Abstract

CABALLERO, Marta et al. Women who are left behind: the impact of international migration on the process of seeking health care. Salud pública Méx [online]. 2008, vol.50, n.3, pp.241-250. ISSN 0036-3634.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze how women who are left behind seek care in communities with a high migration index. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study which used a qualitative approach. Sixty in-depth interviews were conducted between October 2004 and May 2005 with female partners of migrants in two communities (urban / rural) from a region in central Mexico with high migration to the United States. RESULTS: Migration determines two forms of familial reorganization: one in which female partners of migrants reintegrate with their families; and one in which they remain on their own. Women who reintegrate with their families receive more support, but are also subjected to more control, rendering them with less capability to seek care, particularly related to sexual and reproductive health. Women who remain on their own have less support but have more control and capacity to seek care, with privacy and independence. CONCLUSIONS: The familial reorganization influences timely health care-seeking behaviour of female partners of migrants. The situations identified can function as obstacles or facilitators to mobilize healthcare resources.

Keywords : migration; family; health; women; Mexico.

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