Objective:

To describe some general social-demographic characteristics associated with the phenomenon of migration and assess the level of despair among Mexicans who are deported from USA to the City of Mexico International Airport through the Program of Repatriation.

Methods:

This is a descriptive and transversal study carried out from July to December 2015. A confidential questionnaire was randomly given, provided the previous informed consent, to Mexican migrants who had been deported from USA. Data sections on general social-demographic characteristics and migration-related issues were included. The level of despair was estimated using Beck’s Despair Scale.

Results:

367 deported Mexican migrants were studied. Only 7 were women. The majority were in the range of 18 to 35 years old. 23% reported having had preexisting illnesses and only 45% had access to health services in USA. 56% had previously been deported in two or more occasions. 75% had been living in USA for more than 5 years. Only 13% used the Health Window at any Mexican Consulate during their stay. The prevalence of despair was 6%.

Conclusions:

Addressing the condition of mental health among these populations requires further public policies and the precise identification of their characteristics should be the starting point to improve their quality of life upon return.