Socioeconomic disparities in access to healthcare among Venezuelan immigrants in Peru: an analysis of ENPOVE 2022

Abstract

Objectives: To assess socioeconomic inequalities in health service utilization among Venezuelan adult migrants residing in Peru. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study of the 2022 Survey of the Venezuelan Population Residing in Peru (ENPOVE 2022). We included migrants aged 18 years or older who reported a health problem in the four weeks prior to the survey and considered it necessary to seek healthcare. The dependent variable was health service utilization (yes/no). The independent variable was the wealth index, estimated using principal component analysis. Socioeconomic inequality was assessed using the Erreygers Concentration Index (ECI) and the adjusted Slope Index of Inequality (aSII) and Relative Index of Inequality (aRII). Linear and Poisson regression models were fitted adjusting for sociodemographic covariates. All analyses were performed in Stata v19.0, accounting for sampling weights and the complex survey design. Results: Among the 1,569 participants included in the analysis, health service utilization favored higher socioeconomic groups (aSII = 0.309; 95% CI: 0.128–0.490; aRII = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.37–3.24; ECI = 0.132; 95% CI: 0.059–0.205). These inequalities were also observed among uninsured migrants and among those with regular immigration status. Conclusions: Among Venezuelan adult migrants in Peru with recent health problems and a perceived need for care, health service utilization favored those in higher socioeconomic positions. These findings support prioritizing socioeconomically disadvantaged migrants in Peru’s healthcare access initiatives and incorporating socioeconomic inequality indicators into the monitoring of service utilization.