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Immigration and health
DeAnne K Hilfinger Messias1, Mercedes Rubio
1University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA.
Annual Review of Nursing Research
|September 17, 2004
Summary
Recent research on immigration and health in North America shows progress, but the complex health effects of immigrant social and cultural experiences remain unclear. Future studies should explore health disparities and protective factors in diverse immigrant groups.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Immigration Studies
Background:
- Immigration significantly impacts population health.
- Understanding the health of immigrants is crucial for public health.
- North America has a long history of immigration, necessitating ongoing research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an integrated review of research on immigration and health.
- To analyze studies published since 1994 focusing on immigration to North America.
- To identify gaps and future directions in immigration and health research.
Main Methods:
- Integrated literature review.
- Focused on studies of immigration into North America.
- Analysis of research published from 1994 onwards.
Main Results:
- Recent research has advanced the understanding of immigration and health.
- The health effects of immigrants' social and cultural processes are not fully understood.
- Acculturation's impact on health (positive or negative) remains unclear.
- New research incorporates transnational perspectives, biculturalism, undocumentedness, and transitions.
Conclusions:
- Interdisciplinary research on immigration and health is evolving.
- Further research is needed to understand health disparities among immigrants.
- Identifying health protective factors in diverse immigrant populations is essential.