Health of international migrants in an irregular situation: a narrative review of initiatives

Abstract

The population of international migrants in an irregular situation (IMIS) often finds itself in a condition of particular vulnerability that has an impact on its health. Additionally to this, these migrants face multiple barriers that hinder or even impede their access to health services. This review aims at identifying and describing initiatives that address access to health services in the IMIS population. To this end, a narrative review was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Health Systems Evidence, Cochrane, LILACS, and Scielo, between July and August of 2017. Seven hundred and eighty-seven (787) articles were found, of which 26 have been included, accounting for 31 initiatives. Most of these initiatives are located in North America (61%), South-East Asia (10%), and Northern Europe (10%). They refer mostly to primary (48%) and tertiary (52%) services; urgency/emergency services (39%); provide administrative (65%) and financial accessibility (45%); and respond to needs at the “destination” stage of the migration process (97%). It can be concluded that there are several initiatives that deal with the problems faced by the IMIS population in terms of access to healthcare services. However, no initiatives were found aimed at rehabilitation and sexual health; contact and quality, gender perspective, and cultural competence in health.