Cadernos de Saúde Pública
On-line version ISSN 1678-4464
ROCHA, Cristianne Maria Famer; DIAS, Sonia Ferreira and GAMA, Ana Filipa. Knowledge of contraceptive methods and STD prevention among immigrant women. Cad. Saúde Pública [online]. 2010, vol.26, n.5, pp. 1003-1012. ISSN 1678-4464. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2010000500022.
Sexual and reproductive health is a major public health concern, since it involves individual health and wellbeing and affects the socioeconomic level of societies. Socially underprivileged groups like immigrants may be more exposed to sexual and reproductive health problems. The current study examines key aspects of sexual and reproductive health among Brazilian and African immigrant women in Portugal, particularly contraceptive methods, sexually transmitted diseases, and condom use. Data were collected through focus groups with childbearing-age immigrant women living in Portugal and originally from Brazil or Portuguese-speaking African countries. The results highlight the participants' perceptions and knowledge concerning the respective issues and identify aspects to be considered in order to better meet their sexual and reproductive health needs.
Keywords : Sexual and Reproductive Health; Women's Health; Emigrants and Immigrants; Communicable Disease Prevention.