Sexual and reproductive health needs of Venezuelan migrants in the municipality of Cali, Colombia

Objective. This study seeks to understand the needs associated with the sexual and reproductive health of migrants of Venezuelan origin settled temporarily or permanently in Santiago de Cali, Colombia. Methods. A qualitative study was conducted with Venezuelan migrants between 15 and 60 years old. Participants were selected using the snowball technique. Information was initially gathered from people identified by migrant organizations, followed by information gathering in areas with high concentrations of migrants of Venezuelan origin. In-depth interviews were held, and thematic content was analyzed. Results. Of the 48 migrants who participated, 70.8% did not have legal migratory status and were living in conditions of socioeconomic vulnerability. The participants had scarce economic resources, a lack of job opportunities, precarious human capital, and varying levels of social capital, coupled with weak social integration that limited their awareness and appropriation of their rights. Immigration status constituted an access barrier to health services and other social services. There was a particular need for information on sexual and reproductive health rights, with increased risk among young people 15 to 29 years old and members of the LGBTIQ+ community, due to their greater vulnerability and exposure to unsafe spaces for self-care, personal hygiene, and privacy, in addition to their greater need for health care, treatment of sexually transmitted infections, psychosocial support for violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, and gender transition processes. Conclusions. The sexual and reproductive health needs of Venezuelan migrants are determined by their living conditions and migratory experiences.

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Ortiz-Ruiz, N., C. Díaz-Grajales, Y. López-Paz, D. C. Zamudio-Espinosa, L. Espinosa-Mosquera (2023) Necesidades en salud sexual y reproductiva en migrantes de origen venezolano en el municipio de Cali (Colombia). Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2023;47:e4. https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2023.4