[Undocumented immigrants: what do we know about their health?]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Immigrants in Italy are a heterogeneous group, defying simple classifications like regular/irregular or economic/forced.
• Traditional categories are inadequate for studying immigrant health phenomena.
• Epidemiological profiles are shaped by health determinants across the migration life-course.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the health of irregularly staying immigrants using a holistic approach to migration.
• To identify continuities and epidemiological dynamics across different immigrant categories.
• To understand the interplay of factors influencing immigrant health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Adoption of a global approach to the migration phenomenon.
• Analysis of cross-sectional epidemiological dynamics.
• Examination of push-factors, social integration, and health service interactions.

Main Results:

• The "healthy migrant effect" and "salmon effect" influence initial and final migration phases, often indicating good health.
• "Exhausted migrant effect" and context-specific health service access impact long-term health.
• International protection seekers also show a "healthy migrant effect," with low infectious disease prevalence.

Conclusions:

• Immigrant health is multifactorial, influenced by migration experiences, social integration, and host country context.
• Mental health is a critical concern due to pre-migration and transit-related trauma.
• Inclusive, evidence-based public policies are essential for managing immigrant health and opportunities.