[Use of health insurance and social benefits among immigrants in Oslo].

An investigation of sickness and social benefits paid during weeks 37 and 39 of 1989 to African and Asian immigrants living in Oslo showed that the consumption of these benefits by this part of the population was much higher than among Norwegian-born persons in the age groups 20 to 66 years. The immigrants received more support and money than the Norwegians did, and for a longer period. They were also younger than the Norwegians. The impaired health status among the immigrants seem to be connected to their poorer working conditions, since many of them had had unskilled jobs involving greater risk to health. A fairly large number of the immigrants receive more or less permanent public benefits. It has been difficult to find suitable jobs, which has led to widespread unemployment among this group of the Oslo population.