Acta Medica Portuguesa
Volume 17, Issue 3, 2004, Pages 211-218

Risk of HIV/AIDS infection: Access and utilization on health services in a migrant community [Risco de infecção por VIH/SIDA: Utilização-acesso aos serviços de saúde numa comunidade migrante] (Article)

Dias S.* , Gonçalves A. , Luck M. , Fernandes Ma.J.
  • a Unidade de Sistemas de Saúde, Inst. de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
  • b Unidade de Sistemas de Saúde, Inst. de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
  • c Unidade de Sistemas de Saúde, Inst. de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
  • d Unidade de Sistemas de Saúde, Inst. de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal

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.

Author Keywords

Aids prevention African migrant communities Access to Health Care Services

Index Keywords

immigrant HIV Infections Human immunodeficiency virus infection health care policy Portugal community care human middle aged health service ethnic group Aged geographic distribution Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome interview Humans Adolescent male female risk factor Risk Factors Africa health services Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article health care utilization major clinical study adult infection risk health care access government Patient Acceptance of Health Care Transients and Migrants acquired immune deficiency syndrome Health Services Accessibility health survey
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-9644282876&partnerID=40&md5=4a90581acb3e11a3f7b482d9c5c1796e
ISSN: 16460758
Cited by: 9
Original Language: Portuguese