Demographic characterization, consultation reasons and prevalent morbidity in the African immigrating community of the Maresme district
Roca Saumell, C.; Balanzó Fernández, X.; Fernández Roure, J.L.; Pujol Ribera, E.; Corachán Cuyás, M.
Medicina Clinica 112(6): 215-217
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-7753 PMID: 10191484 Document Number: 498680
To know the demographic condition, main symptoms and diagnosis in adult African immigrants from a reference Hospital. A prospective protocol between 1984-1994. 1,321 immigrants were considered. Most of them had an unstable job and illegal situation and they did not speak any European language. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom. The most frequent diagnoses were parasitic/infections and digestive and haematological diseases. Immigration is not a risk for public health. The illegal situation carries poor sanitary conditions. The clinical protocols help to overcome cultural and idiomatic barriers.