Journal of Public Health Policy
Volume 30, Issue 4, 2009, Pages 409-422

Self-rated health and health problems of undocumented immigrant women in the Netherlands: A descriptive study (Article)

Schoevers M.A. , Van Den Muijsenbergh M.E.T.C. , Lagro-Janssen A.L.M.
  • a Department of Primary Care, Centre for General Practice/Family Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, HAG 117, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands
  • b Department of Primary Care, Centre for General Practice/Family Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, HAG 117, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands
  • c Department of Primary Care, Centre for General Practice/Family Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, HAG 117, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands

Abstract

In this descriptive study, 100 female undocumented immigrants aged ≥ 18 years were interviewed about their health condition. The objective was to gain insight into the health situation and specific health problems of undocumented women. Sixty-five per cent of these undocumented women rated their health as poor (moderate or bad) and 91 per cent spontaneously mentioned having current health problems. When provided with a list of 26 common health problems, subjects reported on average 11.1 complaints. Gynaecological and psychological complaints were very prevalent, but seldom mentioned spontaneously. Also obstetric problems were numerous. Undocumented women may not present important symptoms to physicians when they encounter them. We conclude that physicians should actively ask about psychological and gynaecological problems in this patient group. Special training on the health problems of undocumented female immigrants for health providers is recommended. © 2009 Macmillan Publishers Ltd.

Author Keywords

Women's health undocumented immigrant perceived health self-rated health Refugee Illegal female immigrant

Index Keywords

doctor patient relation Netherlands Physician-Patient Relations health disparity Health Status Disparities human middle aged statistics Health Surveys interview Young Adult Humans Adolescent Interviews as Topic Emigrants and Immigrants female pregnancy women's health Article adult migration legal aspect Emigration and Immigration attitude to health health survey
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-73449127988&doi=10.1057%2fjphp.2009.32&partnerID=40&md5=341c93daa46ea0b646a0fe09e36a8389
DOI: 10.1057/jphp.2009.32
ISSN: 01975897
Cited by: 18
Original Language: English