Acercamiento a las características sociosanitarias de las mujeres subsaharianas de 2 programas de atención a inmigrantes de Madrid

Abstract

Objective To determine the following health and social characteristics of sub-Saharan immigrant women attending 2 immigrant programs: main health problems and utilization of general and gynecological health services. Method A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in sub-Saharan immigrant women over 18 years of age living in Madrid and attending two health and social centers for immigrants in Madrid between August 2003 and February 2004. Results A total of 270 sub-Saharan immigrant women participated in the survey. Eighty-eight percent had irregular administrative status. Ninety-one percent were working without a work contract. The main health problems were breathing difficulties (23%; 95% CI: 18-28) and gynecologic problems (17%; 95% CI: 13-22). Thirty-two percent (95% CI: 27-38) had used NGO health services and 19% (CI 95%, 15-24) had used emergency services. Sixteen percent (95% CI: 12-21) had used a gynecologic service for check-ups since living in Spain. Conclusions The immigrant women studied were young. Most were working without contracts and had irregular administrative status. Health services utilization was low, especially that of gynecologic services. These findings reveal the need for health programs to improve information and knowledge about health and health services utilization.