ISSN : 2663-2187

Health care for the migrant population, barriers and challenges Can Ecuadorian politics make a difference?

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Andrés Felipe Mercado González, Alonso David Quintana Nacimba, Juan Matias Garay Pavón, Anthony Joel Zambrano Calhorrano
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.Si4.2024.4574-4587

Abstract

Background: Access to health is a fundamental right for everyone, including the migrant population in Ecuador. However, this group faces multiple challenges and barriers that limit their access to health services, especially in 2024 due to the significant increase in migration from neighboring countries. Objective: To understand the challenges and obstacles that migrants in Ecuador face in accessing health services in 2024. Methodology: A qualitative phenomenological approach was applied, focusing on analyzing the barriers and challenges faced by the migrant population in Quito-Ecuador in accessing health services in 2024. Various environments where migrants interact with the health system will be explored, with the aim of understanding the social, cultural, and organizational dynamics that influence such access. The sample was obtained through a snowball process. A structured survey with 40 previously validated questions was applied. Graphs were made for better analysis of the results in the ATLAS.ti version 8.0.3 program. Results: The survey collected 38 responses from migrants aged 16 to 56 years, mainly from Venezuela and Colombia. 65.8% of the participants did not report medical conditions, but some chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, and hypertension were identified. Participants highlighted the importance of comprehensive health for physical, mental, and social well-being. The main health strategies include exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep. Many resort to home remedies for economic and traditional reasons. Regarding access to health services, while the majority can access them quickly, there are barriers such as high costs, long waiting times, and a partially satisfactory perception of medical care. Conclusions and relevance: It is necessary to implement comprehensive and sustainable strategies to improve access to medical care for the migrant population in Ecuador. This requires strengthening health systems, eliminating barriers to access, and promoting health equity for all, regardless of their migration status.

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