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Abstract Background Adequate housing is a fundamental right and a social determinant of health. It also represents a historically contentious topic in Latin America. Migratory flows to Chile have become increasingly precarious in the past few years, limiting opportunities for adequate housing, with potential repercussions on the health of international migrants and the general population. This study aims to analyse adequate housing as a social determinant of health among international migrants and locals between 2013 and 2022 in Chile. Methods Observational cross-sectional study based on repeated versions of the nationally representative Socioeconomic Characterization Survey in Chile. Adequate housing indicators adapted from the United Nations Housing Rights Programme guidelines were analyzed with relation to individual health, distinguishing between the local and international migrant populations. Logistic regression models were fitted for housing indicators with migration as the main independent variable and for short-term and long-term healthcare needs in locals and immigrants with housing as the main dependent variables. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic variables and considered the complex sample design. Results Descriptive findings indicated higher availability of services and infrastructure among international migrants, and a disadvantage for habitability, location, and affordability by quintiles compared to locals. Logistic regression models, adjusting for demographic variables, revealed significant associations between migration status and overcrowding (OR 6.14, 2022), poor housing materiality (OR 5.65, 2022) and proximity to healthcare centres (OR 1.4, 2022) compared to locals. Experiencing hazardous situations consistently predicted short-term healthcare needs in both migrants (OR = 1.4, 2022) and locals (OR = 2.8, 2022). Overcrowding predicted both long and short-term healthcare needs among locals across the years and long term needs among migrants in 2013 and 2015. Conclusions We found significant inequities in adequate housing between migrant populations and locals in Chile, and some inequities among both populations based on structural socioeconomic deprivation. Experiencing hazardous situations emerged as a social determinant of health among international migrants in 2022, potentially suggesting growing challenges related to social exclusion in urban areas. However, limitations such as exclusion criteria of the survey and sample sizes for data on the migrant population potentially suggest that housing challenges and their impact on health are underestimated.

Introduction Breast cancer progression involves physiological mechanisms such as metastasis. Delays in diagnosis and treatment increase the risk of mortality and are associated with barriers to healthcare access. In Chile, breast cancer is highly prevalent, and early diagnosis has improved, although disparities in the disease evolution persist. This study characterized diagnostic and staging tests, waiting times, and sociodemographic profiles to identify delays and inequities in care. Methods Survey study. Using a non-probabilistic sample, a questionnaire was applied in an encrypted platform with prior informed consent. The instrument collected data on requested tests, associated times, staging, and sociodemographic characteristics. These variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics, tests of association, confidence intervals, and comparison tests using bootstrapping. Results A sample of 263 persons was obtained. The most requested tests were biopsy (99.62%) and blood tests (80.23%). The median number of tests requested was six (Q1:4, Q3:8), with a mean of 5.87 (standard deviation: 2.24). No significant differences were observed in the percentage of persons from whom the total number of examinations were requested according to the studied variables. The day-hour-result intervals ranged from 1 to 365 days. The median day-hour-result of the biopsy was 15 days (Q1:10, Q3:30). People between 40 and 49 years old, non-residents of the capital city, belonging to income quintile I, with high school education, from the public health system, with late-stage diagnosis had higher median day-hour-result in biopsy. There was no significant difference in the number of requested tests according to staging (I and II, or III and IV). Conclusions Biopsy in Chile is the test of choice for diagnostic confirmation in breast cancer. Other tests are requested regardless of the diagnosis stage, contrary to the recommendations of clinical guidelines. Cancer prognosis is crucial, especially in countries with greater inequalities.

Climate change-induced natural disasters such as hurricanes, landslides, forest fires, and changes in precipitation directly affect rural sectors that depend on field production and other dimensions of everyday life. This generates the mobilization of people from their homes to safer places within the same country or across borders. There is a lack of information on the impacts of climate change on environmental migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This scoping review aims to describe the scientific evidence of the health effects of climate change on migrant in LAC. The review was conducted using databases from PubMed, Web of Science (WoS), and Google Scholar in English, Spanish and Portuguese. After screening the title, abstract, and full text of identified hits (n = 726), 31 records were finally included. Evidence indicates that climate change relates to health and healthcare, psychosocial and infrastructure dimensions among migrants in LAC. Health effects refer to limited access to healthcare, underdiagnosis, increased susceptibility to diseases and mental health conditions like stress and anxiety. Psychosocial dimensions refer to a heightened risk of sexual and gender-based violence, social marginalization, family separation, and loss of identity and culture. Infrastructure refers to environmental degradation and agricultural and urban infrastructure destruction. Multiple adaptations to these conditions are described among migrant populations in the region. Recommendations for improvements are presented. This scoping review suggests climate change’s significant health, psychosocial, and infrastructural associations with migrants in Latin America.

The presence of children and adolescents in migratory flows is growing in Latin America and the Caribbean. Little is known about migration's effects on these groups' health. This article aims to investigate the evidence available on the access and use of healthcare services by migrant children and adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean. We seek to explore the role of social determinants of health at different levels in the health conditions of these groups. Also, to identify potential recommendations for healthcare systems and public policy to address them. For this purpose, a narrative review of 52 publications was carried out based on a search of scientific literature in the Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. Five relevant topics were identified: use of emergency care associated with lack of healthcare access, preventive services, and other social determinants of health; exposure to preventable infectious diseases; mental health; sexual and reproductive health; and vaccinations and dental health. We conclude that the evidence shows the need to address the inequities and disadvantages faced by migrant children from a perspective of social determinants of health and policies that consider health as a human right regardless of the migratory status of children and adolescents, as well as that of their parents or primary caregivers.

Abstract 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.

Introduction Food insecurity is a global priority that has been found to negatively impact mental health, increasing the risk of mental disorders and severe mental illness. International migrants may face food insecurity throughout their migratory cycle due to a range of risk factors, such as poor transit conditions, precarious employment, financial pressure, discrimination, and lack of availability and access to culturally relevant food, among others. Although there are multiple reviews on migration, food insecurity, and health in general, no scoping review has been conducted on food insecurity among international migrants focusing on mental health. Objective To investigate the available evidence on food insecurity and mental health among international migrants. Methods A search of scientific literature in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese published since 2013 will be performed in the Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, APA PsycArticles, Cinahl, and ASSIA databases, including grey literature available in Google Scholar. Two authors will independently review titles, abstracts, and full texts before extracting data from publications complying with the eligibility criteria. Extracted data will be descriptively mapped according to emerging thematic categories. Expected results the review will contribute to identifying what is known about international migration, food insecurity, and mental health, gaps in the literature, opportunities for specific research subtopics, and how food insecurity and mental health can be linked in the existing literature.

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.

Abstract Background In 2010, a political and social crisis pushed thousands of Venezuelans out of their country; today, seven million Venezuelans live abroad. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, border closure increased and affected specific vulnerable migration flows, such as Venezuelans trying to migrate to Chile through the Northern borders. In this context, there is little evidence of migrants’ health status and needs, their access to health services, and other basic needs (e.g., housing) from a human rights perspective. Therefore, we qualitatively explored the effects of border closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic on Venezuelan migrants’ health and human rights, focusing on access to healthcare in the Northern Chilean border that adjoins Peru and Bolivia. Methods Following a case-study qualitative design, we conducted an ethnography that included participatory observation of relevant sites (e.g., hospitals, main squares, migrant shelters) in Antofagasta, Iquique, and Arica and 30 in-depth interviews with actors in the health sector (n = 7), experts from the non-governmental sector (n = 16), and governmental actors (n = 7) in three large cities close to the Northern border. Results We found four main dimensions: (i) border and migration processes, (ii) specific groups and intersectionality, (iii) barriers to healthcare services, and (iv) regional and local responses to the crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs characterized by the presence of healthcare providers in the field were essential to attend to migrants’ health needs at borders. Conclusions Coordination between actors is crucial to implement regional protocols that respond to current migration phenomena and migrants’ health needs. Health policies using a human rights approach are urgently required to respond to migrants’ healthcare needs at borders in South America.

Antecedentes y objetivos: Las enfermedades raras (ER) son un grupo de trastornos muy heterogéneos, definidos según su incidencia. Dada sus características singulares, las experiencias del paciente y la familia con ER son únicas. La investigación sobre trayectorias terapéuticas de pacientes (TTP) es importante para mejorar la atención médica, pero los estudios sobre TTP y ER son limitados. Nuestro objetivo fue desarrollar una síntesis narrativa de la evidencia científica para conocer la información disponible en la literatura sobre trayectorias terapéuticas de pacientes con enfermedades raras y contribuir como insumo a la creación de propuestas en el contexto del plan nacional y leyes específicas. Método(s) y resultados: Realizamos una revisión narrativa de literatura científica. La búsqueda se realizó en PubMed (2021), incluyendo estudios con TTP con ER, familiares o cuidadores, sin filtros. Identificamos seis temas principales en las TTP: diagnóstico, tratamiento, costo, calidad de vida, informante clave y aportes tecnológicos. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos sugieren que comprender las TTP podría ayudar a reconocer el tiempo efectivo para diagnósticos, tratamientos y capacidad de respuesta de los sistemas de salud. La perspectiva de pacientes y familias con ER debe incluirse como parte de la agenda de investigación y política.

The absence of the right to health of migrants in transit has evolved into a significant global health concern, particularly in the border regions thus, this study aims to improve knowledge in this area by exploring the effects of the spatio-temporal liminal characteristics at borders in the achievement of the right to health of migrants in transit moving across two of the most transited and dangerous borders in Latin America: Colchane (Chile-Bolivia) and the Darién Gap (Colombia-Panamá). Through a qualitative descriptive multi-case study, we implemented 50 semi-structured interviews (n = 30 in Chile and n = 20 in the Darién/Necoclí) involving national, regional, and local stakeholders. The findings highlight that the fulfilment of the right to health of migrants in transit is hindered by liminal dynamics at the borders. These dynamics include closure of borders, (in)securities, uncertainty and waiting, lack of economic resources, lack of protection to all, liminal politics, and humanitarian interventions. These findings surface how the borders’ liminality exacerbates the segregation of migrants in transit by placing them in a temporospatial limbo that undermines their right to health. Our study concludes that not just the politics but also the everyday practices, relationships and social infrastructure at borders impedes the enjoyment of the right to health of distressed migrants in transit. The short-term humanitarian response; illicit dynamics at borders; migratory regulations; and border and cross-border political structures are some of the most significant determinants of health at these borderlands.

Abstract 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.

Abstract Background Health inequities have a profound impact on all dimensions of people’s lives, with invariably worse results among the most disadvantaged, transforming them into a more fragile and vulnerable population. These unfair inequalities also affect dimensions focused on subjectivity, such as health-related quality of life (HRQoL), which has been positioned, in recent decades, as an important outcome in health decision-making. The main objective of this study is to estimate socioeconomic inequality in HRQoL of Chilean by household income. Methods Secondary analysis of the National Health Survey (ENS 2016–2017, Chile). This survey includes a nationally representative, stratified, and multistage household sample of people aged 15 and above. Socioeconomic inequality in HRQoL (EQ5D) is estimated by the concentration index (CI) ranked by household income. Decomposition analysis is conducted to examine potential explanatory sociodemographic factors. Results The CI for household income inequality in HRQoL was -0.063. The lower the household income, the worse the HRQoL reported by in Chile. The decomposition analysis revealed that socioeconomic position contributes 75,7% to inequality in the quality of life, followed by educational level (21.8%), female gender (17.3%), and type of Health Insurance (15%), age (-19.7%) and residence (-10.8%). Less than 1% corresponds to the unexplained residual component. Conclusions Our findings suggest the existence of a disproportionate concentration of worse HRQoL in the most disadvantaged socioeconomic groups in Chile. This inequality is largely, yet not completely, associated with household income. Other significant factors associated with this inequality are education, gender, and healthcare insurance. These results suggest the need of strengthening efforts to reducing socioeconomic gaps in health outcomes in Chile, as a means to achieve social justice and equity in health and healthcare.

BackgroundGlobally, 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.MethodsThis 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.ResultsSelected 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.DiscussionStudy 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.

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.

Abstract Background During recent decades intraregional migration has increased in Latin America. Chile became one of the main receiving countries and hosted diverse international migrant groups. Evidence have suggested a healthy migrant effect (HME) on health status, but it remains scarce, controversial and needs to be updated. This study performed a comprehensive analysis verifying the existence of HME and its association with social determinants of health (SDH). Methods We analyzed data from the Chilean National Socioeconomic Characterization Survey (CASEN, version 2017). Unadjusted prevalence of health status indicators such as negative self-perceived health, chronic morbidity, disability, and activity limitations were described in both international migrants and local population. Adjusted associations between these outcomes and sets of demographics, socioeconomic, access to healthcare, psychosocial and migration-related SDH were tested using multivariate logistic regression in each population. The HME for each health outcome was also tested using multivariate logistic regression and sequentially adjusting for each set of SDH (ref = Chilean). Results International migrants had lower unadjusted prevalence of all health indicators compared to Chileans. That is, unadjusted analysis revealed an apparent HME in all health outcomes. Age, unemployment, and health care system affiliation were associated with health outcomes in both populations. Psychosocial determinants were both risk and protective for the analysed health outcomes. After adjustment for each set of SDH, the immigrant health advantage was only significant for chronic morbidity. Being migrant was associated with 39% lower odds of having chronic diseases compared to locals (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.44–0.84; P = 0.0003). For all other outcomes, HME disappeared after adjusting by SDH, particularly unemployment, type of health system and psychosocial factors. Conclusions Testing the HME in Chile revealed an advantage for chronic morbidities that remained significant after adjustment for SDH. This analysis shed light on health disparities between international migrants and local population in the Latin American region, with special relevance of unemployment, type of health system and psychosocial SDH. It also informed about differential exposures faced during migration process that could dissolve the HME over time. Evidence from this analytical approach is useful for informing health planning and intersectoral solutions from a SDH perspective.

Introducción: El colectivo venezolano residente en Chile ha aumentado no solamente en cantidad, sino también en la vulnerabilidad en que migran, por ello se vuelve relevante comprender cómo han llevado adelante las una de las medidas de cuidado ante la propagación de COVID-19 más promulgadas a nivel mundial: la realización cuarentena. Objetivo: Analizar qué elementos dificultan la realización de cuarentena en la población venezolana residente en Chile, al ser el confinamiento una de las medidas más promulgadas para proteger a la población ante la propagación de COVID-19. Metodología: Lo anterior se aborda por medio de un estudio cuantitativo observacional de corte transversal desde una encuesta online sobre COVID-19 a extranjeros en Chile, realizada en abril (2020), por medio de una estrategia de muestreo en “bola de nieve” (n=1.690 migrantes). Este análisis secundario se focaliza en participantes venezolanos (N=1.006), por medio de análisis descriptivo, bivariado y de regresión multivariada, con ajuste de Raking para disminuir el sesgo de auto-selección. Resultados: Las chances de no poder realizar cuarentena son mayor en quienes cuentan con trabajo ([OR=5,35, 95%IC [3,16-9,02]), en relación a los que no; en quienes no poseen previsión de salud ([OR=4,02, 95%IC [1,57-10,32]) y en los que tienen previsión pública (Fonasa) ([OR=3,92, 95%IC [1,84-8,35]), en relación a las personas con previsión privada; en hombres ([OR=2,23, 95%IC [1,50-3,32]) que en mujeres; y en los que tienen nivel educacional menor a nivel superior ([OR=1,74, 95%IC [11,50-3,32]). Conclusión: La asociación encontrada entre no cumplir cuarentena con condiciones laborales y tipo de previsión de salud expone la relevancia de la vulnerabilidad socioeconómica en las oportunidades de llevar adelante medidas de cuidado de salud pública en población migrante venezolana en Chile, como es el seguimiento de confinamiento durante una pandemia como la de COVID-19. Esto es importante para la planificación sanitaria en futuras crisis socio-sanitarias.

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.

Abstract Background The association between international migration and mental health is conditioned to several factors, and discrimination may play a significant role. Currently, Peru is one of the principal Venezuelan migrant-receiving countries in Latin America. There are around one million Venezuelan refugees and migrants in the country. This study evaluates the association between self-perceived discrimination and mental health problems in Venezuelan population living in Peru. Method We analyzed data from the Venezuelan Population Residing in Peru Survey 2018, a nationally representative urban sample aimed at collecting information on several dimensions of Venezuelan population wellbeing. We applied logistic regression models to assess the association between self-perceived discrimination and mental health problems. Moreover, we applied the propensity score matching method as a robustness check of our results. Results Of 9487 Venezuelans surveyed, 6806 included complete information. From this sample, 6.3% reported mental health problems related to fear, anger, anxiety, or stress. Logistic regression models showed that Venezuelans who perceived being discriminated against had 2.4 higher odds of presenting mental health problems than their non-discriminated counterparts. Moreover, propensity score matching models showed that Venezuelans who perceived being discriminated against increased by 3.5 percentage points their probability of presenting mental health problems compared to their non-discriminated counterparts. Conclusions There is evidence that self-perceived discrimination is associated with mental health deterioration in Venezuelan migrants living in Peru. Our findings are relevant in the current geopolitical context and could be useful in the decision making processes in international health.

Objetivo. Identificar el conocimiento, acceso y uso del sistema de salud por parte de adolescentes migrantes, y las barreras para el acceso y uso del sistema de salud en dicha población en Chile. Métodos. Estudio exploratorio observacional, de corte transversal, aplicado en jornada participativa con adolescentes migrantes (N=30) de tres comunas de la ciudad de Santiago, Chile. Estudio multimétodos. Se aplicó una encuesta basal sobre el proceso migratorio y las experiencias en el sistema de salud, con análisis descriptivo de datos. Desde lo cualitativo, se realizaron grupos de discusión (n=5) y talleres participativos (n=2) con adolescentes migrantes. Resultados. El 60% de adolescentes afirmó desconocer si está inscrito en el sistema de salud, y la mitad no lo ha utilizado. Se identificó que el tiempo de residencia es un factor relevante para el uso efectivo de algunas prestaciones de salud. Se reconocieron barreras administrativas para acceder al sistema de salud, como situación migratoria, percepción de obligatoriedad de compañía de adultos, y experiencias de discriminación en la atención. Se identificaron necesidades específicas en salud sexual y reproductiva, como acceso a preservativos, y salud mental en relación a la atención de especialistas. Como facilitadores del acceso y uso se destacaron las experiencias de buen trato, y la presencia del sector salud en las escuelas. Conclusiones. Se identificó desconocimiento del sistema de salud, y diversas barreras de acceso y uso de este por parte de adolescentes migrantes. En base a los resultados se proponen recomendaciones generales para el país y la región referidas a la promoción de la salud de este grupo.

Abstract Mental health in a context of international migration is a particularly pressing issue, as migration is recognised as a social determinant of physical and mental health. As Chile is increasingly becoming a receiving country of South-South migration, immigrants face mental health inequities, with regards to outcomes and access to care. In order to identify and synthetize mental healthcare inequities faced by international migrants with regards to locals in Chile, a narrative review of the literature on national mental healthcare policies in Chile and a narrative review of the literature on migrants’ mental healthcare in Chile were conducted, with a focus on describing mental health outcomes, policy environment and persisting gaps and barriers for both topics. The existing literature on mental healthcare in Chile, both for the general population and for international migrants, following the social determinant of health framework and categorised in terms of i) Inequities in mental health outcomes; ii) Description of the mental health policy environment and iii) Identification of the main barriers to access mental healthcare. Despite incremental policy efforts to improve the reach of mental healthcare in Chile, persisting inequities are identified for both locals and international migrants: lack of funding and low prioritisation, exacerbation of social vulnerability in the context of a mixed health insurance system, and inadequacy of mental healthcare services. International migrants may experience specific layers of vulnerability linked to migration as a social determinant of health, nested in a system that exacerbates social vulnerability. Based on the findings, the article discusses how mental health is a privilege for migrant populations as well as locals experiencing layers of social vulnerability in the Chilean context. International migrants’ access to comprehensive and culturally relevant mental healthcare in Chile and other countries is an urgent need in order to contribute to reducing social vulnerability and fostering mechanisms of social inclusion. International migration, social determinants of mental health, mental health inequities, social vulnerability, review.

BackgroundThe 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 findingsA 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.ConclusionsThe 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.

Asylum and refuge in Chile h¬ave received limited attention in policymaking and academia, and there is scarce evidence on their mental health needs and outcomes. Studies on mental healthcare access for international migrants suggest systemic barriers linked to costs and coverage, administrative issues, and adequacy of services. Today, we see that asylum and refuge is an emerging topic in Chile, which opens up the challenges around the mental health of refugees and asylum seekers. This topic is gaining visibility due to increased asylum claims over the past ten years, making it an urgent topic at a policy level. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in 2018 on the health and social needs of asylum seekers and refugees from Latin America in Chile. This study indicated a general lack of knowledge on the mental health needs of refugees and asylum seekers and Chile and a lack of training in mental health professionals to address specific needs. Consequently, the health needs of these people remain largely unaddressed in terms of the number of available services and the relevance and pertinence of the services delivered. As Chile is positioning itself as a receiving country of refugees and asylum seekers in Latin America and the Caribbean, there is an opportunity to "do better" and adequately address the mental health of these marginalized populations.

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.

AimTo evaluate disparities in the frequency of scientific activity between medical doctors and nurses in Peru.MethodsWe carried out a secondary data analysis of the National Health Services Users' Satisfaction Survey (ENSUSALUD), 2016. This nationally representative survey evaluates doctors and nurses working in clinical settings. We defined scientific activity as i) having published an original article (journal indexed in Web of Science, Scopus or Medline); and ii) having authored an abstract in a national or international conference. We estimated crude and adjusted disparities prevalence ratios (aDPR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).ResultsWe included 2025 doctors and 2877 nurses in the analysis; 71% of doctors doctor were male, and 93% of nurses were female (pConclusionsThere are important disparities in scientific activity between doctors and nurses working in clinical settings in Peru. Disparities are more significant for article publication than for authoring in conference abstracts. We suggest public policies that promote research dissemination between health professionals, with emphasis on nurses.

Objective. To research the perception of different key actors regarding the role of intercultural facilitators in health care for Haitian migrants in the communes of Quilicura and Santiago de Chile. Materials and Methods. Qualitative study of exploratory and descriptive type, with case study design, in family health centers and hospitals of two communes of the Metropolitan Region of Chile. The technique of semi-structured interviews with key actors (health authorities, health workers, intercultural facilitators, and international migrants) was used with verbatim transcription and thematic analysis of contents (n=18). Results. The perception of the role of intercultural facilitators for the health care of international migrants is related to activities like translation, interpretation, health system education in Chile, intercultural mediation, and administrative tasks. In addition, it collaborates in educational activities for migrants who require support in addressing cultural differences. This vision is shared by several key actors considered for the study and according to the current health policy. Conclusions. The intercultural facilitators make a contribution to the intercultural health encounter in Chile, and they are witnesses of how our institutions face different realities in linguistic and socio-cultural matters. Recognizing the importance of the intercultural facilitator in health care with intercultural relevance towards international migrant population is a social advance and one of the Chilean health system, which can be replicated in countries that face similar challenges and do not wish to ignore the growing social and cultural diversity in Latin America and the Caribbean, as a consequence of the dynamic transformations stemming from international migration processes.

Objetivo. Describir las características sociodemográficas, necesidades de salud, derivaciones efectivas realizadas y evaluación inmediata de la población migrante internacional que participó en el Programa de Atención Inicial al Migrante durante el primer año de ejecución (entre mayo y diciembre del año 2016), implementado en el Centro de Salud Familiar Ignacio Domeyko, Santiago de Chile. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo. Se diseñó e implementó una intervención para dar bienvenida a migrantes internacionales, que contemplaba la evaluación integral inicial, el diagnóstico de situación y detección de necesidades y derivación a otras atenciones, y la entrega de información. Para el análisis se describen, por medio de medidas de tendencia central y frecuencias absolutas y relativas, las características sociodemográficas, el proceso migratorio, las necesidades de salud, el cumplimento de derivaciones a un año de seguimiento y los resultados de la encuesta de satisfacción usuaria. Resultados. Se inscribieron 436 personas, de las cuales asistieron 270 (61,9%). El 80% eran mujeres, provenientes en su mayoría de Perú y Venezuela. La principal derivación realizada fue a control de embarazo (32,6%), seguido de planificación familiar (30%) y servicios sociales (27,04%). A un año de seguimiento, las derivaciones para controles cardiovasculares alcanzaron 100% de cumplimiento, 97,7% para embarazo y 87,7% para servicios sociales. El menor cumplimiento en las derivaciones fue a salud mental (11,1%). Conclusiones. Esta intervención, pionera en Chile, permitió dar bienvenida y proporcionar información clave a la población migrante internacional, así como también realizar derivaciones basadas en necesidades de salud y promover la inserción de la población inmigrante al sistema de salud chileno.

La población migrante internacional en situación irregular (MISI) suele encontrarse en una condición de particular vulnerabilidad que impacta en su salud, y sumado a esto, enfrenta múltiples barreras que dificultan e incluso impiden su acceso a los servicios de salud. La presente revisión tiene por objetivo identificar y describir iniciativas que abordan el acceso a los servicios de salud en población MISI. Para ello, se realizó una revisión narrativa en PubMed, Embase, Health Systems Evidence, Cochrane, LILACS y Scielo entre julio y agosto de 2017. Se encontraron 787 artículos, de los cuales se incluyeron 26, los que dieron cuenta de 31 iniciativas. La mayoría de estas iniciativas se sitúan en América Septentrional (61%), Asia Sudoriental (10%) y Europa Septentrional (10%); se refieren mayoritariamente a servicios de nivel primario (48%) y terciario (52%), servicios de urgencia/emergencia (39%), brindan accesibilidad administrativa (65%) y financiera (45%), y responden a necesidades en la etapa de «destino» del proceso migratorio (97%). Se puede concluir que existen diversas iniciativas que abordan la problemática del acceso a los servicios de salud de la población MISI. No obstante, no se hallaron iniciativas dirigidas a la rehabilitación y salud sexual; contacto y calidad; perspectiva de género y competencia cultural en salud.

Introduction International migration is a social determinant of health. The past decade has seen a large exodus of Venezuelans within Latin America, including Chile. In the past months, the world has been facing the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic and its respiratory disease COVID-19. Objective To explore what factors are associated with feeling prepared to face the COVID-19 pandemic among the Venezuelan population residing in Chile. Methods Cross-sectional quantitative study with an opinion poll design. An online self-reported survey in Spanish and Creole was designed and piloted with experts and international migrants. It was disseminated to various international migrant groups through networks of migrant and pro-migrant organizations and the Chilean public health care network across the national territory. An effective sample size for analysis of 1690 participants was reached, of which 1008 (60%) were from Venezuela and included in this analysis. Feeling prepared to face the COVID-19 pandemic (yes/no) among Venezuelan migrants was described, as well as relevant variables like sex, level of education, length of stay, healthcare provision, anxiety or depression due to COVID-19, confinement, and evaluation of the quality of the information provided by the COVID-19 government. Results 65% of the Venezuelan participants reported not feeling prepared for the pandemic. Compared to Venezuelan migrants who feel prepared to face the COVID-19 pandemic, migrants who reported not feeling prepared were in a higher proportion female, with secondary education level, had arrived in Chile in the past year, do not have a job but want to work, and belong to the public healthcare provision. Discussion Receiving good quality information on the pandemic and mental health symptoms are important factors associated with feeling prepared to face COVID-19 in Venezuelan migrants in Chile, suggesting that increased attention towards the physical and mental health of Venezuelan migrants in Chile and the region is needed.

Objective. To explore the social determinants of health (SDH) of international migrant children, from the perceptions of caregivers, health workers and local authorities in eight municipalities in Chile. Materials and methods. A secondary analysis of data was conducted from a qualitative study that took place between 2014 and 2017. The original study involved semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The secondary thematic analysis of data included all emerging issues related to international migrant children and their living conditions, including use of health services. Results. Findings were grouped according to the model of social determinants of health, which allow a reflection on living conditions of international migrant children and their health situation. Conclusion. This research shows the impact of SDH on international migrant children in Chile, highlighting relevant issues around this group.

La evidencia demuestra los altos niveles de vulnerabilidad que rodean al fenómeno migratorio en la actualidad. Dichas condiciones son de importancia para los sistemas de salud en todo el mundo, al vincularse directamente con el empeoramiento del estado de salud y calidad de vida de las personas. Sin embargo, el estudio del nexo entre el proceso migratorio y la salud se mantiene insuficiente, más aún respecto a cómo la migración internacional influye en la toma de decisión en salud pública. En la región Latinoamericana y del Caribe, existen iniciativas para prestar servicios de salud a migrantes internacionales, sin embargo, aún distan mucho de garantizar los derechos fundamentales en salud de quienes migran. Este artículo tiene como objetivo desarrollar una discusión crítica acerca de las principales teorías sociales sobre migración, y sobre su aporte a la toma de decisiones en salud pública (teoría de «tiraje y empuje», teoría de globalización, teoría de acumulación causal y el transnacionalismo). Se realizó una revisión narrativa académica hasta abril del 2017, cuyos resultados indican que es primordial la acción institucional, estatal y local de la salud pública para garantizar los derechos de salud de la población migrante frente al escenario de precariedad que rodea el fenómeno migratorio. Se espera que este documento sea un aporte al conocimiento actual en América Latina, tanto para la docencia como para la práctica e investigación en salud pública.

Objectives. To investigate the perceptions of primary health workers (PHW) about the challenges of health care for migrants. Materials and methods. A qualitative multicase study was conducted in eight communes of Chile, using the snowball technique, where 101 PHW and local authorities were recruited. Semi-structured interviews and focal groups were conducted, achieving information saturation. Results. The findings were grouped into two major thematic axes: 1. Technical and administrative difficulties, and 2. Perception of cultural barriers. According to the PHW, although regulations have been established and health care strategies have been generated for the migrant population, these are mostly not stable or known to all PHW. They are also not easy to implement in the various realities investigated. The absence of records on the number of migrants accessing the health system makes it difficult to design specific interventions. Additionally, health care has complications, and the PHW do not necessarily have tools that allow them to provide a care that is culturally sensitive to the needs of the migrant community. Conclusions. The findings put into question the new challenges in health that Chile is facing in the face of the growing migrant population. The needs perceived by PHW are: stability and clarity in the regulations in force in relation to access and provision of services, training in regulations and the concrete way in which they should operate, and sensitization in cultural competence.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To compare cancer hospital morbidity among the local population and the immigrant population in Chile. METHODS This is a prevalence study based on the analysis of hospital discharges of all the health centers of Chile. Cancer hospital discharges were characterized in 2012 according to the migratory status. The crude and specific rates of hospital morbidity for this cause were estimated for the analysis of their association with migratory status using zero-inflated negative binomial regression, adjusted for sociodemographic variables. RESULTS The neoplasms were the third cause of hospital discharges for immigrants and the seventh one for Chileans. The adjusted rate of cancer hospital discharges was higher for Chileans than immigrants, and the latter had fewer days of hospitalization and greater proportion of surgical interventions. In the group of immigrants, cancer hospital discharges mainly corresponded to patients belonging to the private system (46%), and in the group of Chileans they mainly corresponded to patients in the public system (71.1%). We observed a large difference in the proportion of cancer hospital discharges for patients with no health insurance between the two populations (22.6%: immigrants, 1.0%: Chileans). In both populations, the three most frequent types of cancer were: (i) lymphoid tissue, hematopoietic organs, and related tissues, (ii) digestive organs, and (iii) breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS Models of differentiated care should be considered for immigrants, with the creation of specific programs of information, coverage, and protection against cancer. More information on this problem must be generated at the local and international level.

La migración es un reconocido determinante social, con amplio impacto en la salud pública. Chile es uno de los países que presenta mayores cifras de crecimiento de la migración en Latinoamérica; pese a esto, son pocos los datos estadísticos oficiales en relación con la prevalencia de enfermedades o condiciones de salud de los inmigrantes. Este artículo tiene como propósito aportar al conocimiento de la salud de los inmigrantes externos en Chile, con foco en la morbilidad hospitalaria. Estudio observacional y de corte transversal. Análisis de datos sobre hospitalizaciones (egresos hospitalarios) en Chile, año 2012, a través de tasas específicas, cifras absolutas y distribuciones porcentuales –con y sin considerer los egresos relacionados con embarazos partos o puerperio– según variables demográficas, territoriales y previsión de salud, en población chilena y extranjera.

En los últimos años, la investigación traslacional (IT) se ha establecido como una prioridad en salud a nivel mundial. Esta revisión tiene por objetivo: (1) definir la IT y describir su naturaleza compleja; (2) identificar componentes de IT; (3) vincular IT a la toma de decisiones en políticas de salud; (4) reconocer algunos obstáculos y desafíos de IT asociados a la toma de decisiones en políticas de salud. Para ello se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en bases de datos y literatura gris seleccionada, que incluyan como palabras clave IT y políticas de salud, encontrándose 60 documentos. Los resultados indican una evolución del concepto de IT en el tiempo, incorporando recientemente la inherente complejidad que existe en la transferencia del conocimiento científico en salud. La literatura internacional muestra aplicaciones de la IT en diversos escenarios de investigación y práctica clínica. La aplicación de IT a salud pública y toma de decisiones en salud es aún incipiente pero necesaria y podría convertirse en una prioridad para políticas de salud en un país.Recently, the translational research model (TR) has been established as a key feature in health worldwide. The objectives of this review are: (1) to define the TR and describe its complex nature; (2) to identify the components of the TR; (3) to link the TR to the decision-making process in health policies; (4) to recognize frequent obstacles and challenges of the association between the TR and the decision-making process in health policies. A systematic literature review was conducted in scientific databases and selected grey literature was done including TR and health policy as key words. We found 60 papers. Results show that the concept of TR and its theoretical formulation has evolved over time and has only recently incorporated the complexity that exists in the transference of scientific knowledge to health. International literature shows different applications of the TR in both research and clinical practice. The application of the TR to public health and health policy decision making is relatively new but necessary and could become a priority for health policies in the countries.

Objetivo. Describir las actitudes, conocimientos y percepciones que tienen los enfermeros y estudiantes de Enfermería en torno a las personas que viven con VIH/SIDA (PVVS). Metodología. Estudio bibliográfico en el que se hizo búsqueda en seis bases de datos electrónicas con las palabras claves: "actitud", "conocimientos", "enfermería", "percepciones", "VIH/SIDA". Se consideraron publicaciones entre 1998-2007. Resultados. Se recuperaron 560 artículos que se limitaron por su pertenencia a publicaciones de investigaciones científicas o reportes ministeriales. Finalmente se seleccionaron un total de 38 publicaciones, cuyo análisis mostró que el nivel de conocimientos de enfermeros y estudiantes de Enfermería en torno a PVVS es bueno y las actitudes frente a VIH/ SIDA han mejorado en el tiempo. Los enfermeros y estudiantes de Enfermería han sido capaces de identificar tanto aspectos positivos como negativos en el cuidado de PVVS, a nivel personal y profesional, debido a que existe una percepción más favorable. Conclusión. Existen pocos estudios en Latinoamérica y Chile que estudien las actitudes y conocimientos de la población de estudio en torno a PVVS. Según las publicaciones encontradas el conocimiento y las actitudes han mejorado debido a que la percepción es más favorable.Objetivo. Descrever as atitudes, conhecimentos e percepções que têm os enfermeiros e estudantes de Enfermagem em torno das pessoas que vivem com HIV/AIDS (PVHA). Metodologia. Estudo bibliográfico no que se fez busca em seis bases de dados eletrônicas com as palavras importantes: "atitude", "conhecimentos", "enfermagem", "percepções", "HIV/ PVHA". Consideraram-se publicações entre 1998-2007. Resultados. Recuperaram-se 560 artigos que se limitaram por seu pertence a publicações de investigações científicas ou reportes ministeriais. Finalmente se selecionaram um total de 38 publicações, cujo análise mostrou que o nível de conhecimentos de enfermeiros e estudantes de Enfermagem em torno de PVHA é bom e as atitudes frente a HIV/AIDS melhoraram no tempo. Os enfermeiros e estudantes de Enfermagem foram capazes de identificar tanto aspectos positivos como negativos no cuidado de PVHA, a nível pessoal e profissional, devido a que existe uma percepção mais favorável. Conclusão. Existem poucos estudos na América - Latina e o Chile que estudem as atitudes e conhecimentos da população de estudo em torno de PVHA. Segundo as publicações encontradas o conhecimento e as atitudes melhoraram devido a que a percepção é mais favorável.Objective. To describe attitudes, knowledge and perceptions of nurses and nursing students towards the people who live with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Methodology. Bibliographic study in which six electronic databases were searched using the key words: "attitude", "knowledge", "nursing", perceptions", "HIV/AIDS". Publications between 1998 and 2007 were considered. Results. 560 articles limited by scientific researches or ministerial reports membership were retrieved. Finally a total of 38 publications were selected, the analysis showed that the level of knowledge of nurses and nursing students about PLWHA is good and the attitudes towards HIV/AIDS have improved over time. Nurses and nursing students have been able to identify both positive and negative aspects in the PLWHA care personally and professionally because there is a more favourable perception. Conclusion. There are few studies in Latin America and Chile that study the attitudes and knowledge of the studied population towards PLWHA. According to publications found the knowledge and attitudes have improved because the perception is more favourable.

Objetivo. Determinar los factores de riesgo asociados al consumo de tabaco en el último año en una población universitaria chilena. Metodología. Estudio observacional analítico, de corte transversal. Se realizó muestreo aleatorio estratificado según unidad académica y año de carrera, siendo el tamaño muestral de 2 045 estudiantes de cuatro Campus de la Universidad Católica de Chile. La toma de la información se hizo con ayuda de un cuestionario autoaplicado. Se realizaron análisis descriptivo, bivariado y de regresión logística. Resultados. El promedio de edad fue 20.4±1,6 años, el 46.6% eran de sexo masculino y el 70.3% tenían nivel socioeconómico alto. Un 91.0% había iniciado el consumo después de los 18 años. La prevalencia mensual de consumo de tabaco fue de 40.5%, un 20.0% de los encuestados estaría a riesgo de tener diagnóstico de tabaquismo. Se encontró asociación positiva entre consumo de tabaco durante último año y: la edad (p < 0.05), el sexo femenino (p < 0.001), el nivel socioeconómico (p < 0.05) y la percepción de consumo de droga por parte de padres (p < 0.001). Se encontró asociación negativa entre consumo de tabaco y la religiosidad (p < 0.001). Conclusión. En el grupo universitario en el que se realizó el estudio se encontró que el problema de tabaquismo merece especial atención por su magnitud, estando asociado a factores de riesgo como la edad, el sexo femenino, el estrato socioeconómico y una baja religiosidad.Objetivo. Determinar os fatores de risco associados ao consumo do cigarro no último ano numa população universitária chilena. Metodologia. Estudo observacional analítico, de corte transversal. Realizouse amostragem aleatória estratificado segundo unidade acadêmica e ano de carreira, sendo o tamanho da mostra de 2 045 estudantes de quatro Campus da Universidade Católica de Chile. A tomada da informação se fez com ajuda de um questionário auto-aplicado. Realizaramse análise descritiva, bivariado e de regressão logística. Resultados. A média de idade foi 20.4±1,6 anos, o 46.6% eram de sexo masculino e o 70.3% tinham nível socioeconômico alto. Um 91% tinha iniciado o consumo depois dos 18 anos. A prevalência mensal de consumo do cigarro foi de 40.5%, um 20% dos interrogados estaria a risco de ter diagnóstico de tabagismo. Encontrou-se associação positiva entre consumo de fumo durante último ano e: a idade (p< 0.05), o sexo feminino (p< 0.001), o nível socioeconômico (p< 0.05) e a percepção de consumo de droga por parte de pais (p< 0.001). Encontrou-se associação negativa entre consumo de fumo e a religiosidade (p< 0.001). Conclusão. No grupo universitário no que se realizou o estudo se encontrou que o problema de tabagismo merece especial atendimento por sua magnitude, estando sócio a fatores de risco como a idade, o sexo feminino, o estrato socioeconômico e uma baixa religiosidade.Objective. To determine the risk factors associated to smoking in the last year of school in a Chilean university population. Methodology. Analytical, observational, transversal cut study. Stratified randomized sampling was conducted according to academic unit and year of career; the size of the sample was of 2045 students from four campuses of the catholic university of Chile. The information was collected with a self-applied questionnaire. A descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analysis was made. Results. The average age was 20.4±1.6, 46% were males and 70.3% had a high socioeconomic status. 91% had started cigarette consumption before the age of 18. The smoking monthly prevalence was of 40.5%, 20% of the surveyed would be at risk of having diagnosis of smoking. A positive association was found between smoking during the last year of university and: age (p< 0.05), female sex (p< 0.001), socioeconomic status (p< 0.05) and parents drug consumption perception (p< 0.001). A negative association was found between smoking and religiosity (p< 0.001). Conclusion. In the studied university group it was found that the smoking problem requires special attention due to its magnitude and association to risk factors as age, female gender, socioeconomic status and a low religiosity.

La Red de Estudiantes de América Latina es una asociación internacional que pretende contribuir al desarrollo de Enfermería de la región. Su trabajo, independiente y articulado con el de los otros países, ha generado frutos valiosos para la Enfermería internacional, que hoy se convierten en fortalezas de la organización, así como también los cambios propios de la globalización se traducen en atractivas oportunidades de desarrollo para esta red. Su desarrollo, sin embargo, ha estado marcado por una serie de dificultades propias del trabajo en red, debido tanto a amenazas del entorno como a debilidades propias de la organización. Los objetivos del artículo fueron: describir el trabajo conjunto desarrollado por la Red de Estudiantes de Enfermería de América Latina durante sus cuatro años de existencia, desarrollar un análisis de sus fortalezas, oportunidades y debilidades y hacer recomendaciones que contribuyan al fortalecimiento de esta red internacional.The Latin-American Undergraduate Nurse Network is an international association that works for improving health development in Latin America. It works as an independent and collaborative network, and through time it has developed several goals for nurses around the world. Nowadays they get more strengths and weaknesses as well as environmental opportunities and threatenes determine its surviellence and growing. The objectives of this article are: to describe The Latin-American Undergraduate Nurse Network through its 4 years of network and to develop an analysis of its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threatens, in order to establish several recommendations for this network improvement and strengthen.

ObjectiveTo explore the link between alcohol use, binge drinking and mental health problems in a representative sample of adolescent and young adult Chileans.MethodsAge and sex-adjusted Odds Ratios (OR) for four mental wellbeing measures were estimated with separate conditional logistic regression models for adolescents aged 15-20 years, and young adults aged 21-25 years, using population-based estimates of alcohol use prevalence rates from the Chilean National Health Survey 2010.ResultsSixty five per cent of adolescents and 85% of young adults reported drinking alcohol in the last year and of those 83% per cent of adolescents and 86% of young adults reported binge drinking in the previous month. Adolescents who reported binging alcohol were also more likely, compared to young adults, to report being always or almost always depressed (OR 12.97 [95% CI, 1.86-19.54]) or to feel very anxious in the last month (OR 9.37 [1.77-19.54]). Adolescent females were more likely to report poor life satisfaction in the previous year than adolescent males (OR 8.50 [1.61-15.78]), feel always or almost always depressed (OR 3.41 [1.25-9.58]). Being female was also associated with a self-reported diagnosis of depression for both age groups (adolescents, OR 4.74 [1.49-15.08] and young adults, OR 4.08 [1.65-10.05]).ConclusionYoung people in Chile self-report a high prevalence of alcohol use, binge drinking and associated mental health problems. The harms associated with alcohol consumption need to be highlighted through evidence-based prevention programs. Health and education systems need to be strengthened to screen and support young people. Focussing on policy initiatives to limit beverage companies targeting alcohol to young people will also be needed.

BackgroundThe prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases is rising worldwide. Evidence on potential causal pathways of asthma and allergies is growing, but findings have been contradictory, particularly on the interplay between allergic diseases and understudied social determinants of health like migration status. This review aimed at providing evidence for the association between migration status and asthma and allergies, and to explore the mechanisms between migration status and the development of asthma and allergies.Methods and findingsSystematic review on asthma and allergies and immigration status in accordance with the guidelines set by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The pooled odds ratio (OR) of the prevalence of asthma in immigrants compared to the host population was 0.60 (95% CI 0.45-0.84), and the pooled OR for allergies was 1.01 (95% CI 0.62-1.69). The pooled OR for the prevalence of asthma in first generation versus second generation immigrants was 0.37 (95% CI 0.25-0.58). Comparisons between populations in their countries of origin and those that emigrated vary depending on their level of development; more developed countries show higher rates of asthma and allergies.ConclusionsOur findings suggest a strong influence of the environment on the development of asthma and allergic diseases throughout the life course. The prevalence of asthma is generally higher in second generation than first generation immigrants. With length of residence in the host country the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases increases steadily. These findings are consistent across study populations, host countries, and children as well as adults. Differences have been found to be significant when tested in a linear model, as well as when comparing between early and later age of migration, and between shorter and longer time of residence.

Abstract Background Life expectancy (LE) has usually been used as a metric to monitor population health. In the last few years, metrics such as Quality-Adjusted-Life-Expectancy (QALE) and Health-Adjusted-Life- Expectancy (HALE) have gained popularity in health research, given their capacity to capture health related quality of life, providing a more comprehensive approach to the health concept. We aimed to estimate the distribution of the LE, QALEs and HALEs across Socioeconomic Status in the Chilean population. Methods Based on life tables constructed using Chiang II´s method, we estimated the LE of the population in Chile by age strata. Probabilities of dying were estimated from mortality data obtained from national registries. Then, life tables were stratified into five socioeconomic quintiles, based on age-adjusted years of education (pre-school, early years to year 1, primary level, secondary level, technical or university). Quality weights (utilities) were estimated for age strata and SES, using the National Health Survey (ENS 2017). Utilities were calculated using the EQ-5D data of the ENS 2017 and the validated value set for Chile. We applied Sullivan´s method to adjust years lived and convert them into QALEs and HALEs. Results LE at birth for Chile was estimated in 80.4 years, which is consistent with demographic national data. QALE and HALE at birth were 69.8 and 62.4 respectively. Men are expected to live 6.1% less than women. However, this trend is reversed when looking at QALEs and HALEs, indicating the concentration of higher morbidity in women compared to men. The distribution of all these metrics across SES showed a clear gradient in favour of a better-off population-based on education quintiles. The absolute and relative gaps between the lowest and highest quintile were 15.24 years and 1.21 for LE; 18.57 HALYs and 1.38 for HALEs; and 21.92 QALYs and 1.41 for QALEs. More pronounced gradients and higher gaps were observed at younger age intervals. Conclusion The distribution of LE, QALE and HALEs in Chile shows a clear gradient favouring better-off populations that decreases over people´s lives. Differences in LE favouring women contrast with differences in HALEs and QALEs which favour men, suggesting the need of implementing gender-focused policies to address the case-mix complexity. The magnitude of inequalities is greater than in other high-income countries and can be explained by structural social inequalities and inequalities in access to healthcare.

Abstract 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.

Among the health priorities of international migrants, non-communicable diseases such as hypertension are of major interest due to their increasing prevalence, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. Previous evidence has reported a significant risk of hypertension in international migrants derived from multiple exposures during the migration process and at the destination, such as living conditions, health literacy and access to preventive services. Also, poorer disease control has been found compared to the local population. Considering existing deficiencies in access and use of healthcare services related to hypertension prevention and continuity of care of migrants globally, we aimed to offer a Latin American perspective of the challenges faced by international migrants residing in Latin America in accessing hypertension preventive care from a human rights, equity, and universal primary healthcare approaches. From a health systems perspective, we conducted a scoping review of scientific literature on hypertension prevention and control among international migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean. Based on the findings, we discuss the potential influence of migration and health policies on healthcare systems and individual and structural barriers to healthcare access, including lack of insurance, linguistic barriers, limited intercultural competence, and geographical and financial barriers. From existing evidence related to hypertension, we highlight the particular healthcare needs of migrants and their implications for regional public health goals. This aligns with promoting culturally tailored interventions considering the migration process, lifestyle patterns, structural vulnerabilities, and gender particularities in hypertension prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. We advocate for developing universal, voluntary, and systemic regional screening and disease control initiatives in Latin America for hypertension and other chronic conditions.

Health systems have committed their path to universal health coverage using health planning to accomplish their goals of efficiency, equity and sustainability. Chile, a high-income country with a public-private mix health system, has made significant progress through several successive health policies implemented in the last 20 years which have been consistent with this approach. However, in the last 5 years, the national congress has produced several disease-specific laws, which have been mainly promoted by the civil society. These laws indicate the actions the health authority must perform to tackle the needs of the affected population, which ultimately determine the priorities of the health system. We argue that this legal pattern has become an alternative path to priority-setting, as opposed to health planning. We claim this “legal path” is a mechanism used by civil society in a context where the health authority fails to implement a robust and legitimate prioritization process. Although these laws have brought benefits to patients suffering the corresponding conditions, we highlight this approach does not guarantee improvements in equity, efficiency and health system performance. Instead, we advocate for taking back the control of the priority-setting based on health planning, through a new institutionalization of health technology assessment and quality of care.

Resumen: Objetivo: La pandemia de COVID-19 y la crisis sociosanitaria resultante tuvieron impacto sobre el bienestar de la población. La calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) podría verse afectada, principalmente en condición de vulnerabilidad social. El objetivo fue analizar la CVRS y las propiedades psicométricas del instrumento EQ-5D en población chilena adulta de comunas vulnerables de la Región Metropolitana. Método: Estudio transversal realizado durante la cuarentena de abril-junio de 2021. Se seleccionaron 500 adultos residentes en comunas de Chile que completaron por videollamada un cuestionario estructurado incluyendo el instrumento EQ-5D. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y factoriales confirmatorios del modelo reflectivo tradicional. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 36,36 ± 12,41 años, la mayoría reportaron un nivel educativo secundario y estar empleado. Con respecto al instrumento EQ-5D, se encontró mayor afectación en la dimensión dolor/malestar y ansiedad/depresión. El estado de salud global evaluado con la escala visual análoga fue de 73,0 ± 19,71 puntos. El modelo evaluado presentó un ajuste adecuado: χ2 = 6.992, p = 0.221, CFI = 0.996, TLI = 0.993, RMSEA = 0.028 (IC90%: 0.000-0.073) y SRMR = 0.067. Además, los ítems de la escala resultaron buenos indicadores del constructo de interés. Conclusiones: En contexto de pandemia, la población estudiada presentó mayor afectación en las dimensiones dolor/molestia y ansiedad/depresión. El instrumento EQ-5D es una herramienta útil para estimar la CVRS en población chilena en contexto de pandemia. Además, la evidencia psicométrica respalda la unidimensionalidad del constructo y la potencial utilidad de descomponer su análisis. Abstract: Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting social and health crisis impacted the well-being of the population. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) could be affected, mainly in conditions of social vulnerability. The objective was to analyze the HRQoL and the psychometric properties of the EQ-5D instrument in adult Chilean population from vulnerable communes of the Metropolitan Region. Method: Cross-sectional study carried out during quarantine period April to June 2021. Five hundred adults residing in Chilean communes were selected and completed a structured questionnaire by video-call, including the EQ-5D instrument. Descriptive analyzes and confirmatory factor analyzes of the traditional reflective model were performed. Results: The age of the sample was 36.36 ± 12.41 years, the majority reported having a secondary education level and being employed. Regarding the EQ-5D instrument, the most affected dimensions were pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. The global health status was 73.0 ± 19.71 points. The model showed an adequate fit: χ2 = 6.992, p = 0.221, CFI = 0.996, TLI = 0.993, RMSEA = 0.028 (90% CI: 0.000–0.073) and SRMR = 0.067. In addition, the items of the scale were good indicators of the construct of interest. Conclusions: In a pandemic context, the population was mostly affected by pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. The EQ-5D instrument is a useful tool to estimate CRSV in the Chilean population in the context of pandemic. In addition, the psychometric evidence supports the dimensionality of the construct and the potential utility of decomposing its analysis.

Abstract Background To assess the validity and reliability of the set of scales (general professional activity, health services management, and working conditions) on the different areas of job satisfaction in Peruvian physicians based on the data from the National Survey of Satisfaction of Users in Health (ENSUSALUD). Method We carried out a psychometric study based on the secondary data analysis of Questionnaire 2 of ENSUSALUD-2016. Participants were selected from a two-stage stratified national probability representative sampling by political region. Validity was assessed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and measurement invariance analysis. We assessed the reliability using internal consistency coefficients (alpha and omega). The set of scales were composed of items related to three different areas of job satisfaction: 1) satisfaction with general professional activity, 2) satisfaction with the health services management, and 3) satisfaction with the working conditions of the health center. Results We included 2137 participants in the analysis. The general professional activity scale with six items (Comparative Fit Index, CFI = 0.946; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation, RMSEA = 0.071; Standardized Root Mean Square Residual, SRMR = 0.035), the health services management scale with eight items (CFI) = 0.972; RMSEA = 0.081; SRMR = 0.028), showed good measurement properties for the one-dimensional model. The working conditions scale with eight items for individual conditions and three items for infrastructural conditions (CFI = 0.914; RMSEA = 0.080; SRMR = 0.055) presented adequate measurement properties with a two-dimensional model. The invariance analysis showed that comparisons between sex, age, civil status, medical speciality, working in other institutions, work-related illness, chronic disease, and time working in the healthcare center. All scales had adequate internal consistency (ω and α between 0.70 and 0.90). Conclusions The set of scales has a solid factorial structure and measurement invariance, making it possible for group comparison. The study achieved stability in the scores as they showed adequate internal consistency coefficients. Based on our findings, these instruments are suitable for measuring job satisfaction among outpatient physicians throughout Peru, as our data is representative of the country level.