[Demographic characterization, consultation reasons and prevalent morbidity in the African immigrating community of the Maresme district].

Background: To know the demographic condition, main symptoms and diagnosis in adult African immigrants from a reference Hospital.

Patients And Method: A prospective protocol between 1984-1994.

Results: 1,321 immigrants were considered. Most of them had an unstable job and illegal situation and they did not speak any European language. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom. The most frequent diagnoses were parasitic/infections and digestive and haematological diseases.

Conclusions: Immigration is not a risk for public health. The illegal situation carries poor sanitary conditions. The clinical protocols help to overcome cultural and idiomatic barriers.