Demands and use of health services among immigrants from a metropolitan region in northeastern Brazil

Abstract Objective This study aimed to analyze the demands and use of health services by international migratory clusters in the metropolitan region of Aracaju, Sergipe. Method A total of 186 immigrants were recruited, and divided into clusters according to the country of origin and continent. An epidemiological questionnaire on health conditions and care-related. Results Low and low middle income country immigrants (LMI) are younger, with lower length of stay in Brazil, elementary education, working without a formal contract, with an income of up to 1 minimum wage (p<0.05). Latin America immigrants (LAI) are approximately twice as likely to have some Chronic noncommunicable disease (NCDs), compared to other country immigrants (OCI). Age and length of stay in Brazil influence self-rated health, search for health services and having some NCDs (p<0.05). The Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde) was the most sought after both on arrival in Brazil and in the last 12 months, mainly by LMI and LAI (p<0.05). Conclusion and implications for practice Differences were observed within immigrant subgroups, mainly in terms of their use patterns and the importance for cross-cultural competence in health care.