Research article summary (published 30 Dec 2008):

The impact of migration on the health of voluntary migrants in western societies.

Full Abstract

The authors reviewed literature on the health of voluntary migrants to Western societies and factors affecting their health. Health indicators include mortality rates and life expectancy, birth outcomes, risk of illness, patterns of deteriorating health, cardiovascular disease, body mass index, hypertension, and depression. Multiple factors explain variability, including length of residence and acculturation, disease exposure, life style and living conditions, risky behaviors, healthy habits, social support networks, cultural and linguistic barriers, experiences with racism, and levels of awareness of cultural health practices among health care providers. Evidence exists for superior health among many migrants to Western countries relative to native-born persons, but the differential disappears over time. Migration is a dynamic, extended process with effects occurring years after physical relocation. Systemic change is required, including health policies that ensure equity for migrants, culturally appropriate health promotion, and routine assessment of migration history, cultural health practices, and disease exposure.

Author information

Author/s: Lassetter, Jane H (JH); Callister, Lynn C (LC);

Affiliation: Brigham Young University.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: Journal of transcultural nursing : official journal of the Transcultural Nursing Society / Transcultural Nursing Society (J Transcult Nurs), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Jan; vol 20 (issue 1) : pp 93-104

Dates: Created 2008/12/19; Completed 2009/02/11;

PMID: 18840884, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Emigration and Immigration Health Status Health Status Indicators Humans

Life Expectancy Mortality Risk Factors Western World

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

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