Abstract
Forced migration is a recognized social determinant, because the conditions surrounding the migratory process tend to generate vulnerabilities and impacts on the public health on the countries of origin and destination. This study focused on the socio-cultural characterization and the perception of the medical student about immigration, health and disease. A cross-sectional study was carried out with medical students at a higher education institution of the State of Sergipe, Brazil. The study sample consisted of 144 students who were regularly enrolled in the institution. The variables were described by means of absolute frequency and relative percentage. The associations between categorical variables were tested using Pearson's chi-squared test. The ordinal correlations were tested by the gamma correlation, there was significance in relation to the perception of the knowledge of the legislation guaranteeing immigrant access to health services (P-value < 0.05). The student socio-cultural profile points to the need to encourage, in the academic context, integrative cultural practices and communication skills a contribution to citizen and professional training. The Cultural Competence in Health stands as a tool that strengthens light technology in health, from the exchange between professionals and immigrants in the health care process.
Keywords:
immigration; health; cultural competence