies perceived by international migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A qualitative case study was carried out through individual online interviews to 30 international migrants living in Chile during the pandemic and 10 experts of the social and health care sectors. An inductive content analysis was carried out, a process during which the researchers sought to identify patterns and themes derived from the data. Participants experienced mainly negative mental health outcomes, including anxiety and depression symptomatology. Stressors included the virus itself, work, living and socioeconomic conditions, discrimination, fear for their family and distance caring. Institutional responses to address the mental health of international migrants during the pandemic in Chile were limited and participants relied mainly on individual coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic can represent an important opportunity to strengthen mental health systems for the general population as well as for population groups experiencing social vulnerability, if the issues identified and the lessons learned are translated into action at national, regional, and international level. Promoting the mental health of international migrants means recognising migration as a social determinant of mental health and adopting a cross-cultural as well as a Human Rights approach.

Perceptions of Health Needs among Venezuelan Women Crossing the Border in Northern Chile during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In parallel to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chile has experienced a significant influx of international migrants, many of whom are Venezuelan women who have entered the country through unauthorized crossing points. In this context, gender and migration intersect as the social determinants of health, leading to their experiencing a range of adverse events. This poses important challenges in terms of short- and long-term health outcomes, the social determinants of health, and access to healthcare. This study aims at describing Venezuelan women's perceptions of their health needs as they migrate to Chile via an unauthorized crossing point, with a focus on adverse events throughout the migration cycle, self-reported health needs, and responses. A qualitative case study was carried out with 22 participants in the Antofagasta region of Chile, including Venezuelan migrant women, healthcare professionals, and social workers from the public healthcare system, stakeholders from non-governmental and international organizations, and local government officials. The semi-structured, individual interviews were analyzed thematically. The results show that Venezuelan women face a range of adverse events throughout the migration cycle. The perceived health needs that are reported are sometimes linked to these adverse events or existed prior to migration and were exacerbated throughout the migratory cycle. Addressing these physical and mental health needs is essential for short- and long-term individual and public health; however, despite substantial efforts to ameliorate the situation, persisting gaps in access to care are reported.

Latin American Youths' Migration Journeys and Settlement in the Tarapacá Region in Chile: Implications for Sexual and Reproductive Health.

The sexual and reproductive health of young migrants has not been sufficiently addressed in mobility studies. In this article, we dwell on some aspects of this issue in the migration process of Latin American youth. We conducted a qualitative study in the region of Tarapacá, Chile, carrying out in-depth interviews with key informants, health staff and young migrants between 18 and 25 years old. The results show some motivations to migrate related to sexual and reproductive health: young pregnant women, LGBTQI+ and HIV-positive people seeking access to health care and social contexts of reduced gender discrimination. During the migration process, young people are exposed to various kinds of sexual violence, and in their settlement in Chile, to situations of racism, stigma and discrimination in society as a whole and in access to and during sexual and reproductive health care. Health care for young migrants is mainly focused on maternal care and reproductive issues, while sexual health as a whole is disregarded. We argue that sexual health must be addressed as a central dimension of the lived experiences of young migrants, and that the social, cultural and structural factors that undermine their sexual and reproductive health must be addressed in order to provide culturally competent health services.

[Towards ethical care in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study with international migrants in Chile]. / Hacia un cuidado ético en residencias sanitarias durante la pandemia de COVID-19: estudio cualitativo con migrantes internacionales en Chile.

International migrants have been recognized as a population at risk in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Worldwide, various strategies have been deployed for the protection of this population, such as the establishment of reception and quarantine or isolation centers. This article reports the results of a study that explored the experiences of international migrants in nursing homes in Chile created to ensure a safe quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic, from an approach of ethical conditions for care. A qualitative study was carried out in 2020-2021. Thirty individual semi-structured online interviews were conducted in the cities of Arica, Iquique, Antofagasta and Santiago with international migrants with experience of using nursing homes; health teams of nursing homes; managers of nursing homes; local authorities; and national experts. Thematic analysis of the information was carried out. The study concludes that for international migrants, although the experience in nursing homes has meant significant health support, it is essential that the care provided, in addition to the requirement that it be framed in an approach of rights and respect for the dignity of each person, incorporate the perspective of interculturality in its work, that is, ensuring the right to culturally relevant health services, respectful of the culture of individuals, minorities, peoples and communities.

Migrantes internacionales han sido reconocidos como población de riesgo en el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19. A nivel mundial se han desplegado diversas estrategias para la protección de esta población, como la habilitación de centros de recepción y cuarentena o aislamiento. El artículo da cuenta de los resultados de un estudio que exploró las experiencias de migrantes internacionales en residencias sanitarias dispuestas en Chile para la realización de cuarentenas seguras en el marco de la pandemia COVID-19, desde un enfoque de condiciones éticas para el cuidado. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo entre los años 2020-2021. Se efectuaron 30 entrevistas individuales semi-estructuradas en línea en las ciudades de Arica, Iquique, Antofagasta y Santiago a migrantes internacionales con experiencia de uso de residencias sanitarias; equipos de salud de residencias sanitarias; mánagers de dichos recintos; autoridades locales; y expertos nacionales. Se realizó análisis temático de la información. El estudio concluye que para migrantes internacionales, si bien la experiencia en residencias sanitarias ha significado un apoyo sanitario significativo, es imprescindible que el cuidado proporcionado, además de la exigencia que se enmarque en un enfoque de derechos y de respeto a la dignidad de cada persona, incorpore la perspectiva de la interculturalidad en su quehacer, es decir, asegurando el derecho a servicios de salud culturalmente pertinentes, respetuosos de la cultura de las personas, las minorías, los pueblos y las comunidades.

Migrantes internacionais foram reconhecidos como uma população de risco no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19. Em todo o mundo, várias estratégias têm sido implantadas para a proteção dessa população, como o estabelecimento de centros de acolhimento e quarentena ou isolamento. Este artigo relata os resultados de um estudo que explorou as experiências de migrantes internacionais em residências de saúde organizadas no Chile para quarentena segura no âmbito da pandemia de COVID-19, a partir de uma abordagem de condições éticas para o atendimento. Foi realizado um estudo qualitativo entre os anos de 2020-2021. Foram realizadas 30 entrevistas individuais semiestruturadas online nas cidades de Arica, Iquique, Antofagasta e Santiago com migrantes internacionais com experiência de uso de residências de saúde; equipes de saúde das residências de saúde; gestores dos referidos locais; autoridades locais; e especialistas nacionais. Foi realizada análise temática das informações. O estudo conclui que para os migrantes internacionais, embora a experiência em residências de saúde tenha significado significativo apoio à saúde, é imprescindível que os cuidados prestados, além da exigência de que sejam enquadrados em uma abordagem de direitos e respeito à dignidade de cada pessoa, incorporar a perspectiva da interculturalidade em seu trabalho, ou seja, garantir o direito a serviços de saúde culturalmente relevantes, que respeitem a cultura dos indivíduos, minorias, povos e comunidades.

Recursos y vulnerabilidades de comunidades migrantes en Chile para enfrentar la pandemia SARS-CoV-2

Objetivo Conocer, en contexto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2, las vulnerabilidades psicosociales y socioeconómicas de la población migrante internacional en Chile y los recursos y capitales sociales reportados desde la propia comunidad. Métodos Estudio cualitativo descriptivo. Se realizaron 40 entrevistas semiestructuradas a migrantes (N=30) e informantes claves (N=10), ejecutadas virtualmente durante el 2020. El material fue analizado mediante análisis temático. El proyecto fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética Científico de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad del Desarrollo. Resultados Como principales vulnerabilidades enfrentadas por parte de personas migrantes en pandemia se identifican: hacinamiento, precariedad laboral y necesidades económicas, uso del transporte público, desinformación y creencias en torno al COVID-19, discriminación, falta de redes de apoyo, y estatus migratorio. Como recursos se reconocen: contar con redes de apoyo, posibilidad de teletrabajo o salir a trabajar, acceso a información y a la red asistencial y municipal, apoyo gubernamental y de la sociedad civil. Adicionalmente, se reportan experiencias de diagnóstico de COVID-19, identificando dificultades en acceso a PCR y adaptaciones familiares y laborales como cambios en los hábitos de vida dentro y fuera del hogar. Discusión El estudio entrega información relevante e inédita para la construcción de políticas en salud para migrantes internacionales con foco en crisis sanitarias. Se destaca la necesidad de fortalecer adecuaciones interculturales en las estrategias de prevención del contagio y de promoción de la salud y aumentar la disponibilidad de respuesta en el acceso a salud en el marco de la pandemia, mitigando así la vulnerabilidad social en migrantes y potenciando sus recursos de afrontamiento.

Objective To know, in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the psychosocial and socioeconomic vulnerabilities experienced by the international migrant population in Chile, as well as the resources and social capital reported from the community itself and its support networks, and to analyze the reception and implementation of the measures recommended by the health authorities in the different stages of the pandemic in the country. Methods Descriptive qualitative study. The information was collected through 40 semi-structured individual interviews with migrants (N=30) and key informants (N=10), carried out through online communication platforms during 2020. A thematic analysis of the material was carried out. The project was approved by the Scientific Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine of the Universidad del Desarrollo. Results The main vulnerabilities experienced by migrants in the context of the pandemic include overcrowding, job insecurity and economic needs, use of public transport, misinformation and beliefs about COVID-19, experiences of discrimination and xenophobia, lack of support networks, and migratory status. The main resources are support networks, the possibility of working remotely or going out to work, access to information, access to the assistance and municipal network, and government support and civil society. In addition, experiences of diagnosis of COVID-19 are reported, identifying difficulties in accessing PCR testing, and family and work adaptations such as changes in lifestyle habits inside and outside the home. Discussion The study provides relevant and unpublished information for the construction of health policies for international migrants with a focus on sanitary crises. It highlights the need to strengthen cross-cultural strategies for the prevention of infection and health promotion, and to improve access to health in the context of the pandemic and beyond, thereby mitigating the social vulnerability experienced by migrants and enhancing their coping resources.

Strengths and challenges of a school-based sexual and reproductive health program for adolescents in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in Chile have been primarily provided through health centers. Although some school-based initiatives have been implemented, to date, these have not been assessed. This study aims to identify strengths and challenges of the affectivity and sexuality component of the school-based 3A Program, a health program which seeks to prevent risk behaviors and promote healthy lifestyle habits within public schools (addressing health topics which in Spanish begin with the letter 'A', hence '3A'), implemented in the municipality of Lo Prado, city of Santiago. METHODS: We carried out a qualitative study with a descriptive-interpretative approach in three schools. We conducted in-depth interviews with students, teachers, health professionals, and school principals (N = 44); and focus groups with students (N = 3), teachers and health personnel (N = 3). The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants highlight the integrative approach to health and to sexual and reproductive health promoted in the 3A Program, which is enhanced by the collaboration of interdisciplinary health teams. Permanent and expedited student access to sexual and reproductive health care is achieved, and affectional bonds are developed between students and the Program's health staff. The Program assists female participants to imagine and form identities that are not inherently tied to motherhood. It also assists boys and LGBTQ+ adolescents in feeling included as relevant actors in sexual and reproductive health and decision making. The delivery of contraception in schools is highly valued. The most significant challenge identified is ensuring effective and ongoing collaboration between health staff and teachers. CONCLUSION: Participants value the effectivity and sexuality component of the 3A Program as an initiative to improve adolescents' access to sexual and reproductive health care. Our findings suggest that this Program could be replicated throughout the region and the country to improve the quality and accessibility of health services for adolescents.

Hacia un cuidado ético en residencias sanitarias durante la pandemia de COVID-19: estudio cualitativo con migrantes internacionales en Chile / Towards ethical care in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study with international migrants in Chile / Rumo ao cuidado ético em residências de saúde durante a pandemia de COVID-19: um estudo qualitativo com migrantes internacionais no Chile

Migrantes internacionales han sido reconocidos como población de riesgo en el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19. A nivel mundial se han desplegado diversas estrategias para la protección de esta población, como la habilitación de centros de recepción y cuarentena o aislamiento. El artículo da cuenta de los resultados de un estudio que exploró las experiencias de migrantes internacionales en residencias sanitarias dispuestas en Chile para la realización de cuarentenas seguras en el marco de la pandemia COVID-19, desde un enfoque de condiciones éticas para el cuidado. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo entre los años 2020-2021. Se efectuaron 30 entrevistas individuales semi-estructuradas en línea en las ciudades de Arica, Iquique, Antofagasta y Santiago a migrantes internacionales con experiencia de uso de residencias sanitarias; equipos de salud de residencias sanitarias; mánagers de dichos recintos; autoridades locales; y expertos nacionales. Se realizó análisis temático de la información. El estudio concluye que para migrantes internacionales, si bien la experiencia en residencias sanitarias ha significado un apoyo sanitario significativo, es imprescindible que el cuidado proporcionado, además de la exigencia que se enmarque en un enfoque de derechos y de respeto a la dignidad de cada persona, incorpore la perspectiva de la interculturalidad en su quehacer, es decir, asegurando el derecho a servicios de salud culturalmente pertinentes, respetuosos de la cultura de las personas, las minorías, los pueblos y las comunidades.

International migrants have been recognized as a population at risk in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Worldwide, various strategies have been deployed for the protection of this population, such as the establishment of reception and quarantine or isolation centers. This article reports the results of a study that explored the experiences of international migrants in nursing homes in Chile created to ensure a safe quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic, from an approach of ethical conditions for care. A qualitative study was carried out in 2020-2021. Thirty individual semi-structured online interviews were conducted in the cities of Arica, Iquique, Antofagasta and Santiago with international migrants with experience of using nursing homes; health teams of nursing homes; managers of nursing homes; local authorities; and national experts. Thematic analysis of the information was carried out. The study concludes that for international migrants, although the experience in nursing homes has meant significant health support, it is essential that the care provided, in addition to the requirement that it be framed in an approach of rights and respect for the dignity of each person, incorporate the perspective of interculturality in its work, that is, ensuring the right to culturally relevant health services, respectful of the culture of individuals, minorities, peoples and communities.

Migrantes internacionais foram reconhecidos como uma população de risco no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19. Em todo o mundo, várias estratégias têm sido implantadas para a proteção dessa população, como o estabelecimento de centros de acolhimento e quarentena ou isolamento. Este artigo relata os resultados de um estudo que explorou as experiências de migrantes internacionais em residências de saúde organizadas no Chile para quarentena segura no âmbito da pandemia de COVID-19, a partir de uma abordagem de condições éticas para o atendimento. Foi realizado um estudo qualitativo entre os anos de 2020-2021. Foram realizadas 30 entrevistas individuais semiestruturadas online nas cidades de Arica, Iquique, Antofagasta e Santiago com migrantes internacionais com experiência de uso de residências de saúde; equipes de saúde das residências de saúde; gestores dos referidos locais; autoridades locais; e especialistas nacionais. Foi realizada análise temática das informações. O estudo conclui que para os migrantes internacionais, embora a experiência em residências de saúde tenha significado significativo apoio à saúde, é imprescindível que os cuidados prestados, além da exigência de que sejam enquadrados em uma abordagem de direitos e respeito à dignidade de cada pessoa, incorporar a perspectiva da interculturalidade em seu trabalho, ou seja, garantir o direito a serviços de saúde culturalmente relevantes, que respeitem a cultura dos indivíduos, minorias, povos e comunidades.