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

Alexandra Obach (), Alejandra Carreño and Michelle Sadler
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Alexandra Obach: Programa de Estudios Sociales en Salud, Instituto de Ciencias e Innovación en Medicina, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7610658, Chile
Alejandra Carreño: Programa de Estudios Sociales en Salud, Instituto de Ciencias e Innovación en Medicina, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7610658, Chile
Michelle Sadler: Departamento de Historia y Ciencias Sociales, Facultad de Artes Liberales, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago 7941169, Chile

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 20, 1-19

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

Keywords: international migrants; adolescent; sexual health; reproductive health services (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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