HEALTH PROMOTION FOR IMMIGRANT WOMEN IN Q UEBEC

Over the past fifteen years, the Canadian population has undergone inc reasing cultural diversification, Many researchers have investigated t he role of culture with respect to social and health services, Most st udies confirm the fact that increased culture diversification related to immigration challenges the public health system in many ways. Certa in groups, such as economically challenged immigrant women, may pose e ven greater problems to the health system. While these individuals are in relatively good health upon arrival to Canada, there is a need to ensure that adequate treatment promotion as well as disease prevention strategies are instituted. It is important to examine the concepts of health promotion and disease prevention through a cultural perspectiv e. Little research has been alone in this area, Concepts of promotion and prevention as they are understood by immigrants may not always coi ncide with North American or European definitions, Therefore, it is es sential to consider life conditions that surround potential health pro motion and prevention behaviors of immigrants. Empowerment, economic i ntegration and acculturation are among the many factors that need to b e taken onto account when studying immigrants' health promotion behavi or. Here, we present a critical analysis of current knowledge in this field. This is followed by research recommendations aimed at facilitat ing the development of health promotion and prevention strategies that are appropriate to the needs of Canadian, and more specifically of im migrant women in Quebec.