The Health Status of Returned Female Migrants in the Central American Corridors: The Effects of Violence and Motherhood on Health

Andrew Amos R. Channon, Univeristy of Southampton
Sarah Neal, University of Southampton
Ann Garbett
Niceforo Garnelo Bibiano, University of Southampton

Background: The self-rated health and mental wellbeing of women before, during and after migration is somewhat lacking, especially understanding how health pre- and during migration is related to health after return to the origin country. Further, the nexus between migration, violence, motherhood and health is unexplored. This study explores the health and wellbeing of women during migration from El Salvador and Honduras following their return. Methods: A survey of 1279 women who had returned to El Salvador or Honduras was conducted in conjunction with the UN Institute of Migration in 2022. Results: Self-rated health and mental wellbeing deteriorated over the migratory cycle, with almost half the respondents reporting poor self-rated health on return. Mental wellbeing sharply declined too. Experience of violence both before and during migration was related to poor health, while women who travelled with children also had large decreases in health status. A number of other factors were related to poor health which compounded over the migratory journey. Conclusion: Vulnerability and resilience to adverse outcomes starts pre-migration and is compounded throughout the migratory cycle. Understanding the chain of events leading to poor health can lead to improvements in preparation for women who are aiming to migrate.

Keywords: Migrant Populations and Refugees, International Migration, Health and Morbidity

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