Search Results (195)

Background/Objectives: Agricultural workers in Spain with a migratory background face challenging working and living conditions that significantly affect their health. This study aimed to explore how professionals in healthcare, social services, civil society organisations, and labour institutions perceive that the working conditions affect the physical health of this population. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted through 92 semi-structured interviews with professionals from six provinces in Spain. Data were analysed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. Rigour was ensured through triangulation, independent coding, and interdisciplinary consensus. Results: Two overarching themes were identified: (1) the health consequences of workplace demands and environmental hazards, and (2) navigating health services such as sick leave and disability permits. These findings highlight how the impact of precarious working conditions and limited access to healthcare affect the physical health of migrant agricultural workers. Conclusions: The professionals interviewed described and relate precarious working conditions with adverse health outcomes among migrant agricultural workers. Their insights reveal the need for systemic reforms to enforce labour rights, ensure access to health services, and address the structural factors that contribute to exclusion and vulnerability. Full article

Climate change represents a complex and multifaceted challenge for health systems, particularly in the African region, where the research has predominantly focused on physical health impacts while overlooking critical mental health dimensions. Our central hypothesis is that integrating culturally adapted mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into climate resilience frameworks and disaster response planning will significantly reduce psychological distress (e.g., anxiety, depression, and trauma) and enhance adaptive capacities among both mainstream and migrant communities in disaster-prone African regions. This rapid review methodology systematically explores the intricate relationships between climate change, mental health, and migration by examining the existing literature and identifying significant information gaps. The key findings underscore the urgent need for targeted research and strategic interventions that specifically address mental health vulnerabilities in the context of climate change. This review highlights how extreme weather events, environmental disruptions, and forced migration create profound psychological stressors that extend beyond immediate physical health concerns. This research emphasizes the importance of developing comprehensive adaptation strategies integrating mental health considerations into broader climate response frameworks. Recommendations emerging from this assessment call for immediate and focused attention on developing specialized research, policies, and interventions that recognize the unique mental health challenges posed by climate change in African contexts. We also note the current limitations in the existing national adaptation plans, which frequently overlook mental health dimensions, thereby underscoring the necessity of a more holistic and nuanced approach to understanding climate change’s psychological impacts. In this exploratory study, we intended to provide a crucial preliminary assessment of the complex intersections between climate change, mental health, and migration, offering valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals seeking to develop more comprehensive and responsive strategies in an increasingly challenging environmental landscape. Full article

This study examines the trends, impacts, and challenges of HIV in Bangladesh from 2000 to 2024, with a focus on its epidemiology, demographic distribution, and socioeconomic determinants. Despite maintaining one of the lowest HIV prevalence rates globally (<0.1%), Bangladesh faces a concentrated epidemic among high-risk populations, including people who inject drugs (PWID), men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers, transgender individuals, and migrant workers. Analysis reveals a steady increase in reported infections, attributed to enhanced diagnostic capacities and public awareness. The 25–49 year age group remains the most affected, accounting for over 65% of cases, underscoring the vulnerability of the economically active population. Gender disparities persist, with males representing the majority of infections but lower ART coverage among females and transgender individuals. While interventions such as PMTCT programs, ART expansion, and targeted awareness campaigns have contributed to improved outcomes, barriers such as stigma, healthcare inequities, and limited rural access hinder progress. The study also evaluates Bangladesh’s progress toward the 95-95-95 targets, highlighting significant strides in treatment and viral suppression but gaps in diagnosis. Future research must address behavioral trends, stigma reduction, and integration of HIV services for marginalized populations. This paper emphasizes the need for evidence-based strategies to ensure equitable healthcare delivery and sustainable progress in combating HIV. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted higher education worldwide, imposing strict isolation measures, transitioning learning online, and exacerbating existing social and economic inequalities. This literature review examines the pandemic’s impact on the mental health of college students, with a focus on those belonging to minority groups, including racial, ethnic, migrant, gender, sexuality-based, and low-income populations. While elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness were observed across all students, findings indicate that LGBTQ+ and low-income students faced the highest levels of psychological distress, due to compounded stressors such as family rejection, unsafe home environments, and financial insecurity. Racial and ethnic minority students reported increased experiences of discrimination and reduced access to culturally competent mental healthcare. International and migrant students were disproportionately affected by travel restrictions, legal uncertainties, and social disconnection. These disparities underscore the need for higher education institutions to implement targeted, inclusive mental health policies that account for the unique needs of at-risk student populations during health crises. Full article

The Sustainable Development Goals commit states to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all; yet displaced populations—including asylum seekers, refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and undocumented migrants—remain systematically excluded from national health systems across southern and eastern Africa. This paper applies a whole-of-route, rights-based framework to examine how legal status, policy implementation, and structural governance shape healthcare access for displaced populations across South Africa, Kenya, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Drawing on 70 key informant interviews and policy analysis conducted between 2020 and 2025, the study finds that despite formal commitments to health equity, access remains constrained by restrictive legal regimes, administrative discretion, and fragmented service delivery models. Critical gaps persist in migration-sensitive planning, gender-responsive care, and mental health integration. The findings highlight the limitations of rights-based rhetoric in the absence of legal coherence, intersectoral coordination, and political will. To realise UHC in displacement contexts, health systems must move beyond citizen-centric models and embed migration-aware, inclusive, and sustainable approaches across all stages of displacement. Without such structural reforms, displaced populations will remain at the margins of national health agendas—and the promise of health for all will remain unmet. Full article

The literature details the healthcare needs of migrant people living with chronic illnesses and the consequent economic, social, and healthcare needs of their caregivers. Similarly, some studies have underscored the social and healthcare needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex individuals, including diverse sexual and gender identities under the “+” symbol) adults living with chronic illnesses and their caregivers. This narrative review presents the context of migrant 2SLGBTQIA+ unpaid caregivers and how their intersecting identities influence their caregiving roles for family members with chronic illnesses. In this article, caregivers are defined as family members or chosen families who provide unpaid support that may last for three months or longer for people living with chronic illnesses. Most studies and policies overlook 2SLGBTQIA+ migrants who are also unpaid caregivers of individuals living with chronic illnesses, leaving them unsupported through discrimination at the intersection of racism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, and ableism, forcing them to remain vulnerable to increased emotional and physical strain. There is a presence of pervasive systemic barriers, including a lack of training and education among social and healthcare providers, about the needs of migrant 2SLGBTQIA+ unpaid caregivers. Additional challenges stem from inadequate policies and insufficient targeted resources, particularly for caregivers from marginalized racial and ethnic backgrounds. The findings of this study highlight the necessity for a call to action to address these gaps and improve support systems for these highly marginalized communities. Full article

Background: Newly arrived migrants are at increased risk for vaccine-preventable and communicable diseases due to low immunization coverage, poor access to healthcare, and challenging migration trajectories. This study describes the implementation and outcomes of a one-stop public health intervention focused on serological screening and accelerated vaccination in recently arrived migrants in Galicia, Spain. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study in July and August 2024 involving 335 adult migrants from sub-Saharan Africa with irregular administrative status and asylum applications. A centralized mobile health unit provided point-of-care screening for immunity against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and hepatitis A, alongside testing for active infections, including hepatitis B and syphilis. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and individuals were offered vaccination according to an accelerated immunization schedule. Results: Of 336 migrant adults invited to participate in the study, only 1 individual declined to participate (participation rate: 99.7%). Therefore, 335 migrants were assessed. A significant proportion of participants were susceptible to at least one vaccine-preventable disease, particularly hepatitis B (36.4%, 95% CI 31.3–41.6), measles (22.7%, 95% CI 18.2–27.2), and varicella (16.4%, 95% CI 12.5–20.4). Active infections were detected in 12.9% (95% CI 9.3–16.4) of individuals, including hepatitis B (9.9%, 95% CI 6.7–13.0) and syphilis (3.0%, 95% CI 1.2–4.8). The intervention allowed for timely vaccination and linkage to care, minimizing dependence on passive healthcare access. Conclusions: This study highlights substantial immunization gaps and the presence of undiagnosed infections in vulnerable migrant populations. Centralized and culturally adapted screening programs, combined with accelerated vaccination strategies, are feasible and effective. These findings support the integration of structured protocols into national health systems to ensure equity, reduce transmission risk, and align with WHO and ECDC public health frameworks. Full article

This article examines the risk factors for hypertension among migrants in South Africa, a critical public health concern. We explore the connection between acculturation, lifestyle changes, obesity, diet, urbanization, and socioeconomic status in contributing to hypertension risk. Our analysis highlights the unique challenges faced by African migrants, including acculturative stress, limited healthcare access, and lifestyle changes. The findings have significant implications for health promotion, disease prevention, and policy development. We emphasize the need for targeted interventions and updated immigration policies prioritizing hypertension awareness, screening, and management among African migrant populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: The surge in migration from the Middle East and North Africa due to conflicts has significantly impacted healthcare systems, particularly in Greece. This study investigates how the sharp increase in refugees and migrants after July 2015 has strained the surgical departments of the Greek National Health System (NHS). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 229 patients treated at the emergency department of a public hospital in Athens, Greece. Data were compared between two periods: January 2012–July 2015 (pre-July 2015) and July 2015–December 2018 (post-July 2015), with July 2015 chosen as the cutoff due to a significant influx of immigrants during that time. Results: Patients’ demographic details, diagnoses, and surgical interventions were analyzed. Results indicated a significant rise in surgical cases, with 72.5% of patients requiring procedures, notably for appendicitis (23.6%), cholecystitis (10.9%), lower extremity thrombophlebitis (9.6%), perianal abscess (8.3%), and inguinal hernia (5.7%). Post-July 2015, there was a notable increase in perianal abscess (12.2%), inguinal hernia (8.4%), and cholelithiasis (6.1%). However, the average hospital stay of 3.9 days remained unchanged. Conclusions: The findings reveal the profound economic and operational pressures on the NHS during the refugee crisis, highlighting the urgent need for resource optimization and policy reforms. Future studies should address long-term healthcare impacts to support more sustainable healthcare models amidst ongoing and future migration challenges. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aging migrant population faces unique healthcare challenges due to linguistic, cultural, and systemic barriers. Home healthcare services play a crucial role in supporting aging migrants, yet accessibility and effectiveness remain inconsistent across different healthcare systems. This scoping review examines the experiences of aging migrants in home healthcare settings and explores the impact of these services on their health and well-being. This review aims to synthesize the existing literature on home healthcare experiences among aging migrants, highlighting the facilitators and barriers to effective service delivery and the implications for policy and practice. Method: A scoping review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework. A comprehensive search was performed across multiple databases, including CINAHL, Medline, and Scopus, for articles published between 2000 and 2024. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria focusing on home healthcare experiences among aging migrants. Data extraction and thematic analysis were conducted to identify key themes. Results: The review identified 35 studies across various geographical regions, highlighting four key themes: (1) Cultural and Linguistic Accessibility, (2) The Role of Informal Caregiving, (3) Structural and Systemic Challenges, and (4) Health Outcomes and Identity Preservation. The findings indicate that language barriers, cultural stigma, and systemic exclusion significantly hinder equitable access to home healthcare. Informal caregiving by family members remains a primary support mechanism, though it places considerable strain on caregivers. The lack of culturally competent healthcare services and inadequate policy frameworks exacerbate disparities in care. Conclusions: This review highlights the critical need for systemic reforms to improve healthcare accessibility for aging migrants. Policies must prioritize cultural competence training for healthcare providers, expand multilingual healthcare services, and integrate informal caregiving into formal support structures. Investment in community-driven healthcare initiatives and targeted outreach programs can help bridge existing service gaps. While home healthcare plays a vital role in supporting aging migrants, structural inequities and cultural barriers continue to hinder equitable access. Addressing these disparities requires comprehensive policy interventions, enhanced provider training, and culturally inclusive care models. Future research should explore innovative frameworks that incorporate culturally responsive practices to ensure effective and equitable home healthcare for aging migrant populations. Full article

Objective: This study examines the barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccination among immigrant and refugee populations, with a focus on informing primary healthcare stakeholders on effective strategies to address the health needs of these groups. Although conducted in Canada, the findings are relevant to countries facing similar challenges in promoting vaccine uptake among migrant communities. Methods: As part of an evaluation of best practices in COVID-19 vaccination promotion and provision, data were collected using in-depth key informant interviews with a cross-section of primary care stakeholders (n = 11). Main findings: Key barriers to vaccine promotion and provision included distrust of health and government services, misinformation, lack of vaccine confidence, and access or systems-level barriers. Effective facilitators were relationship-building and equity-driven approaches, such as community engagement and development, culturally and linguistically effective communication, one-on-one supports, and collaboration with community members as valued partners and staff. These strategies were identified as best practices that enhanced vaccine confidence and uptake. Conclusion: The risk and impacts of COVID-19 are disproportionately distributed worldwide, affecting migrant populations in many countries. Primary healthcare stakeholders must understand the barriers and facilitators to vaccine promotion to effectively address health inequalities. Increasing vaccine uptake and confidence among immigrant and refugee populations requires targeted and tailored approaches that are culturally responsive and equity-informed. These findings provide valuable insights for health systems globally, supporting efforts to reduce health inequities by using inclusive vaccination strategies. Full article

Background: Mobile populations, including refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants, face challenges related to access, continuity, and quality of healthcare, among others, due to the lack of available health records. This study aimed to examine the current landscape of Electronic Personal Health Records (EPHRs) developed for and used by mobile populations. Methods: A rapid systematic review was conducted between September 2024 and January 2025, identifying relevant publications through searches in Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and grey literature. Results: The literature search yielded 2303 articles, with 74 remaining after title and abstract screening. After full-text screening, 10 scientific articles and 9 grey literature records were included in a qualitative data synthesis. Six distinct EPHRs were identified, differing in how they centralize health records, in additional functionalities, and the level of patient autonomy granted. Discussion and Conclusions: Limited evidence exists on EPHRs impact on health outcomes or continuity of care, and user adoption remains a critical challenge. Key elements in the development and implementation of EPHRs include ensuring a high level of data security and co-designing easy-to-use EPHRs. The review indicates a need for future research on user experiences of EPHRs and their impact on the health outcomes of mobile populations. Full article

This article focuses on the health impacts of the gender-based violence (GBV) experienced by migrant and refugee women (MRW) survivors in their migration/settlement journeys in Canada, and their challenges in accessing healthcare. Adopting a feminist and intersectional lens, I draw upon qualitative in-depth interviews with 48 migrant women conducted between 2020 and 2022. GBV is a frequent experience in the migration and (re)settlement journey and has wide-ranging and cross-secting emotional-psychological, socio-economic, physical, as well as sexual and reproductive health consequences which, in turn, impact settlement and integration and may increase vulnerability to further GBV as a result. Drawing upon a “social determinants of health” approach, I aim to understand the workings of barriers to healthcare access and help seeking for MRW survivors of GBV in Canada. The social determinants of health involve structural (e.g., legal, financial, linguistic, knowledge, healthcare access) barriers, mediated by gender, intersecting with various positionalities and identities. GBV unambiguously impacts on the health and well-being of all survivors, but the extent of harm varies significantly depending on the intersections of positions and identities of survivors. The migration context entails unique barriers to MRW help seeking and healthcare access as well as aggravates the impacts of other barriers on MRW. My objective is to show how GBV affects the health status of MRW survivors in Canada in the specific context of healthcare access and help-seeking barriers MRW face, conceptualized as risk factors for reproducing GBV. Full article

Background—Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) is a chronic restrictive cardiomyopathy endemic to tropical and subtropical regions, characterized by fibrotic thickening of the endocardium, predominantly affecting the ventricular chambers. As global migration increases, cases of EMF may emerge in non-endemic areas, posing a diagnostic challenge for healthcare professionals unfamiliar with this condition. Methods—We report the case of a 21-year-old man of African origin who experienced sudden collapse while residing in a reception center for asylum seekers in Apulia, Southeastern Italy. His medical history revealed that one week prior, he had been presented with high fever, chest pain, and asthenia, symptoms initially misinterpreted as influenza by a local physician, leading to antibiotic therapy. Results—The definitive diagnosis of EMF was established post-mortem through histological examination, which identified characteristic endocardial fibrosis. This case exemplifies the re-emergence of neglected tropical cardiac diseases in Western countries due to increased migration from endemic regions. Conclusions—This case highlights the need for heightened clinical awareness among healthcare professionals, particularly in cardiology and primary care, to recognize and manage geographically displaced diseases such as EMF. Implementing enhanced medical education and diagnostic protocols is essential to address the evolving epidemiological landscape and improve early identification of rare but significant cardiac pathologies in migrant populations. Full article

Chronic hepatitis B (HBV), alongside hepatitis D virus (HDV) super-/co-infection and chronic hepatitis C (HCV), are major contributors to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver-related mortality. Despite significant progress in antiviral treatments and HBV vaccination, viral hepatitis remains a global health burden. Vulnerable populations, such as those experiencing homelessness, migrants, and economically disadvantaged groups, are disproportionately impacted by these infections, often facing barriers to care and exclusion from traditional health systems. This leads to undiagnosed cases and ongoing transmission, undermining global efforts to eliminate HBV and HCV by 2030, as outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO). Recent studies highlight the importance of tailored interventions to address health inequalities. For instance, on-site community-based screening initiatives targeting marginalized groups have shown promise, achieving higher linkage to care rates without monetary incentives. These approaches not only enhance diagnosis but also facilitate integration into healthcare systems, addressing both public health and social disparities. This review underscores the need for targeted strategies to promote the early detection and management of HBV and HCV in underserved populations. Such efforts are critical to advancing the WHO’s elimination goals, improving health outcomes, and addressing the broader social determinants of health. Full article