Immigrants In Portugal Research Articles

Understanding COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Brazilian Immigrants: Prevalence, Determinants, and Global Health Implications

Background: Vaccine hesitancy extends beyond simple refusal to receive immunizations, encompassing psychological, cultural, and sociodemographic factors that influence individuals’ perceptions and decision-making regarding vaccines. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Brazilian immigrants. Methods: A survey targeting Brazilian immigrants in Portugal was conducted from May to August 2020, involving 598 participants. The study explored the relationship between vaccine hesitancy and non-compliance with social distancing measures using a Poisson regression model with robust variance to calculate prevalence ratios (PRs). Results: The study identified a vaccine hesitancy rate of 15.1% among Brazilian immigrants. Older individuals (aged 50 and above) exhibited a significantly higher hesitancy, with an adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) of 10.0 (95% CI: 1.8 - 13.6). Those adhering to a religion were 2.3 times more likely to hesitate (95% CI: 1.4 - 3.4), and a reluctance to follow social distancing measures was associated with a 10.4 times higher hesitancy rate (95% CI: 4.2 - 15.4). Highlighting these correlations is vital for developing strategies to enhance vaccine acceptance and tackle public health challenges. Conclusions: There is a notable rate of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Brazilian immigrants in Portugal, significantly influenced by age, religious practice, and non-adherence to social distancing measures. Implementing targeted educational and awareness programs is recommended to reduce hesitancy and improve vaccine coverage within this community and in similar settings.

Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding the Vaccination of Brazilian Immigrants in Portugal: Risks When Returning to Their Country of Origin?

Vaccination is one of the main advancements in public health in the prophylaxis of infectious diseases. We intend to describe the general knowledge about vaccines/vaccination among Brazilian immigrants in Portugal, characterize their attitudes toward vaccination, and describe their knowledge of the yellow fever (YF) vaccine. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-completion questionnaire (face-to-face or remote). A total of 542 people participated in the study; the mean age was 36.81 years; 40.1% were male; 44.8% had their 12th year of schooling; and 27.0% had resided for ≥10 years in Portugal. Regarding general knowledge about vaccination, 53.8% answered at least 6/8 questions correctly. A total of 37.1% tended to have a favorable attitude toward vaccination. Concerning traveling, 76.7% attributed the risk of disease at the destination as the main reason for accepting vaccines. A total of 89.3% knew that there was a risk of YF in Brazil. A total of 40% answered correctly only one question about the YF vaccine; 21.6% did not answer any questions correctly. Thus, most of the Brazilian immigrants in this study have high general knowledge about vaccines/vaccination, few have a favorable attitude, and their knowledge about the YF vaccine is scarce. This could limit vaccination adherence when visiting Brazil, making health education actions necessary to increase knowledge and prevent YF risks.

Vozes de imigrantes à procura de segurança e proteção social em Lisboa, Portugal

This article aims to reveal the experiences of immigrants living in Lisbon and examines how the Portuguese social welfare system supports the welfare needs of immigrants., Portugal operates a mixed welfare system where the state finances semi-formal and informal networks operating at macro, meso, and micro levels, and these combine to address immigrants’ challenges. This is a qual-itative in-depth study, that focused on eight English-speaking immigrants who use welfare services in two non-governmental organisations in Lisbon. We wanted to know the process of settling in Lisbon, the risks and vulnerabilities, and the main challenges faced when accessing welfare ser-vices from public and semi-public actors. The results show that despite Portugal having policies and exceptional interventions that would otherwise promote the well-being of immigrants, immigrants continue to face immense difficulties in entry and when settling. The difficulties in accessing doc-umentation and neo-liberal policies of the state are the major obstacles to the well-being of immi-grants in Portugal, as they not only perpetuate reduced social benefits but also proliferate social exclusion. There is a need for a more open and frank discussion on social immigration policies with a firm focus on social interventions, policy frameworks, and implementation to address the relent-less challenges of immigrant social protection, is important.

COVID-19 infection rates and use of SARS-CoV-2 testing among immigrants in Portugal: a longitudinal study for Amadora, Metropolitan Region of Lisbon, Portugal

COVID-19 infection rates and use of SARS-CoV-2 testing among immigrants in Portugal: a longitudinal study for Amadora, Metropolitan Region of Lisbon, Portugal

Dietary Acculturation and Food Habit Changes among Chinese Immigrants in Portugal.

Chinese individuals who immigrate to a Western country tend to change their eating patterns and behaviors depending on how long they live in the host country. This is dietary acculturation, and it can have a positive or negative impact on eating habits. Thus, we aimed to characterize the dietary acculturation of the Chinese immigrant community in Portugal and check the trend of the direction of this acculturation. The study involved 213 immigrants and assessed food consumption, meal patterns, and dietary acculturation. A mean Western acculturation score of 70.1 ± 8.9. was identified and 71.4% had a high Western acculturation score. No one had low or very high Western acculturation. Participants who have a higher level of acculturation tend to have higher energy and fat intake. The likelihood of mixing meals, including, and combining, Chinese and Portuguese meals and foods is associated with time spent in Portugal. Efforts should be made to encourage Chinese immigrants to make a positive dietary transition during their acculturation process.

The Effect of Multicultural Attitudes and Perceived Intergroup Threat on Attitudes Towards Immigrants in Portugal: A Polynomial Regression With Response Surface Analysis.

Supported by the Intergroup Threat Theory (ITT), this study analyzes the effect of multicultural ideology on attitudes towards immigrants mediated by realistic, symbolic, and zero-sum threats. With a sample of Portuguese participants (N = 404)), polynomial regression analysis with response surface methodology was used to test the effects of multicultural attitude (MA) and perceived intergroup threat (PIT) on attitudes towards immigrants (ATI). This study also tested a model in which positive MA leads to a lower PIT, and consequently to more favorable ATI. Four hypotheses were proposed; all of which were confirmed. The results further showed that the direction of discrepancy between MA and PIT can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the complex role of multicultural ideology in predicting ATI. Findings, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.

Redes, interligações e sistemas migratórios num Portugal europeu e atlântico

In this article we will justify how the characteristics of Portugal, a country of emigration and a country of immigration, result from its structural insertion at the intersection between different migratory systems: the European migratory system (in which the freedom of movement of products, services and people is the foundation of the potential of migratory circulation) and the lusophone migratory system (a post-colonial political system made up of cultural, economic and political complicities that are still being consolidated). In addition to belonging to these early migratory systems, the growing importance of a global migratory system helps to contextualize migrations from (and to) Portugal, the type and profile of migrants and furthermore to explain the social structure of Portuguese emigration and immigration in Portugal.

Acculturation and Self-esteem Among Indian Immigrants in Portugal

Acculturation and Self-esteem Among Indian Immigrants in Portugal

Acculturation, adaptation, and loneliness among Cape Verdean immigrants

Loneliness is a major public health concern, yet little is known in migrants. Therefore, understanding the risk factors for loneliness is relevant. The current study explores acculturation and sociocultural adaptation factors predicting loneliness regarding immigration. While little previous research has examined sociocultural adaptation as a mediator intervening between other predictors and psychological adaptation, this study tested the mediating role of sociocultural adaptation between perceived discrimination and loneliness. Cross-sectional data on 418 Cape Verdean immigrants (47.4% women) with an average age of 35 years were analyzed. The average length of living in Portugal was 18 years. Participants completed scales to evaluate acculturation strategies, ethnic identity, perceived discrimination, sociocultural adaptation, and a short form of the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-6). As expected, the results showed that greater levels of integration, greater ethnic identity, and lower perceived discrimination were related to lower levels of loneliness. Furthermore, our findings suggest that sociocultural adaptation indeed mediates the relationship between perceived discrimination and loneliness. Despite low levels of perceived discrimination experienced by Cape Verdean immigrants in Portugal, this antecedent plays an essential role in their experience of loneliness. The findings are discussed in terms of the conceptional context.

Young Mozambican African immigrants in Portugal: Portugal, a host society or a society of exclusion? Consequences.

Young Mozambican African immigrants in Portugal: Portugal, a host society or a society of exclusion? Consequences.

Postcolonial social drama: The case of Brazilian dentists in Portugal

By the late 1990s, when I was conducting ethnographic fieldwork research in Lisbon, the ‘dentists’ case’ had become a familiar trope for the presence of Brazilian immigrants in Portugal. Although it involved a small group of Brazilian and Portuguese professionals, it gained visibility in the media of both countries, escalating into a political and diplomatic quarrel, and culminating in the amendment of the 1966 Cultural Accord. I use Victor Turner’s concept of social drama to address the case as a chapter in the cyclical pattern of connection and disconnection of postcolonial Luso-Brazilian relationships. Drawing from a recent discussion on the concept of cosmopolitanism in migration studies, I employ the idea of postcolonial sociabilities to help explore the seemingly inherent ambiguities in the relationship between Brazilians and Portuguese.

Becoming a part of ‘elsewhereness’: On the self‐perceived integration of Swedish immigrants in Portugal

AbstractThis article discusses the self‐perceived integration of Swedes permanently residing in Portugal. The knowledge of how EU citizens, particularly Swedes, live and integrate into Portuguese society is limited. The conceptual framework on self‐perceived integration takes its points of departure from the concepts of a sense of belonging to society and place, feelings of discomfort and coping tactics. Using a semi‐structured interview guide, 36 in‐depth interviews with Swedes permanently residing in Portugal were conducted. Whereas some of the permanently residing Swedes have no ambition of integrating into Portuguese society, others display a strong self‐perceived feeling of being integrated within the community where they live. The added value of this paper is that it shows the complexity behind the construction of the feeling of self‐perceived integration of Swedes in Portugal. Building a feeling of self‐perceived integration depends on many factors and is not a linear process.

Retratos sobre a migração na série televisiva brasileira “Portugal pelos Brasileiros”

Neste artigo, focamos na relação entre o discurso midiático e as migrações a partir da perspectiva das representações sociais. Analisamos o caso do fluxo de imigração brasileira em Portugal que vem aumentando nos últimos anos, conforme retratado na primeira temporada da série televisiva brasileira “Portugal pelos Brasileiros”. Utilizamos a abordagem da Análise Crítica do Discurso para entender como a significação da experiência migratória está incorporada na série por meio das representações sociais. Como resultado, pudemos identificar que os novos imigrantes brasileiros em Portugal são retratados de maneira parcial e excludente, por meio de um discurso midiático ancorado em traços culturais e socioeconômicos específicos.

Self-Concept in Immigrant School Children and the Impact of Length of Residence: Evidence from PISA 2015 for Current Educational Practice

Comparative analyses of the Programme for International Student Assessment between immigrant and native students place immigrant students in an unfavourable position in schools, with disadvantageous indicators regarding socioeconomic and professional paths. However, the Programme for International Student Assessment assesses a series of dimensions that involve constructs that have been little studied in the school immigrant population and that relate to self-concept and school adjustment. Based on the Programme for International Student Assessment’s most recent edition, Portugal’s database of 7,325 15-year-old students was analysed. We selected 438 immigrant cases with two objectives: (1) to evaluate the impact of the length of exposure in the host country on three dependent variables of school adjustment: sense of belonging, perceived loneliness and attitudes towards school (expectations of educational and professional opportunities); (2) to evaluate the differences in results for the same dependent variables, but considering the first and second generation of immigrants in Portugal. For the data analysis, sampling weights and plausible values were analysed with the International Database Analyzer. The results show that students who have been in the country for a year or less have greater difficulties and increased significant differences compared to other migrant groups in the referred indices of self-concept and inclusion. However, other groups, especially those with periods of long-term residence between four and five years, also face substantial levels of school maladjustment.

The health of immigrant children: a cohort study in the Metropolitan area of Lisbon - Portugal

Abstract Background Studies in Europe show immigrant children to be more vulnerable to health problems. Portugal has a gap in knowledge about the health of immigrant children. The objective of this paper is to present results on a cohort study for health trajectories of immigrant children in the Amadora Municipality which has one of the highest numbers of immigrants in Portugal. We will analyse health profile characteristics of immigrant and native children and their utilisation of health services. Methods Prospective cohort study in Amadora health units (questionnaires and patient registers data). Participants: 420 native and immigrant children born in 2015 registered in Amadora Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC); recruitment from June 2019 to March 2020. Main outcomes: psychomotor development (Mary Sheridan); emotional and behavioural problems (SDQ); BMI; vaccination; Results From the 420 children recruited, 48,3% were immigrant mostly from Brazil and Portuguese speaking African countries, 41 children were born outside the EU (1st generation). From the 126 children who had no routine medical examination at the age of 4, 59% were immigrant. Almost all immigrant children had vaccinations up to date (90%). Around 70% of native and 60% of immigrant children achieved all parameters in Mary Sheridan's test (p = 0.09). Overweight was found in 28% of native and 22% of immigrant children (p = 0.2). Median SDQ score for externalizing behaviours is different for 1st generation immigrants suggesting higher behaviour problems for this group of children (p = 0,003). Conclusions Most differences in overall outcomes occur between 1st generation immigrant and other children; immigrants showed significantly higher emotional and behaviour problems. Early identification of above difficulties and higher utilisation of routine health examinations should be a priority. Key messages 1st generation immigrant children appear more at risk for emotional and behaviour difficulties. Early identification of above difficulties and higher utilisation of routine health examinations should be a priority.

Healthy immigrant effect in non–European Union immigrants in Portugal: after a decade of (non-)integration!

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to characterise the existence of the healthy immigrant effect (HIE; better health initially, worsening with an increase in the length of residence) in a big city from a Western European country, particularly in a non–European Union immigrant population. Study designThis is a cross-sectional study. MethodsWe used data from the National Health Survey 2014 to compare the health status of the immigrant and Portuguese populations with different lengths of residence. After descriptive statistics, binary logistic regressions models, with adjusted levels and 95% confidence intervals, were used. ResultsImmigrants were healthier than the Portuguese population (<10 years: odds ratio [OR] = 0.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.01; 0.51]; ≥10 years: OR = 0.62; 95% CI = [0.19; 2.03]), but had an increased likelihood of suffering from chronic diseases and risk behaviours with the increase in their length of stay in Portugal. After living in Portugal for more than 10 years, the immigrants showed no statistical difference in the main health indicators. ConclusionsThere was a tendency for the health status of immigrants to deteriorate over 10 years of residence in Portugal. To better understand the reasons behind the HIE, specific and tailored studies must be developed.

Identity Building Through Mediation by African Tailors

AbstractIn contemporary African cities, dressing well and wearing exclusive garments has become crucial for people in search of identity, distinction and individuality. The research presented in this article, situated at disciplinary intersections of cultural studies, fashion practices and sustainability, provides a case study of African tailors conducted in Maputo and Lisbon, with a special focus on identity building of African immigrants in Portugal. However, the role of tailors in this acculturation process has been ignored in the consumption approach to creative cities. This study is therefore also a reaction to the mainly Western world of regular couture, and to ‘creative city materials’ that focus on consumption. Instead, we emphasize the importance of African tailors who de facto shape urban experiences—visually incrementing practices—that are fundamental to the comprehension of sartorial culture, while we also allude to the complex intersections between local and global markets. In the first part of this article we describe a semi‐ethnographic study among tailors in Maputo and Lisbon. The second part presents a participatory action approach that entailed developing an educational programme for African tailors where culture and creativity meet. This programme empowered tailors to tap into their cultural knowledge on tailoring and their awareness of community identity. In our study we argue that the idea of creative cities and their creative economy should be approached from a cultural perspective, by building awareness of the importance of local creative classes instead of focusing on importing those classes.

A diversificação da sociedade e a mediação intercultural como pedagogia social

A integração das populações imigrantes e das minorias étnicas nas sociedades nacionais constitui um desafio importante e decisivo de diferentes países. As soluções apresentadas para acolher as várias e, por vezes, contraditórias, dimensões do processo de integração têm originado o desenvolvimento de diferentes ‘modelos de integração’ que não deixam de refletir os desenvolvimentos nas políticas e práticas de integração dos imigrantes registadas a nível internacional. Através da análise da realidade portuguesa será evidenciada a progressiva adoção de políticas de integração assentes nos princípios e nas práticas de mediação intercultural como pedagogia social. Discute-se o surgimento e o desenvolvimento da interculturalidade, faz-se a descrição da imigração em Portugal e, de seguida, a integração das comunidades imigrantes no país. Na parte final é analisada, particularmente, a mediação intercultural como pedagogia social para o acolhimento e autonomização na promoção de sociedades assentes no interconhecimento das suas diferentes partes constituintes.

Análise de Variáveis Prescritoras da Intenção Empreendedora de Imigrantes Brasileiros em Portugal

RESUMO Contexto: um novo fluxo migratório de imigrantes brasileiros em Portugal é composto por indivíduos com maior capacidade financeira e empreendedora, alto nível de qualificação profissional ou por indivíduos que buscam maior qualificação (estudantes de mestrado e doutorado e pesquisadores). Objetivo: o estudo busca identificar possíveis variáveis prescritoras da intenção empreendedora dos imigrantes brasileiros em Portugal, evidenciando características desse grupo. Métodos: foram aplicados questionários do tipo survey com 667 respondentes brasileiros habitantes de Portugal, sendo utilizadas equações logit para análise dos dados, visando aferir a relação da intenção empreendedora com as variáveis sexo, idade na chegada, nível educacional, tempo de estada no país, status do visto estudante- trabalho -turista, status de pedido de cidadania - migração definitiva. Resultados: o artigo contribui de forma teórica ao evidenciar variáveis relacionadas à intenção de empreender em uma das maiores comunidades de imigrantes brasileiros em Portugal. Conclusão: os achados apontam para as seguintes variáveis que tiveram influência positiva na intenção de empreender: idade na chegada, tempo no país, visto de trabalho, nível de educação, visto de turista e reivindicar cidadania. Em termos de implicações práticas, o estudo poderá embasar mecanismos de fomento.

The Politicization of Immigration in Portugal between 1995 and 2014: A European Exception?

AbstractImmigration is envisaged as part of an ‘emergent cultural cleavage’ across Western Europe. Within this context, this article explores the politicization of immigration in Portugal between 1995 and 2014. Politicization is interpreted as being formed by two distinct dimensions: salience and polarization of the political claims found within news articles extracted from newspapers. Notwithstanding the doubling of the foreign population settled in the country in the early 2000s, the diminished salience and the absence of significant political conflict suggest that immigration failed to become politicized in Portugal. Drawing on a comparative analysis with seven other European states between 1995 and 2009, Portugal observed the lowest rate of politicization. Rather than being related with socio‐economic factors, the lack of politicization of immigration was associated with the strategies of the mainstream parties, which successfully prevented the emergence of this topic as a significant political cleavage.