Objective: Exploring the self-perceptions of a group of migrants from Colombia living in Alicante , Spain , regarding their working conditions and health.
Material and methods: This was a qualitative and descriptive research was conducted on a group of Colombian workers (with and without legal permission to work) having lived in Alicante ( Spain ) for more than 6 months. 11 interviews were carried out, plus 2 focal groups, from November 2006 to January 2007. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. A narrative analysis of the contents was carried out, a mixture of categories being obtained from different viewpoints.
Results: Immigration was understood as being an action for improving an immigrant worker and family's socioeconomic conditions. Work and social recognition should lead to avoiding exclusion and discrimination. The people interviewed had associated their health problems with their living conditions. Such problems were considered to be a limitation on carrying out their daily activities.
Conclusions: Working and health situations were perceived from a multi-dimensional perspective associated with biological and socio-cultural conditions. More political action should be taken for improving immigrant people's economic, work and health conditions.