Mental Health and Substance Use in Migrants in Transit through Latin America to the United States: A Scoping Review
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Abstract
Introduction. Many migrants in transit are forced to travel through several countries before reaching their destination. International studies have shown that crossing one or more international borders poses major challenges, which in turn can constitute a risk factor for developing mental disorders.
Objective. To identify and describe the evidence on mental health and substance use among migrants in transit through Latin America to the United States.
Method. A scoping review was conducted, searching PubMed, EBSCO, SAGE and Scielo for studies published in English, Portuguese or Spanish from 2018 to 2024.
Results. Two hundred and seventy-nine articles were found, ten of which were analyzed. Study participants were from Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Haiti and Cuba, and were all in transit through Mexico. The mental health disorders reported included anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. Higher numbers of journey attempts and having relatives in the United States were associated with a greater likelihood of alcohol dependence and abuse.
Discussion and conclusion. The mental health of migrants in transit has scarcely been studied. It is influenced by economic precariousness, violence and uncertainty about the future, which must be explored in greater depth to contribute to the design and implementation of policies and programs.
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