Exploring the sexual and reproductive health of migrant adolescents in Chile: insights from the 10th National Youth Survey

Migration is a phenomenon with an impact on the health of adolescents. Barriers to accessing health services expose them to risks such as sexual violence, unwanted pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections/HIV. Objective: To analyze variables of sexual and reproductive health in migrant and Chilean adolescents. Patients and Method: Cross-sectional and analytical study with a sample of 3 375 adolescents aged 19 or younger, both Chilean and foreign, from the 10th National Youth Survey. Sociodemographic and sexual and reproductive health variables were analyzed. Descriptive analysis, Rao-Scott statistical test, and adjusted Odds Ratio calculation were performed using STATA v 12 software. Results: 6.4% of the adolescents were foreigners, mainly from Venezuela (36.98%). Differences were found in health insurance coverage, sexual behaviors, contraceptive use, and children between Chilean and foreign adolescents. Conclusions: : It is concerning that one-third of migrant adolescents are not registered in the health insurance system. Differences in sexual behaviors and reproductive variables may reflect cultural and social influences, as well as inequities in access to healthcare.