Macarena Chepo

Health inequality gap in inmigrant versus local children in Chile

Introduction: Children and young international migrants face different health challenges compared with the local population, particularly if they live in insecure environments or adverse social conditions. This study seeks to identify gaps in health outcomes of children between immigrant and local population in Chile. Methods: This study analyses data from three sources: (i) Born in Chile: Electronic records of antenatal visits from all municipal antenatal clinics of Recoleta in 2012; (ii) Growing up in Chile: Population survey “National Socioeconomic Characterization” (CASEN) from 2013 and (iii) Getting sick in Chile: Data of all hospital discharges in 2012, provided by the department of statistics and health information (DEIS) of the Ministry of Health. Results: (I) Born in Chile: Immigrants more frequently have psychosocial risk (62.3% vs 50.1% in Chileans) and enter later into the program (63.1% vs 33.4% enter later than 14 weeks of pregnancy). All birth outcomes were better among immigrants (e.g. caesarean sections rates: 24.2% immigrants vs % Chileans). (ii) Growing up in Chile: A higher proportion of migrant children is outside the school system and lives in multidimensional poverty (40% immigrants vs 23.2% Chileans). (iii) Getting sick in Chile: Injuries and other external causes were more frequent cause of hospitalisation among migrants (23.6%) than the local population (16.7%) aged between 7 and 14 years. Conclusions: Addressing the needs of the children in Chile, regardless of their immigration status, is an ethical, legal and moral imperative.

Determinantes sociales de la salud de niños migrantes internacionales en Chile: evidencia cualitativa

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.