A Systematic Review of Migration in Latin America: Implications in Health and Infectious Diseases

Abstract

Context: Migration and addressing the medical needs of migrants is a complex issue in the field of international health that requires an integrated, evidence-based, and human rights-focused response. The aim of this article is to investigate migration in Latin America and its implications for health and the evaluation of infectious diseases. Objectives: The scope of this systematic review is to explore the health implications of migration in Latin America regarding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other infections. Data Sources: Keyword combinations were searched through the PubMed/MEDLINE database as of February 26, 2023. Study Selection: The selection of publications was performed in a two-step process and followed the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the study. Data Extraction: The validity and authenticity of this study were optimized by adhering to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Results: Out of 102 initial articles, only 8 articles met the eligibility criteria. In total, 1,904,387 people were included in this systematic study, and the average age across all studies was 31.10 years. The main countries of origin were Mexico (n = 3) and El Salvador (n = 3). Chile (n = 2), Mexico (n = 2), Peru (n = 2), and the USA (n = 2) were the most frequent destinations. Human immunodeficiency virus infection, mental health issues, tuberculosis (TB), and diabetes mellitus (DM) were the main surveyed diseases, with the highest prevalence among migrants from Brazil, Peru, and Tapachula. In general, economic, social, and health system crises were among the reasons for migration identified in this study. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the need for more attention and prioritization of resources to improve the health outcomes of migrants in Latin America, particularly concerning infectious diseases like HIV. The findings also underscore the importance of addressing the underlying social and economic factors that drive migration in the region. Further research is required to investigate the health implications of migration in this region and to identify effective strategies to mitigate these challenges.