Gynecologic diseases and reproductive healh in immigrant women
Section: Originales
Authors
Cristina Regata Cuesta
Position
Médico Especialista. Especialidad de Medicina de Familia. Especialidad de Microbiología y Parasitología.
Contact email: cregatta@gmail.com
Abstract
Introduction: immigrant women show some specific characteristics from a healthcare point of view, due to their origin, cultural differences and social strata, which can have an impact on their healthcare visits. Gynecology and reproductive health are common areas of concern that emerge in healthcare visits in this population.
Purpose: to describe diseases in immigrant women presenting with gynecologic disorders.
Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study on gynecologic disorders in immigrant women attending Primary Care clinics.
Results: the majority of patients in our study were Maghrebi women The most common reasons for consultation were infectious vaginitis and uterine or ovarian disorders. Up to 19% of women visits were related to abortions and multiparity (three or more pregnancies). Most important cultural differences were observed in African women (for instance, two patients with female genital mutilation). Abuse or gender violence was found in 4%. Associated anxiety-depression disorders were found in 22%.
Discussion: gynecologic issues are a common reason for healthcare visits in immigrant women. Cultural differences and psychological features must be also taken into account.
Conclusions: immigrant women usually have a high parity, and infections can also be highly prevalent. Such factors, as well as previous health issues, cultural differences and barriers to healthcare access can result in a higher vulnerability in such group of population.
Keywords:
gynecologic disorders in immigrants; reproductive health in immigrant women; social and cultural factors in health
Versión en Español
Título:
Enfermedades ginecológicas y salud reproductiva en mujeres inmigrantes
Artículo completo no disponible en este idioma / Full article is not available in this language
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