Interventions to improve immigrant health. A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Health disparities exist between immigrants and host populations.
• General health interventions may not be effective for immigrant groups.
• Targeted interventions are needed to address specific immigrant health challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• Systematically search and evaluate health interventions for immigrants.
• Map characteristics of existing studies, including interventions, populations, and outcomes.
• Develop recommendations for future research in immigrant health.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review of empirical studies evaluating health interventions for immigrants.
• Inclusion criteria: control group, English language, published 1990-2015.
• Searches conducted in PubMed and Embase.

Main Results:

• 83 studies were included, predominantly from the USA, focusing on few immigrant groups.
• Interventions primarily targeted chronic diseases, cancer screening, and cardiovascular risk/diabetes.
• Most studies claimed beneficial outcomes despite reported limitations; subjective measures were common.

Conclusions:

• Existing research on immigrant health interventions is limited in scope and diversity.
• There is a need for more robust research designs and culturally appropriate interventions.
• Recommendations are provided to guide future research, funding, and policy for immigrant health.