Presenting Author: Niko Verdecias, MPH, DrPH (c), Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health

ABSTRACT

Background: Studies on the health of immigrant and migrant populations rarely utilize migratory flows instead of stocks.

Objectives: We examine the health profile and healthcare access of Mexican migratory flows to gain a better understanding of changes along the migration continuum.

Methods: Adjusted logistic and multinomial regression models were performed utilizing a 2013 cross-sectional probability survey of migrants from four migratory flows traveling through Tijuana, Mexico (N=2412). Northbound (migrants traveling North from communities of origin), Deported (from the U.S. to Mexico), Southbound and Border (returning to communities of origin from the U.S. or another border region, respectively).

Results: Compared to northbound migrants, southbound migrants were less likely to rate their health as excellent/very good (AOR = 0.71; CI=0.53-0.94) and had higher odds of being overweight (AOR = 1.34; CI=1.00-1.79) or obese (AOR = 1.43; CI=1.04-1.97); deportees were least likely to have health insurance (AOR = 0.34; CI=0.23-0.52) and a usual care source (AOR = 0.53; CI=0.32-0.87) and more likely to report substance use (AOR = 1.98; CI=1.09-3.59); and the border flow had higher insurance (AOR = 2.98; CI=2.13-4.16) and service utilization rates (AOR = 1.48; CI=1.12-1.95)), but were less likely to report excellent/very good health (AOR = 0.62; CI=0.47-0.83) and more likely to engage in at-risk drinking (AOR = 1.44; CI=1.04-1.98).

Implications: Health profiles and healthcare access varied across migrant flows. Differences could reflect selection processes into migratory flows and/or the influence of recent migration contexts. Results can inform public health programs and policies to protect the health of Mexican migrants along the migration continuum.

Authors: Niko Verdecias, MPH, DrPH (c); Xiao Zhang, PhD; M. Gudelia Rangel, PhD, MPH; J. Eduardo Gonzalez-Fagoaga, PhD; Sylvia Guendelman, PhD, MSW; Christina Diaz, PhD; and Ana Martinez-Donate, PhD.