title: [Life-style and self-rated health status, and the use of health services by an immigrant population from Paraguay and Bolivia in city of Elche (Alicante, Spain)].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the lifestyle, use of health services, self-perceived health status and health services evaluations of immigrants from Paraguay and Bolivia in the city of Elche, and to establish and/or adapt prevention health services strategies to the needs of this population.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study, using a health questionnaire, was conducted between November 2009 and April 2010, using a convenience sample selected from the Paraguay and Bolivia Citizens Association.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 49 Paraguayans and 35 Bolivians over 15 years old were interviewed of whom 42 (50%) were male; 33% of respondents did not perform any physical activity, and 14.3% were smokers (males [23.8%] vs female [4.8%], P=.03). The assessment of health was good or very good in 59.5% (Paraguayans [71.4%] vs Bolivians [42.9%]), P=.02). The use of health services was 85.4% (males [75%] vs women [95.2%], P=02) and 51% went to an emergency department. Consultation with a dentist was reported in 43.9% (Paraguayans [56.2%] vs Bolivians [26.5%], P=.007); 65.9% considered the Spanish public health system as being excellent, very good or good.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The lifestyle, the use of private resources and the assessment of health status are different in both groups studied. The assessment of the Spanish public health system was good in both. Strategies are needed to improve lifestyle, counselling for smoking cessation, alcohol use and control of dyslipidaemia.
authors.affiliation: Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria, Departamento de Salud 20, Centro de Salud del Raval, Elche, España.
authors.forename: I G
authors.initials: IG
authors.lastname: Gallegos-Juárez
authors.forename: Y Y
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Ponce-Samaniego
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Sempere-Selva
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ramos-Rincón
mesh_terms: D001838:Bolivia / Q000208:ethnology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D010239:Paraguay / Q000208:ethnology; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires