Health profile of immigrant populations in primary health care settings: a cross-sectional study

Globalization and increasing migratory flows have been transforming Portuguese society, presenting new challenges for public health, particularly in regions with a high concentration of immigrants, such as the Algarve. The municipality of São Brás de Alportel exhibits a significant proportion of foreign residents, highlighting the need for an in-depth characterization of their health status, lifestyle behaviors, and access to healthcare services. This study aimed to characterize the health status, risk behaviors, lifestyle habits, mental health, quality of life, and healthcare accessibility of the immigrant population residing in São Brás de Alportel, Portugal. A descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was conducted, including a sample of 89 immigrants recruited through snowball sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire based on the SAIMI-2 instrument. Results indicate a predominance of individuals aged 60 years or older, mostly retired and originating from the United Kingdom. The most common health conditions were chronic diseases similar to those found in the Portuguese population, notably arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. While participants generally reported good quality of life and positive mental health indicators, some risk behaviors were identified, including high alcohol consumption, smoking, and low vaccination adherence in specific groups. Language barriers and the absence of a designated family physician emerged as significant obstacles to accessing healthcare. In conclusion, although the overall health profile of the immigrant population is favorable, persistent vulnerabilities underscore the need for public health policies and culturally sensitive interventions that promote equity in healthcare access for immigrants.