Social factors have been linked to access to healthcare as well as other factors in migrant health research, highlighting the importance of understanding dermatologic care and skin health in migrant populations in the US.
Importance of Migrant Health Research
The importance of migrant health research has been long recognized, with researchers highlighting the need for understanding the social drivers of health. Despite this knowledge, a critical gap remains in the understanding of dermatologic care and skin health in migrant populations within the US.
Research Objectives
The current study aimed to address five key inquiries related to dermatologic health among migrant populations in the US. These inquiries included:
* Which skin conditions were most commonly reported among migrant populations? * Which countries of origin were represented most within the available literature? * In what type of setting is dermatologic care provided? * Who are the key stakeholders involved in care? * What roadblocks persist that could prevent access to dermatologic care among migrant populations?
Methodology
A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the PubMed, ClasePeriodica, and EMBASE databases. The review focused on publications released between January 2000 and December 2022. The investigators used a structured set of keywords to screen research and select studies using Covidence software.
Key Findings
The review identified a wide variance in reported dermatologic conditions, with infections being the most commonly reported skin condition (51.7%). Inflammatory skin conditions, traumatic injuries, neoplastic conditions, and disorders related to pigment were also frequently reported. The investigators found that the most frequently cited country of origin was Mexico (43.0%), followed by Guatemala (21.5%), Vietnam (12.3%), and 38 additional countries.
Thematic Analysis
The investigators identified four notable themes that emerged from the analysis of available research. These themes included:
* Pre-migration and migration-related exposures contributing to dermatologic conditions at the destination. * Environmental and occupational exposures at the destination playing a notable role in the development of different skin diseases. * Structural barriers limiting access to adequate dermatologic care among migrants. * Targeted educational initiatives for different groups of learners presenting opportunities to enhance skin health outcomes for migrant communities.
Conclusion
The study highlighted critical literature gaps that represent opportunities for research and policy development. These opportunities include research focused on a broad spectrum of dermatologic diseases, countries of birth, occupations, and vulnerable populations, as well as implementing and evaluating policy that addresses structural barriers migrants face in accessing quality health care.
