Impact of legal status and other social demographics determinants in use of health care services

The increasing migratory trends in Portugal pose new challenges to national health systems. However, there is lack of data about use of health care services by migrants and about social demographic determinants in use to health care services. Actually there is an increasing recognition of the need to improve knowledge about multiple determinants of the use of health services.
This study aimed to analyse the impact of legal status, length of stay and other social demographic determinants in use of health care.
This project used a territorial sampling basis to obtain a representative sample of clusters of immigrant from African, Brazilian and Eastern Europe (n=1152). Data were collected through a questionnaire developed specifically for this study, administered by trained interviewers in immigrants’ homes. The social demographics determinants analysed were age, sex, education level, country of origin, legal status and length of stay.
Our results suggest that factors associated use of health services differ between migrants groups: African, Brazilian and Eastern Europe.  Consistent with literature, legal status, length of stay and the other social demographic factor are an important impact in use of health care services.
Access to and actual utilization of health services is the result of a complex net of determinants. It largely depends on how a society is able to create a user-friendly environment for migrants and to overcome the socio-economic and subtle cultural or psychological barriers that may limit people’s ability to receive care.
Appropriate care is delivered on a continuous and integrate basis, with greater attention to prevention and health promotion.
The conclusions can support the development of policies and strategies that can promote access and appropriate health services, reduce health inequalities and have a positive impact in immigrants health.