The impact of stigma and discrimination-based narratives in the health of migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean: a scoping review

Abstract

Stigma and discrimination-based narratives have been associated with adverse health outcomes. Migrants and refugees face multiple barriers to accessing healthcare, influenced by stigma and discrimination-based narratives against them. We conducted a scoping review of scientific and grey literature (n = 61) to discuss available evidence in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) concerning communication and narrative speeches related to international migration and its implications for population health, particularly when associated with stigma and discrimination against migrants and refugees. We found that a better understanding how communication and narratives might affect migrants’ experience while transiting or residing in a different country is valuable for public health and health systems performance aims. Our review depicts the multilevel and dynamic effects of stigma and discrimination-based narratives against migrants in Latin America, highlighting the urgent need for transformative and constructive social and healthcare narratives around migration to promote population health in the region.