Perception of discrimination against immigrants compared to Chilean-born and its relationship with access to services and health outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Compare self-perceived discrimination between immigrants and locals in Chile and analyze the relationship between immigration and perceived discrimination and immigration, discrimination and health outcomes, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and social capital. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, using population-based survey (CASEN2017). We selected 2,409 immigrants (representative of N = 291,270) and 67,857 locals (representative of N = 5,438,036) over 18 years of age surveyed. We estimated logistic regression models, considering the complex sample, with discrimination, self-rated health, medical treatment, healthcare system membership, complementary health insurance, medical consultation and problems when consulting as dependent variables, immigration and discrimination as main exposure variables, and social capital and sociodemographic variables as covariates of the models. RESULTS: Immigrants were more likely to perceive discrimination in general compared to locals (OR = 2.31; 95%CI: 1.9-2.9). However, this does not occur for all specific reasons for discrimination; skin color and physical appearance were the most frequent causes of discrimination in immigrants. The interaction between immigration and discrimination was significantly related to worse self-rated health outcomes and treatment for pathologies, disfavoring discrimination against immigrants. In both locals and immigrants, discrimination was not associated with health care access outcomes, except for problems during consultation in locals (OR = 1.61; 95%CI 1.4-1.8). CONCLUSIONS: In Chile, experiences of discrimination are intertwined with other forms of rejection and social exclusion, so it is urgent to raise awareness among the population to prevent these discriminatory practices, especially in health care and daily use places. It is essential to address discrimination in order to have an impact on intermediate variables and health outcomes. The extension of the results to the entire immigrant population could be very useful to deepen the problem and improve the estimates made.

A comparative analysis of health status of international migrants and local population in Chile: a population-based, cross-sectional analysis from a social determinants of health perspective.

BACKGROUND: During recent decades intraregional migration has increased in Latin America. Chile became one of the main receiving countries and hosted diverse international migrant groups. Evidence have suggested a healthy migrant effect (HME) on health status, but it remains scarce, controversial and needs to be updated. This study performed a comprehensive analysis verifying the existence of HME and its association with social determinants of health (SDH). METHODS: We analyzed data from the Chilean National Socioeconomic Characterization Survey (CASEN, version 2017). Unadjusted prevalence of health status indicators such as negative self-perceived health, chronic morbidity, disability, and activity limitations were described in both international migrants and local population. Adjusted associations between these outcomes and sets of demographics, socioeconomic, access to healthcare, psychosocial and migration-related SDH were tested using multivariate logistic regression in each population. The HME for each health outcome was also tested using multivariate logistic regression and sequentially adjusting for each set of SDH (ref = Chilean). RESULTS: International migrants had lower unadjusted prevalence of all health indicators compared to Chileans. That is, unadjusted analysis revealed an apparent HME in all health outcomes. Age, unemployment, and health care system affiliation were associated with health outcomes in both populations. Psychosocial determinants were both risk and protective for the analysed health outcomes. After adjustment for each set of SDH, the immigrant health advantage was only significant for chronic morbidity. Being migrant was associated with 39% lower odds of having chronic diseases compared to locals (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.44-0.84; P = 0.0003). For all other outcomes, HME disappeared after adjusting by SDH, particularly unemployment, type of health system and psychosocial factors. CONCLUSIONS: Testing the HME in Chile revealed an advantage for chronic morbidities that remained significant after adjustment for SDH. This analysis shed light on health disparities between international migrants and local population in the Latin American region, with special relevance of unemployment, type of health system and psychosocial SDH. It also informed about differential exposures faced during migration process that could dissolve the HME over time. Evidence from this analytical approach is useful for informing health planning and intersectoral solutions from a SDH perspective.

Unequal Access and Use of Health Care Services among Settled Immigrants, Recent Immigrants, and Locals: A Comparative Analysis of a Nationally Representative Survey in Chile.

Globally, and particularly in the Latin American region, international migration continues to grow. Access and use of health care services by migrants vary according to their country of origin and residence time. We aimed to compare the access and use of health care services between international migrants (including settled migrants from Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador; Emerging migrants from Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Haiti; and migrants from other countries) and the Chilean population. After performing a secondary data analysis of population-based nationally representative surveys (CASEN 2011-2017), access and use patterns (insurance, complementary insurance, non-consultation, and non-treatment coverage) were described and compared among settled immigrants, recent emerging immigrants, others, and locals. Immigrants had a significantly higher uninsured population compared to locals. Specifically, in CASEN 2017, 19.27% of emerging (95% CI: 15.3-24.1%), 11.79% of settled (95% CI: 10.1-13.7%), and 2.25% of locals (95% CI: 2.1-2.4%) were uninsured. After 2013, settled and recent emerging migrants showed higher percentages of non-consultation. Collaborative and interculturally relevant strategies from human rights and equity perspectives are needed. Initiatives with a particular focus on recent immigrants can contribute to reducing the existing disparities in health care access and use with locals due to lack of insurance and treatment coverage.

Perception of discrimination against immigrants compared to Chilean-born and its relationship with access to services and health outcomes / Percepción de discriminación en inmigrantes comparados a nacidos en Chile y su relación con acceso a servicios y resultados de salud

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES Compare self-perceived discrimination between immigrants and locals in Chile and analyze the relationship between immigration and perceived discrimination and immigration, discrimination and health outcomes, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and social capital. METHODS Cross-sectional study, using population-based survey (CASEN2017). We selected 2,409 immigrants (representative of N = 291,270) and 67,857 locals (representative of N = 5,438,036) over 18 years of age surveyed. We estimated logistic regression models, considering the complex sample, with discrimination, self-rated health, medical treatment, healthcare system membership, complementary health insurance, medical consultation and problems when consulting as dependent variables, immigration and discrimination as main exposure variables, and social capital and sociodemographic variables as covariates of the models. RESULTS Immigrants were more likely to perceive discrimination in general compared to locals (OR = 2.31; 95%CI: 1.9-2.9). However, this does not occur for all specific reasons for discrimination; skin color and physical appearance were the most frequent causes of discrimination in immigrants. The interaction between immigration and discrimination was significantly related to worse self-rated health outcomes and treatment for pathologies, disfavoring discrimination against immigrants. In both locals and immigrants, discrimination was not associated with health care access outcomes, except for problems during consultation in locals (OR = 1.61; 95%CI 1.4-1.8). CONCLUSIONS In Chile, experiences of discrimination are intertwined with other forms of rejection and social exclusion, so it is urgent to raise awareness among the population to prevent these discriminatory practices, especially in health care and daily use places. It is essential to address discrimination in order to have an impact on intermediate variables and health outcomes. The extension of the results to the entire immigrant population could be very useful to deepen the problem and improve the estimates made.

RESUMEN OBJETIVOS Comparar la autopercepción de discriminación entre inmigrantes y locales en Chile y analizar la relación entre inmigración y discriminación percibida e inmigración, discriminación y resultados de salud, ajustando por características sociodemográficas y capital social. MÉTODOS Estudio transversal, utilizando encuesta poblacional (CASEN2017). Se seleccionaron 2.409 inmigrantes (representativos de N = 291.270) y 67.857 locales (representativos de N = 5.438.036) mayores de 18 años encuestados. Se estimaron modelos de regresión logística, considerando la muestra compleja, con discriminación, salud autoevaluada, tratamiento médico, pertenencia al sistema de salud, seguros complementarios de salud, consulta médica y problemas al consultar como variables dependientes, inmigración y discriminación como variables de exposición principal, y capital social y variables sociodemográficas como covariables de los modelos. RESULTADOS Inmigrantes tuvieron mayor posibilidad de percibir discriminación en general comparado con locales (OR = 2,31; IC95% 1,9-2,9). Sin embargo, esto no ocurre para todos los motivos específicos de discriminación; color de piel y apariencia física fueron las causas de discriminación más frecuentes en inmigrantes. La interacción entre inmigración y discriminación se relacionó significativamente con peores resultados de salud autoevaluada y tratamiento por patologías, en desfavor de los inmigrantes discriminados. Tanto en locales como en inmigrantes la discriminación no se asoció con resultados de acceso a atención en salud, excepto problemas durante la consulta en locales (OR = 1,61; IC95% 1,4-1,8). CONCLUSIONES En Chile, las experiencias de discriminación se entrelazan con otras formas de rechazo y exclusión social, por lo cual es urgente concientizar a la población para prevenir estas prácticas discriminatorias, sobre todo en la atención en salud y lugares de uso cotidiano. Abordar la discriminación es indispensable para lograr impactar en variables intermedias y resultados de salud. La extensión de los resultados a toda la población inmigrante podría ser de amplia utilidad para profundizar la problemática y mejorar las estimaciones realizadas.

Disentangling socioeconomic inequalities of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chile: A population-based analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Chile experiences a growing prevalence of DM2 in its adult population over time. The country has prioritised the diagnosis and treatment of DM2 through a universal health care package, largely focused on the clinical dimensions of the disease. We analysed the significance of socioeconomic variables in the prevalence of DM2, as well as its related dimensions of presence of complications (diabetic foot and ophthalmologic complications), attendance to health checks and acquisition of recommended lifestyle changes due to this condition. METHODS: Secondary analysis of the national health survey (ENS) 2016-2017 (n = 6,233 respondents). Crude and income-adjusted odds of reporting DM2 was estimated, as well as the relationship between complications due to diabetes and a number of clinical and sociodemographic variables using weighted log-linear multiple regression models. RESULTS: We found a clear social gradient of the prevalence of DM2 by household income quintiles and educational level in the adult population. Income quintile and educational level gradients remained significantly associated with the presence of complications and attendance to health checks. We found no significant association, however; between income quintile and reported lifestyle change. The association between complications due to DM2 and socioeconomic variables, particularly income, remained relevant even after adjusting for all sociodemographic variables. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to analyse the association between DM2 and socioeconomic variables in Chile, useful for monitoring and policy planning. Income was strongly associated with DM2 prevalence and with related clinical variables (complications and attendance to health checks). Age, health care provision and educational level were also relevant factors, but lost significance in the fully adjusted model.

Health access to immigrants: identifying gaps for social protection in health.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the access to and effective use of health services available among international migrants and Chileans. METHODS: Secondary analysis of the National Socioeconomic Characterization Survey (CASEN - Caracterización Socioeconómica Nacional ), version 2017. Indicators of access to the health system (having health insurance) and effective use of health services (perceived need, appointment or coverage, barriers and need satisfaction) were described in immigrants and local population, self-reported. Gaps by immigrant status were estimated using logistic regressions, with complex samples. RESULTS: Immigrants were 7.5 times more likely to have no health insurance than local residents. Immigrants presented less perceived need than local residents, together with a greater lack of appointments (OR: 1.7 95%CI: 1.2-2.5), coverage (OR: 2.7 95%CI: 2.0-3.7) and unsatisfied need. The difference between immigrants and locals was not statistically significant in barriers to health care access (α = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Disadvantages persist regarding the access to and use of health services by immigrants as opposed to Chileans compared with information from previous years. It is necessary to reduce the gaps between immigrants and people born in Chile, especially in terms of health system access. This is the first barrier to effective use of services. The generation of concrete strategies and health policies that consider an approach of social participation of the immigrant community is suggested to bring the health system closer to this population.

Health access to immigrants: identifying gaps for social protection in health / Acceso a salud en inmigrantes: identificando brechas para la protección social en salud

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To compare the access to and effective use of health services available among international migrants and Chileans. METHODS Secondary analysis of the National Socioeconomic Characterization Survey (CASEN - Caracterización Socioeconómica Nacional ), version 2017. Indicators of access to the health system (having health insurance) and effective use of health services (perceived need, appointment or coverage, barriers and need satisfaction) were described in immigrants and local population, self-reported. Gaps by immigrant status were estimated using logistic regressions, with complex samples. RESULTS Immigrants were 7.5 times more likely to have no health insurance than local residents. Immigrants presented less perceived need than local residents, together with a greater lack of appointments (OR: 1.7 95%CI: 1.2-2.5), coverage (OR: 2.7 95%CI: 2.0-3.7) and unsatisfied need. The difference between immigrants and locals was not statistically significant in barriers to health care access (α = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Disadvantages persist regarding the access to and use of health services by immigrants as opposed to Chileans compared with information from previous years. It is necessary to reduce the gaps between immigrants and people born in Chile, especially in terms of health system access. This is the first barrier to effective use of services. The generation of concrete strategies and health policies that consider an approach of social participation of the immigrant community is suggested to bring the health system closer to this population.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO Comparar el acceso y uso efectivo de servicios de salud disponibles entre migrantes internacionales y chilenos. MÉTODOS Análisis secundario de la encuesta poblacional de Caracterización Socioeconómica Nacional (CASEN), versión 2017. Se describieron indicadores de acceso al sistema de salud (tener previsión de salud) y uso efectivo de servicios de salud (necesidad sentida, consulta o cobertura, barreras y satisfacción de la necesidad) en inmigrantes y locales, autorreportados. Las brechas por condición de inmigrante se estimaron utilizando regresiones logísticas, con muestras complejas. RESULTADOS Los inmigrantes presentaron 7,5 veces más chances de no tener previsión de salud que los locales. Los inmigrantes presentaron una menor necesidad sentida que los locales, en conjunto con una mayor falta de consulta (OR: 1,7 IC95%: 1,2-2,5), cobertura (OR: 2,7 IC95%: 2,0-3,7) e insatisfacción de necesidades. La diferencia entre inmigrantes y locales no fue estadísticamente significativa en barreras de acceso a atención en salud (α = 0,005). CONCLUSIONES Persisten las desventajas en acceso y uso a servicios de salud en inmigrantes en comparación con los nacidos en Chile en contraste con información de años anteriores. Es necesario reducir las brechas entre inmigrantes y nacidos en Chile, sobre todo en cuanto a pertenencia a un sistema de salud. Esta es la primera barrera para un uso efectivo de servicios. Se sugiere generar estrategias concretas y políticas en salud que consideren un enfoque de participación social de la comunidad inmigrante y, adicionalmente, acerquen al sistema de salud a esta población.

Gasto de Bolsillo en Salud y Medicamentos en Chile: Análisis Comparativo de los Periodos 1997, 2007, y 2012.

OBJECTIVES: Out-of-pocket spent (OPS) of health services are considered inefficient and are a consequence of inequalities in financing and access. The main objective of this study was to compare OPS on health and medicine, including catastrophic expenditure, overall and by quintiles and deciles, for the great Santiago city in the periods 1997, 2007 and 2012. METHODS: Cross-sectional study based on household budget surveys 1997, 2007 and 2012. OPS on health and medicine for households of the great Santiago was estimated overall and for different quintiles and deciles. In addition, the probability of incurring in catastrophic due to health and drug expenditure were also estimated. RESULTS: OPS showed a progressive increase in the three periods. Drug spending showed a decrease concentrated in the lower deciles and an increase in top deciles of expenditure. Catastrophic drug expenditure decreased progressively. By observing the catastrophic drug spending by deciles were the three richest deciles which showed a large increase between 2007 and 2012. CONCLUSIONS: OPS on health remained high between 2007 and 2012, despite presenting slight decreases in some quintiles and deciles. However, drug coverage improved over time. This study demonstrates that improvements are needed in the financial protection mechanisms on health in Chile, especially for poorer quintiles and deciles.

Hospitalizations for cancer in international migrants versus local population in Chile.

OBJECTIVE: To compare cancer hospital morbidity among the local population and the immigrant population in Chile. METHODS: This is a prevalence study based on the analysis of hospital discharges of all the health centers of Chile. Cancer hospital discharges were characterized in 2012 according to the migratory status. The crude and specific rates of hospital morbidity for this cause were estimated for the analysis of their association with migratory status using zero-inflated negative binomial regression, adjusted for sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: The neoplasms were the third cause of hospital discharges for immigrants and the seventh one for Chileans. The adjusted rate of cancer hospital discharges was higher for Chileans than immigrants, and the latter had fewer days of hospitalization and greater proportion of surgical interventions. In the group of immigrants, cancer hospital discharges mainly corresponded to patients belonging to the private system (46%), and in the group of Chileans they mainly corresponded to patients in the public system (71.1%). We observed a large difference in the proportion of cancer hospital discharges for patients with no health insurance between the two populations (22.6%: immigrants, 1.0%: Chileans). In both populations, the three most frequent types of cancer were: (i) lymphoid tissue, hematopoietic organs, and related tissues, (ii) digestive organs, and (iii) breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Models of differentiated care should be considered for immigrants, with the creation of specific programs of information, coverage, and protection against cancer. More information on this problem must be generated at the local and international level.

Hospitalizations for cancer in international migrants versus local population in Chile / Hospitalizaciones por cáncer en migrantes internacionales y población local en Chile

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To compare cancer hospital morbidity among the local population and the immigrant population in Chile. METHODS This is a prevalence study based on the analysis of hospital discharges of all the health centers of Chile. Cancer hospital discharges were characterized in 2012 according to the migratory status. The crude and specific rates of hospital morbidity for this cause were estimated for the analysis of their association with migratory status using zero-inflated negative binomial regression, adjusted for sociodemographic variables. RESULTS The neoplasms were the third cause of hospital discharges for immigrants and the seventh one for Chileans. The adjusted rate of cancer hospital discharges was higher for Chileans than immigrants, and the latter had fewer days of hospitalization and greater proportion of surgical interventions. In the group of immigrants, cancer hospital discharges mainly corresponded to patients belonging to the private system (46%), and in the group of Chileans they mainly corresponded to patients in the public system (71.1%). We observed a large difference in the proportion of cancer hospital discharges for patients with no health insurance between the two populations (22.6%: immigrants, 1.0%: Chileans). In both populations, the three most frequent types of cancer were: (i) lymphoid tissue, hematopoietic organs, and related tissues, (ii) digestive organs, and (iii) breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS Models of differentiated care should be considered for immigrants, with the creation of specific programs of information, coverage, and protection against cancer. More information on this problem must be generated at the local and international level.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO Comparar la morbilidad hospitalaria por cáncer entre población local e inmigrante en Chile. MÉTODOS Estudio de prevalencia basado en el análisis de egresos hospitalarios de todos los centros de Chile. Se caracterizaron los egresos hospitalarios por cáncer en 2012 según condición migratoria. Se estimaran las tasas brutas y específicas de morbilidad hospitalaria por esta causa, para finalmente analizar su asociación con el estatus migratorio mediante una regresión binomial negativa inflada por ceros ajustada por variables sociodemográficas. RESULTADOS Las neoplasias fueron la tercera causa de egresos hospitalarios en inmigrantes y la séptima en chilenos. La tasa ajustada de egresos hospitalarios por cáncer fue mayor en chilenos que en inmigrantes, y estos presentaron menor cantidad de días de hospitalización y mayor proporción de intervenciones quirúrgicas. En el grupo de inmigrantes, los egresos hospitalarios por cáncer corresponderán principalmente a pacientes pertenecientes al sistema privado (46%) y en chilenos a pacientes en el sistema público (71,1%). Se observó una amplia diferencia en la proporción de egresos hospitalarios por cáncer correspondientes a pacientes sin previsión de salud entre ambas poblaciones (22,6%: inmigrantes, 1,0%: chilenos). En ambas poblaciones, los tres cánceres que se presentaron con mayor frecuencia fueron: (i) tejidos linfáticos, órganos hematopoyéticos y tejidos afines, (ii) órganos digestivos y (iii) cáncer de mama. CONCLUSIONES Se deben considerar modelos de atención diferenciada en inmigrantes, creando programas específicos de información, cobertura y protección frente al cáncer. Es necesario generar más información sobre esta problemática a nivel local e internacional.

Brechas de desigualdad en salud en niños migrantes versus locales en Chile / Health inequality gap in inmigrant versus local children in Chile

Resumen Introducción: Los niños y jóvenes migrantes internacionales enfrentan diferentes retos en salud en comparación con la población local, en particular si se enfrentan a ambientes inseguros o a condi ciones sociales adversas. Este estudio busca identificar brechas existentes en resultados de salud de la niñez entre población migrante internacional y chilena. Métodos: Este estudio analiza tres fuentes de información: (i)Nacer en Chile: Datos de consulta antenatal recolectados de los registros electrónicos de las mujeres usuarias del programa Chile Crece Contigo, de todos los centros de salud familiar (CESFAM) de administración municipal de la comuna de Recoleta el año 2012; (ii)Crecer en Chile: Datos de encuesta poblacional "Caracterización Socioeconómica Nacional" CASEN 2013 y (iii)En-fermar en Chile: Datos de todos los egresos hospitalarios de 2012, proporcionada por el departamento de estadística e información en salud (DEIS) del Ministerio de Salud. Resultados: (i) Nacer en Chile: Hay mayor proporción de inmigrantes con riesgo biopsicosocial (62,3% vs 50,1% en chilenas) y con ingreso tardío al programa (63,1% vs 33,4%). Hay menos cesáreas en inmigrantes que en chilenas (24,2% vs 33,6%). (ii) Crecer en Chile: Existe una mayor proporción de niños migrantes fuera del sistema escolar y una mayor proporción en pobreza multidimensional (40% vs 23,2%). (iii) Enfermar en Chile: En migrantes entre 7-14 años es más frecuente egresar hospitalariamente por traumatismos/ otras causas externas (23,6% vs 16,7% en chilenos). Conclusiones: Este estudio entrega nueva evi dencia sobre necesidades urgentes de salud de nuestros niños en Chile. Este es un imperativo ético, legal y moral, independiente de la condición migratoria.

Abstract Introduction: Children and young international migrants face different health challenges compa red with the local population, particularly if they live in insecure environments or adverse social conditions. This study seeks to identify gaps in health outcomes of children between immigrant and local population in Chile. Methods: This study analyses data from three sources: (i) Born in Chile: Electronic records of antenatal visits from all municipal antenatal clinics of Recoleta in 2012; (ii) Growing up in Chile: Population survey "National Socioeconomic Characterization" (CASEN) from 2013 and (iii) Getting sick in Chile: Data of all hospital discharges in 2012, provided by the department of statistics and health information (DEIS) of the Ministry of Health. Results: (I) Born in Chile: Im migrants more frequently have psychosocial risk (62.3% vs 50.1% in Chileans) and enter later into the program (63.1% vs 33.4% enter later than 14 weeks of pregnancy). All birth outcomes were better among immigrants (e.g. caesarean sections rates: 24.2% immigrants vs % Chileans). (ii) Growing up in Chile: A higher proportion of migrant children is outside the school system and lives in multidi mensional poverty (40% immigrants vs 23.2% Chileans). (iii) Getting sick in Chile: Injuries and other external causes were more frequent cause of hospitalisation among migrants (23.6%) than the local population (16.7%) aged between 7 and 14 years. Conclusions: Addressing the needs of the children in Chile, regardless of their immigration status, is an ethical, legal and moral imperative.

[Health inequality gap in inmigrant versus local children in Chile]. / Brechas de desigualdad en salud en niños migrantes versus locales en Chile.

INTRODUCTION: Children and young international migrants face different health challenges compa red with the local population, particularly if they live in insecure environments or adverse social conditions. This study seeks to identify gaps in health outcomes of children between immigrant and local population in Chile. METHODS: This study analyses data from three sources: (i) Born in Chile: Electronic records of antenatal visits from all municipal antenatal clinics of Recoleta in 2012; (ii) Growing up in Chile: Population survey "National Socioeconomic Characterization" (CASEN) from 2013 and (iii) Getting sick in Chile: Data of all hospital discharges in 2012, provided by the department of statistics and health information (DEIS) of the Ministry of Health. RESULTS: (I) Born in Chile: Im migrants more frequently have psychosocial risk (62.3% vs 50.1% in Chileans) and enter later into the program (63.1% vs 33.4% enter later than 14 weeks of pregnancy). All birth outcomes were better among immigrants (e.g. caesarean sections rates: 24.2% immigrants vs % Chileans). (ii) Growing up in Chile: A higher proportion of migrant children is outside the school system and lives in multidi mensional poverty (40% immigrants vs 23.2% Chileans). (iii) Getting sick in Chile: Injuries and other external causes were more frequent cause of hospitalisation among migrants (23.6%) than the local population (16.7%) aged between 7 and 14 years. CONCLUSIONS: Addressing the needs of the children in Chile, regardless of their immigration status, is an ethical, legal and moral imperative.