Barriers for nutritional attention in the primary care setting among migrants. The perspective of nutritionists

Abstract

International migration has increased exponentially in Chile, which has represented a challenge for the health system. Using qualitative methods and a multidisciplinary approach, this cross-sectional exploratory study seeks to describe barriers and difficulties for nutritional care for migrants from the perspective of nutritionists who work in health centers in a neighborhood of the Metropolitan Region of Chile. Given the relevance of primary care in the national health system and the particularity of food, which combines nutritional values related to health, as well as significant symbolic aspects for people, nutritionists are positioned to encourage optimal nutritional status in a culturally different population. Eleven interviews were conducted with nutritionists. The transcribed interviews were coded and analyzed thematically, identifying four narrative axes of barriers and difficulties: lack of resources for a growing population demand, linguistic communication problems (idiomatic and dialect), lack of knowledge about the functioning of the Chilean health system by migrants, and divergence of health practices and conceptions between migrants and nutritionists. The study concludes that nutritional care with international migrants is complex. The concerns mentioned above should be addressed when generating institutional responses of care, or creating programs and policies focused on the care of international migrants to achieve an authentic and pertinent promotion of healthy eating habits and the maintenance of the Healthy Migrant Effect.