Desempleo, consumo de sustancias y migración: un estudio en territorio.

Abstract

Unemployment and substance use among people in situations of human mobility are interrelated problems that are intensified along Ecuador's northern border, an area marked by structural marginalization and illicit economies. This study aimed to analyze the interrelationship between unemployment and substance use among migrant populations. The approach is qualitative and cross-sectional, employing semi-structured interviews and focus groups with people in situations of human mobility and key informants. The results show that forced migration is driven by armed conflict (40%) and economic hardship (35.7%), conditions that increase psychosocial vulnerability. Unemployment is a multidimensional phenomenon linked to economic difficulties (50%), lack of stable employment (26.5%), and social exclusion (23.5%). Income analysis reveals that 58.5% earn less than $91.44 per month, and 38.3% spend $51 per week on drug use. Psychosocial factors include discrimination (17%), peer influence (14.7%), and lack of support networks (14.7%). In conclusion, culturally sensitive prevention strategies and comprehensive interventions are needed that address economic, social, and health dimensions, providing local evidence to guide inclusive public policies in border regions.