Living and health conditions of the immigrant population of the settlements of Huelva

e202107113

Abstract

Background: Due to the agricultural labor supply in the province of Huelva, the immigrant population has been growing, establishing a situation of irregularity that favors precarious work and hinders access to decent housing. Therefore, our objective was to identify the socio-sanitary needs of the immigrant population facing the living conditions with which they live in the irregular settlements of the province of Huelva.
Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study of mixed method on an estimated population of 2500 residents in 23 settlements. A quantitative study of socio-sanitary variables was carried out using a survey and observation guide, and a water, air and soil quality study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 inhabitants of the settlements until the saturation of the speeches.
Results: The settlements were located far away from the towns. Surrounded by garbage, without running water, electricity, sewer, toilets or showers. Its residents were stocked up on purchased food and water from fields, wells and public fountains, which they stored in jugs of plant protection products. They were mostly in an irregular situation. 49% had a health card and 48% ever went to a health center, declared mostly a good perception of health. They stood out as expressed needs: access to water (main demand), protection from the risk of fire, improvement of the irregular situation and the working conditions, and the need to help and to protect their family of origin.
Conclusions: These living conditions belong to an underdeveloped environment within an advanced society, with access to water being the main problem. Legal irregularity is key for them, preventing them regularized employment contracts and the perception of being able to access to a better future. Their self-perception of health is good and they do not make a greater use of health services, despite the conditions in which they live.