[Health and its determinants in the immigrant population of the region of Madrid].
OBJECTIVE
To describe health status and its determinants in immigrants living in the region of Madrid and to compare these factors with those in the native-born population.


METHODS
We performed a descriptive, cross-sectional study based on data from the Madrid Regional Health Survey 2007 (n=12,190). Subjects were classified as native-born or immigrants born in medium-to-low-income countries and with less or more than 5 years of residence in Spain. The results were adjusted for age. Proportions and means were compared through the ji square test and linear regression.


RESULTS
Compared with native-born residents, immigrants were younger, carried out mainly precarious manual jobs that did not match their educational level and had a lower income and less space in their dwellings. Both immigrant men and women smoked and drank less, but women showed a higher prevalence of overweight (10% more) and physical inactivity. Adherence to smear test and blood pressure screening was up to a 16% lower. Attendance at primary care and emergency facilities was less frequent in men and women with less residence time than in those with longer residence in Spain. Self-perceived health and mental health were worse in women with 5 or more years of residence. Chronic diseases were similar in both populations but were less prevalent in immigrants.


CONCLUSIONS
Immigrants' health status is not as unfavorable as could be expected from the higher prevalence of harmful determinants of health.
Aerny Perreten
Nicole
N
Subdirección General de Promoción de la Salud y Prevención, Consejería de Sanidad, Comunidad de Madrid, España.
Ramasco Gutiérrez
Milagros
M
Cruz Maceín
José Luis
JL
Rodríguez Rieiro
Cristina
C
Garabato González
Sonsoles
S
Rodríguez Laso
Angel
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013030:Spain; D014171:Transients and Migrants; D014504:Urban Health; D055815:Young Adult