Migrations, care work and caregivers’ occupational health: an integrative review

Abstract

Introduction: paid home care is largely performed by women and characterized by low wages and little social status. Objective: to analyse migration in care work and its relationship with Latin American caregivers’ working conditions and health status. Methods: We collected data by searching the BVS, SciELO, PubMed, Sociological Abstract, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Studies carried out about Latin America, published between 2010 and August 2019, were included in the review. Results: of the 21 papers included, 20 had a qualitative approach. Migration influences caregivers’ trajectories as they move through Latin America, the United States, and Europe. The analysis found contradictions between caring for others while their own children/family stay in their home country; difficulties with the language; lack of work permits; precarious working conditions; exploitation, mistreatment, discrimination, racism, emotional and physical health problems. Conclusion: the Latin American caregivers’ migrations trajectories reveal difficulties related to precarious working conditions and workplace violence.