Salud Publica de Mexico
Volume 57, Issue 3, 2015, Pages 227-233

Mental health of undocumented migrants in transit at the southern border of Mexico [Salud mental de migrantes centroamericanos indocumentados en tránsito por la frontera sur de México] (Article)

Temores-Alcántara G. , Infante C.* , Caballero M. , Flores-Palacios F. , Santillanes-Allande N.
  • a División de Estudios de Posgrado, Universidad de la Sierra Sur, Oaxaca, Mexico
  • b Centro de Investigación en Sistemas de Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Mexico
  • c Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Mexico
  • d Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
  • e Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Superiores en Antropología Social, Mexico

Abstract

Objective. To identify the perception and needs in mental health of Central American migrants in transit through Tapachula, Chiapas. Materials and methods. Qualitative study in a migrant shelter in Tapachula, Chiapas. In 20 semi-structured interviews with migrant men and women, we explored their perceptions on mental health and expectations on care. We used basic notions of phenomenology to guide the analysis. Results. Migrants had several mental health problems related to the conditions at their country of origin and due to their initial transit through Mexico. Their perception on mental health problems was heavily influenced by the biomedical health paradigm. The expectations they had on the provision of services were related to the satisfaction of basic needs. Conclusions. It is necessary to strengthen the governmental response to mental health needs through collaborative strategies. Also, actions are needed to further the understanding of mental health in order to transcend the biomedical notions that stigmatize, segregate and create a barrier to accessing services.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

mental health service mental health human middle aged health service Stress, Psychological mental stress Affective Symptoms Mental Health Services Mexico Health Services Needs and Demand Undocumented Immigrants interview Young Adult Humans undocumented immigrant psychology Interviews as Topic male female supply and distribution Social Stigma adult migration Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic patient attitude Emigration and Immigration Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84930846143&partnerID=40&md5=71002caa95a7ac118acc5bb1ca16275f
ISSN: 00363634
Cited by: 3
Original Language: English; Spanish