Background. International labour migration is the base of several health problems, not only amongst the illegal migrant workers, but also their families. This study was initiated to draw attention to their physical problems and mental status. Material and methods. The health status of 76 illegal immigrant workers, and 197 of their family members in a small Hungarian village was carried out. To evaluate their living conditions abroad, a questioner was filled out by all immigrants retrospectively. This was followed by them taking the BDS depression status test prospectively, and when they had complaints, by physical examination. Results. Serious health problems, such as malnutrition, distress, and complications connected with these, were observed amongst the immigrants and also their family members. When the workers returned home they were often characterised by polymorbidity. Several of them needed special treatment. The situation of women immigrant labourers was worse and deteriorated further. Discussion. While abroad, migrant workers were outside the net of the national health care systems, and they also dropped out of the prevention and screening systems at home. To solve their problem we ought to reach definitive care by applying the community health care system. © Copyright by Wydawnictwo Continuo.

Health services accessibility Family care Self-medication Patient dropout Social Problems community health services

distress syndrome health status depression malnutrition questionnaire Physical Examination Article illegal immigrant health care human family