Risco de infecção por VIH/SIDA: utilização-acesso aos Serviços de Saúde numa comunidade migrante

Translated title of the contribution: Risk of HIV/AIDS infection: access and utilization of health services in a migrant community

Sónia Dias, Aldina C. Gonçalves, Margaret Luck, M. Jesus Fernandes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

The recent trend concerning HIV/AIDS infection in Portugal has been worsening, with a total of 18995 cases of infection notified by the end of 2001. African immigrants are generally regarded as a particularly vulnerable group to this problem. Data on health service utilisation also indicates that they are under-represented among service users, particularly for Sexual and Reproductive Health. The main objectives of this study were to characterise the resident population, to identify and understand knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding HIV/AIDS problems, and obstacles to service utilisation. The study was conducted among individuals aged fifteen years and above, living in a migrant community in the Greater Lisbon area. Data has been collected through community surveys and collective interviews. Results suggest that existing beliefs, attitudes and knowledge may, though indirectly, increase the risk for infection among the residents of the study area. Some of the factors that may act as deterrents to service utilisation are identified. The results of the study stress the need for government health policies and activities from other agencies focusing on improved access to health services for ethnic minorities, as well as intervention programs tailored specifically towards the needs of each community.
Translated title of the contributionRisk of HIV/AIDS infection: access and utilization of health services in a migrant community
Original languagePortuguese
Pages (from-to)211-218
Number of pages8
JournalActa Médica Portuguesa
Volume17
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - May 2004

Keywords

  • Access to Health Care Services
  • African migrant communities
  • Aids prevention
  • acquired immune deficiency syndrome
  • HIV Infections
  • Emigrants and Immigrants
  • East African
  • Transients and Migrants
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Risk Factors
  • health care utilization
  • community care

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