Mulheres imigrantes na atenção básica em saúde: trajetórias venezuelanas no norte do Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

The migration process from Venezuela to Brazil presents challenges in the social, economic, and healthcare domains. Women, by participating in this journey, face greater exposure to violence and vulnerabilities, as well as barriers to healthcare services that ensure sexual and reproductive rights. Women's health was one of the first priority areas in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), with significant investments in Primary Care, aiming at comprehensive care and the promotion of women's health at all stages of life. This article aims to understand the migration experience of Venezuelan women attended in the Estratégia Saude da Família (ESF) territory in a city in the northern region of Rio Grande do Sul. The study took place between March 2024 and February 2025, using a methodological approach of intervention research, including a sociodemographic questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with 10 Venezuelan immigrant women. Content analysis was employed, with three categories of analysis identified: "The journey: the migration and remigration experience of Venezuelan women"; Perceptions of women's health in Venezuela and southern Brazil; and finally, "Fewer barriers, more connections: Challenges to better welcome." This work could contribute to the reception of women in refugee conditions, as well as broaden discussions on improving care through ongoing education for healthcare teams and popular education for immigrant women.