5 Intersectionality, racism, and mental health of migrants arriving at borders in Latin America: a qualitative study of the cases of Ecuador and Chile

Abstract EP3.4, e-Poster Terminal 3, September 4, 2025, 11:35 - 13:00 Aims Migration is a social determinant of health, as human mobility is associated with the health outcomes of both individuals and populations around the world. Social sciences research on migration and health needs to transition from an individual approach to models that reveal how place, processes of racialization, and structural elements (i.e., policies) impact immigrant health. In this paper, we aim to describe in depth the case of intersectionality and racism and related perceived effects on the mental health of Venezuelan migrants and refugees at two relevant Latin American borders. Methods The present study is part of a multisite qualitative project on two selected borders, the northern borders of Chile (i.e., Antofagasta, Iquique, and Arica) and Ecuador (i.e., Tulcán, Nueva Loja). Data was collected in Chile from May to December 2022 and in Ecuador from October to December of the same year. Semi-structured interviews with key informants were conducted in each country (n = 30) and analyzed using an inductive thematic approach to identify significant themes. Results We found structural axes (i.e., socioeconomic, migration status, gender) of power that intersect in the conditions and experiences of migrants and refugees on both borders in their access to health and mental health care. Conclusions We proposed the notions of intersectionality and racism to deliberately connect complex and dynamic concepts relevant to migrant and refugee health research, such as the racism faced by historically racialized populations based on their phenotypes, social class, and/or nationality and socioeconomic and gender inequalities.