The Impact of Sociodemographic Factors,Community Support,and Perceived Prejudice on Quality of Life Among First-Generation Venezuelan Migrants in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Background:

The Venezuelan migratory flow is considered as the largest exodus in Latin America’s recent history. More than 640,000 Venezuelans have entered Brazilian territory in recent years.

Aim:

Examine whether sociodemographic, community support, and perceived prejudice variables are associated with the physical and psychological dimensions of Quality of Life (QoL) among first-generation Venezuelan migrants in Southern Brazil.

Method:

The sample was composed of 195 participants who fulfilled 4 pen-and-paper instruments about: sociodemographic characteristics, QoL, community support, and perceived prejudice. Linear regression models were used to investigate the variables associated with physical and psychological QoL.

Results:

Prejudice was negatively associated with physical (β = −.279, p < .001) and psychological QoL (β = −.351, p < .001), whereas community support was positively associated (β = −.159, p = .026) to physical QoL. Both models were significant and explained 16.5% (physical) and 17.9% (psychological) of the variance. Post hoc analysis pointed out that the effect of community support on psychological QoL was mediated by perceived prejudice.

Conclusions:

The results point out the relevance of developing public policies to raise awareness of the host community regarding international migration. This approach may tackle negative perceptions toward migrants, while reducing discriminatory practices.