Health Problems and the Use of Medications and Traditional Therapies among Chinese Immigrants Living in Spain.

Bárbara Badanta,Giancarlo Lucchetti,Rocío De Diego-Cordero,Sergio Barrientos-Trigo,Juan Vega-Escaño,Aura Yolima Rodríguez-Burbano,Angeles C López-Tarrida

doi:10.3390/healthcare9121706

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the health problems and the use of medications and traditional therapies among Chinese immigrants in the Southern region of Spain. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and including 133 immigrants and 7 stakeholders was conducted in 2017. Transcription, literal reading, and theoretical categorization were performed, and a narrative content analysis was carried out. The most common health problems were musculoskeletal (28.6%) and allergies (25.6%) related to work activity and unhealthy lifestyles. Key informants also reported gastric problems, stress, and changes in eating habits, mostly related to their work activity. For these problems, a large number of traditional remedies (herbs, diet therapy, acupuncture, vitamins, etc.) were used, usually combined with pharmaceutical drugs used for colds, flu, general malaise (29%), pain and fever (23%), and allergy drugs (9.2%). Chinese immigrants reported health conditions associated with their working conditions and life habits in Spain, using Traditional Chinese Medicine instead of pharmacological drugs. Understanding these health problems and promoting awareness towards traditional therapies in the healthcare system may help to design public policies and Health Promotion strategies targeting this group.

Highlights

There is a total of 258 million immigrants worldwide [1]
As time goes by, immigrants are usually exposed to worse living conditions and worse jobs than the native population [5], a gradual deterioration occurs until reaching levels similar to those of the native population [6]
The purpose of the study is to know the main health problems of Chinese immigrants living in Spain, to examine the use of pharmacological medications and traditional therapies among this Asian group and to discuss possible national policies on healthcare for the Chinese immigrants living in the South of Spain

Summary

Introduction

There is a total of 258 million immigrants worldwide [1]. According to Eurostat data, 3.9 million people immigrated to one of the member states of the EU-27 in 2018, in whichSpain ranked second (643,000) in the reception of immigrants in Europe [2]. There is a total of 258 million immigrants worldwide [1]. According to Eurostat data, 3.9 million people immigrated to one of the member states of the EU-27 in 2018, in which. Spain ranked second (643,000) in the reception of immigrants in Europe [2]. Newly arrived immigrants have better health than their counterparts in both the original and in the host country, and usually better health even when compared to the native population [4]. As time goes by, immigrants are usually exposed to worse living conditions and worse jobs than the native population [5], a gradual deterioration occurs until reaching levels similar to those of the native population [6].

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion