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Arquivos de Medicina

On-line version ISSN 2183-2447

Abstract

DIAS, Sónia et al. Health care seeking and access to health services in immigrant communities: a study with immigrants and health professionals. Arq Med [online]. 2010, vol.24, n.6, pp.253-259. ISSN 2183-2447.

This study aimed to describe the perceptions of immigrants and health professionals regarding health care seeking and the factors that influence access and utilization of health services among immigrants. Data was collected through focus groups with intentional samples of 20 immigrants and 32 health professionals. Six focus groups were conducted, one with each immigrant group (from Portuguese-speaking African countries, Brazil and Eastern European countries) and health professional group (doctors, nurses, office workers). Data were analyzed using content analysis. The results revealed the existence of different patterns of health care seeking, having been described situations of regular utilization of health services, use only in an acute condition and non-utilization. Simultaneously, given the need of health care, other practices were reported. In focus groups, some barriers in access and utilization of health services were pointed out, as the irregular status, the socioeconomic difficulties, the lack of knowledge on legislation about access, the cultural issues, the attitudes and competencies of professionals and those related with services. The seeking of health care at the health services results from the dynamic interaction of multiple factors that should be taken into account in the planning of strategies for improving health of immigrant populations. Access to health care involves several aspects besides the legal right. It is essential to invest in health professionals’ training concerning their knowledge and competencies to deal with cultural diversity, and in provision of information about the health services and rights among immigrant populations.

Keywords : immigrants; health care seeking behavior; access and utilization of health services; health personnel; focus groups.

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