In the latest years it has been observed in Sicily a change in the migratory flow with a positive balance. In this study we attempted to outline an ethnic map of all the foreigners living in Catania and a sociosanitary map of the people not belonging to European Community we have observed. In Catania area at December 1992 there were officially 14,285 foreigners. Of these, 43% were coming from Africa, 13% from Asia, 18% from Europe, 24% from the Americas and 2% from Oceania. Mauritius, Senegal and Sri Lanka were among the most represented nations. Between March 1990 and August 1993 we observed 921 subjects (mean age 28.4 years, 91% male, 65% unmarried) fairly well educated. The predominant ethnic groups were Senegalese {31%) and Morroccan (20%). We took into consideration the reason for migration and work conditions both in Catania and the country of origin. Fiftyeight per cent of immigrants were discovered to be affected by disease. Gastrointestinal tract was the most commonly involved apparatus (13%) probably because of stress and changed eating and working habits. Lungs, skin and genitourinary tract were generally affected by infectious disease. Pulmonary TBC was diagnosed in 5 subjects, while anti HCV antibodies were found in 3.6%. It should be outlined that this figure is the same as in native people and should not cause worries. Some diseases, however, because of life condition and social emargination of immigrants, could spread very quickly, therefore requiring preventive interventions. Lack of sociosanitary facilities and physical decay make the immigrants a group at very high risk for health.

Immigration Health facilities Epidemiology

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