Migration as a factor in the acceptance of medical care

Abstract

Secondary analysis of three socio-medical surveys in the Lagos Metropolitan Area (acceptance of a smallpox vaccination program; use of modern vs. traditional medicines; tolerance of epileptics in society) suggest that recent in-migrants are as receptive or more receptive to modern medical practices and beliefs than are long-standing Lagos residents. This is in spite of the fact that in-migrants are generally less privileged socio-economically and have more limited access to the medical and educational facilities offered by the urban area. The tentative hypothesis is put forward that there is a “migrant personality”, and that migrants may be more receptive to a range of innovative situations, including moving to a new environment and acceptance of new ideas, than are more settled urban residents. The proposition is put forward that innovative medical demonstration programs (for example the introduction of a new nutritional program or the introduction of family planning clinics) in a developing urban area should be aimed initially at migrants as a target group.