Objective To analyse the perception, use and satisfaction of a group of immigrants living in Barcelona taking into account their gender, origin and social class. Design Cross sectional study. Location City of Barcelona, Spain. Participants A group of 225 immigrant residents and users of social services in the city of Barcelona, from June to July 2012. Main measures the level of access and relationship with the public health system of immigrants living in Barcelona was analysed, based on a questionnaire. The responses were analysed in relation to: gender, age, social class, self-perceived health, national origin, time since arrival, and marital status. Results The large majority (89%) of the population surveyed declared that the most important aspect was "to have been treated with respect" in health services. However, 59.4% reported a perception of "discrimination against immigrants", and 68.4% said that cultural differences affect "totally or partially" the quality of care received. For 66.7% of the participants, health care received in Barcelona is better than in their home country, mainly for its scientific, technical quality, and universal access. Conclusions Despite the good assessment of universal public health care system this study showed deficiencies of the system in terms of the psychosocial component of health care to immigrants in Barcelona. It is necessary to deepen the study of knowledge and perceptions of minority groups in the current context. © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U.

Spain Barcelon Perceived quality Health National System Immigration

immigrant human sex difference middle aged health service State Medicine Aged groups by age Social Work national health service Cross-Sectional Studies marriage Surveys and Questionnaires cross-sectional study migrant Humans male Emigrants and Immigrants Spain female questionnaire patient satisfaction health services standards Article major clinical study adult health care quality health care access patient attitude health care system social class Delivery of Health Care social discrimination public health health care delivery