Introduction:

Migration is a global phenomenon that must be recognized as a social determinant of health. In 2020, there were 280 million international migrants in the world. Undoubtedly, Mexico plays a fundamental role in transnational migration due to the large flow of migrants who transit through its borders. Research on mental health and migration suggests a high prevalence of mental disorders due to the conditions of the migration process; this scenario may be aggravated as result of the health contingency caused by COVID-19. Methodology: This research is intended to identify the relationship between the mental health of migrants, the migratory process, and the COVID-19 epidemic. Therefore, it is a qualitative study with a deductive approach. A sample evaluation of Central American migrants living in a shelter in Tabasco, Mexico in December 2020 was used. Results: Some factors impact the mental health of migrants in the place of origin and during transit (forced migration, persecution, and the lack of possibilities to achieve a decent standard of living...). Moreover, positive, and negative manifestations were reported in the dimensions of mental health, because of the migratory process and COVID-19. Conclusions: Migration has become an option for survival and well-being given the limited opportunities that exist in the regions of origin. Efforts must be made to develop migration and health policies that benefit this group. Unfortunately, some limitations of data collection emerged due to Covid 19. Finally, it is suggested to replicate the study among other areas of the southern border of Mexico with a high flow of migrants.

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