Mental Health of Immigrants in a Shelter in Tabasco, Mexico During the COVID-19 Epidemic

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.37.3.616.89

Keywords:

Mental Health, International Migration, Emigrants and Immigrants, Psychological Exhaustion, Coronavirus Infections.

Abstract

Introduction: Migration is a global phenomenon that must be recognized as a social determinant of health. In 2020, there were 280 million international migrants in the world. Undoubtedly, Mexico plays a fundamental role in transnational migration due to the large flow of migrants who transit through its borders. Research on mental health and migration suggests a high prevalence of mental disorders due to the conditions of the migration process; this scenario may be aggravated as result of the health contingency caused by COVID- 19. Methodology: This research is intended to identify the relationship between the mental health of migrants, the migratory process, and the COVID-19 epidemic. Therefore, it is a qualitative study with a deductive approach. A sample evaluation of Central American migrants living in a shelter in Tabasco, Mexico in December 2020 was used. Results: Some factors impact the mental health of migrants in the place of origin and during transit (forced migration, persecution, and the lack of possibilities to achieve a decent standard of living…). Moreover, positive, and negative manifestations were reported in the dimensions of mental health, because of the migratory process and COVID-19. Conclusions: Migrationhas become an option for survival and well-being given the limited opportunities that exist in the regions of origin. Efforts must be made to develop migration and health policies that benefit this group. 

Author Biographies

  • Heberto Romeo Priego Alvarez, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco

    Médico cirujano. maestro en ciencias en Salud Pública y metodología de la investigación Biomédica. Maestro en ciencias en Organización y dirección de sistemas de salud. Máster en Marketing Farmacéutico. Doctor en Medicina. Doctor en Ciencias de la Salud.

    Profesor Investigador Titular de la División Académica de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco.

  • Marta Hernández, Departamento de Salud mental de New York (USA)

    Lic. Nutrición por la Universidad del Atlántico en Barranquilla, Colombia. Doctora
    en Salud Pública por la Universidad del Estado de New York . 

  • Luz Alejandra Cano Collado, Instituto de Salud para el Bienestar (México).

    Médico Cirujano por la Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco en México.

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Published

2022-01-19

Issue

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

How to Cite

Mental Health of Immigrants in a Shelter in Tabasco, Mexico During the COVID-19 Epidemic. (2022). SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL SALUD UNINORTE, 37(3), 583-609. https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.37.3.616.89

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