Immigration and health: women immigrants' (in)ability to access health care

Abstract

The use of health services by immigrant populations has been considered one of the most important indicators of the integration of these communities (Dias et al., 2009). However, knowledge about the quality and efficacy of this access to care, especially for immigrant women, is still scarce in Portugal (Fonseca et al., 2009). Although domestic studies have, in recent decades, sought to trace the different social profiles of immigrant women in Portugal, especially with regard to family or work relationships (Wall et al., 2005), research on health is still sparse. Gender-centered or intersectorial analysis has not yet been done. This paper presents a reflection on the determinants that influence immigrant women's (in)ability to access health care, emphasizing the factors that may be acting to block integration in this sector.