Perceptions regarding health rights for migrants in Chile: Twitter data analysis

Abstract

Objective: To describe the different perceptions about health rights for migrant population in Chile published on Twitter, concerning the first liver transplant carried out in Chile to a foreign national woman from Haiti, in September 2018. Method: Qualitative study, case analysis. The case corresponded to the first emergency liver transplant in a migrant woman in Chile. Opinions expressed on Twitter regarding this case were collected between September 29 and November 17 (n = 339). Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo12 software, with codes defined conforming to the objective. Results: According to the perceptions raised on Twitter, the right to access health services of the migrant population in Chile should be limited, and priority should be given to nationals. These opinions coexist with viewing health as a human right. There are also feelings of racism and discrimination towards this group. Conclusions: In Chile, there are different perceptions of what should grant rights of access to migrant health services. This situation can generate a worsening of stigmatization and vulnerability faced by migrants and a barrier to the policy's implementation, further exacerbating the presence of health inequities.