Nativity and Health Disparities: Predictors of Immigrant Health

This study examines the differences in the social determinants of health and chronic health conditions of immigrants and nonimmigrants. The logistic regression results indicate that employment, education, poverty, residential status, and neighborhood safety have strong influence on the health of immigrants and native-born Americans; however, gender and place of residence are significant to only nonimmigrant health. For chronic health conditions, age and employment status are significant predictors for immigrants whereas race/ethnicity, age, gender, insurance coverage, and education are important predictors of chronic health conditions among nonimmigrants. Neighborhood safety, English proficiency, and marital status were not significant determinants of the health conditions of both subgroups. The study points to the importance of education, poverty/income, and neighborhood safety as essential determinants of immigrant and nonimmigrant health. However, there are variations in the health predictors for each group.