title: The effect of perceived discrimination on the health of immigrant workers in Spain.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Discrimination is an important determinant of health inequalities, and immigrants may be more vulnerable to certain types of discrimination than the native-born. This study analyses the relationship between immigrants' perceived discrimination and various self-reported health indicators.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey was conducted (2008) amongst a non-random sample of 2434 immigrants from Ecuador, Morocco, Romania and Colombia in four Spanish cities: Barcelona, Huelva, Madrid and Valencia. A factorial analysis of variables revealed three dimensions of perceived discrimination (due to immigrant status, due to physical appearance, and workplace-related). The association of these dimensions with self-rated health, mental health (GHQ-12), change in self-rated health between origin and host country, and other self-reported health outcomes was analysed. Logistic regression was used adjusting for potential confounders (aOR-95%CI). Subjects with worsening self-reported health status potentially attributable to perceived discrimination was estimated (population attributable proportion, PAP %).
  
  
  RESULTS
  73.3% of men and 69.3% of women immigrants reported discrimination due to immigrant status. Moroccans showed the highest prevalence of perceived discrimination. Immigrants reporting discrimination were at significantly higher risk of reporting health problems than those not reporting discrimination. Workplace-related discrimination was associated with poor mental health (aOR 2.97 95%CI 2.45-3.60), and the worsening of self-rated health (aOR 2.20 95%CI 1.73- 2.80). 40% (95% CI 24-53) PAP of those reporting worse self-rated health could be attributable to discrimination due to immigrant status.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Discrimination may constitute a risk factor for health in immigrant workers in Spain and could explain some health inequalities among immigrant populations in Spanish society.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, University of Antioquia, Calle 64 N° 52-59. Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia. oleduga@gmail.com
authors.forename: Andrés A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Agudelo-Suárez
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ronda-Pérez
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gil-González
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vives-Cases
authors.forename: Ana M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: García
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ruiz-Frutos
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Felt
authors.forename: Fernando G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Benavides
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003105:Colombia / Q000208:ethnology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D059026:Diagnostic Self Evaluation; D004484:Ecuador / Q000208:ethnology; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009018:Morocco / Q000208:ethnology; D011287:Prejudice; D012383:Romania / Q000208:ethnology; D012938:Social Perception; D013030:Spain; D055815:Young Adult