Facilitadores de la participación e implementación de la subcohorte PELFI de familias inmigrantes

[Health status among immigrant in Catalonia from a gender perspective: PELFI project]

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study is to assess the health status of immigrant men and women from non-EU countries living in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain) and to identify the social determinants of health from a gender perspective.

METHOD

Cross-sectional analysis from a cohort of immigrant families recruited in Badalona and Santa Coloma de Gramenet, in Spain (PELFI cohort). In 2015-2016, 167 immigrants answered the baseline epidemiological questionnaire and the 5-level EuroQol instrument (EQ-5D) which measures health status. To identify health determinants, Tobit models were constructed to the EQ-5D index.

RESULTS

Women rated poorer self-perceived health (p=0.005). To be diagnosed with and illness was only associated with poor self-perceived health among men (p<0.05). Length of residence, domestic work, and especially double workload deteriorated women's health. After adjusting models by demographics and social determinants, permanent administrative status (-0.136; p=0.015) and social support (0.182; p=0.02) were associated with health status in both sexes. To have a job was associated with better health only in men.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-EU immigrants living in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona are a socially vulnerable group of population and present inequalities in health by sex. Social support and occupation are key factors of their health status. Interventions to reduce immigrant vulnerabilities and inequalities in health should promote their social inclusion and cohesion from a gender perspective.

Intercultural Communication between Long-Stay Immigrants and Catalan Primary Care Nurses: A Qualitative Approach to Rebalancing Power

There is a gap between the preferences of immigrant patients and their experiences with intercultural communication. This study aims to explore the experiences and perspectives of long-stay immigrants on intercultural communication in encounters with primary care (PC) nurses. Participants were selected by purposive sampling at the Maresme Primary Care Center. A focus group and five in-depth interviews with long-stay immigrants from eight countries were carried out. Data collection was guided by a script previously validated by a group of experts. We conducted a qualitative analysis following Charmaz's approach, and data saturation was reached with 11 patients (one focus group and five interviews). Long-stay immigrants would like closer and more personalized communication exchanges with greater humanity, as well as polite and respectful manners as they perceive signs of an asymmetrical care relationship. Those who had negative communication experiences tried to justify some of the behaviors as a result of having free access to public health services. This is one of the few existing studies from the point of view of long-stay immigrants. Achieving effective intercultural communication requires a process of self-reflection, awareness-raising and commitment, both on a personal and institutional level, to eliminate the asymmetry in the nurse-patient relationship. Nurses should be trained in person-centered intercultural communication.

[Factors that influence the diet and eating habits of Chinese immigrant population in Catalonia (Spain)]

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the diet and eating habits of adult immigrants of Chinese origin residing in Santa Coloma de Gramenet (Barcelona, Spain), and to identify the factors that influence the changes in diet and eating habits.

METHOD

Qualitative study conducted in 2017 through a discussion group with eight adults of Chinese origin (one man and seven women). The information was complemented by five interviews with key informants (three men and two women) and non-participant observation in health promotion workshops aimed at Chinese patients of a health center in Santa Coloma de Gramenet.

RESULTS

Chinese adults made three meals a day and tended to snack between meals. Their diet was based on rice, soy and proteins of vegetable origin. Participants rarely consumed milk and milk derivatives but highlighted their consumption of snacks, sugary drinks and pastries, as well as the incorporation of foods, new dishes and cooking techniques from the host country. The Chinese immigrants tried to maintain their diet of origin, however there were various barriers to this, such as the preference of the local diet by the children, work schedules and lack of time.

CONCLUSIONS

A tendency towards dietary acculturation is observed among the participants. Health promotion activities aimed at Chinese families are needed to improve aspects of their diet and eating habits, aiming to reduce the consumption of snacks and sugary products.