Immigration and adolescent health: the case of a multicultural population

Previous research indicates that the impact of immigration on health tends to be specific as it is influenced by many factors such as life stage and host country. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between immigration and adolescent health within the multicultural context of the Brussels-Capital Region in Belgium.

The study was based on the 2014 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey. The sample consisted of 2962 adolescents from the fifth grade of primary to the last grade of secondary schools in Brussels.

Associations between health indicators and immigration status were analysed using multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics.

Natives, first-generation immigrants, second-generation immigrants with both parents born abroad and second-generation immigrants with one parent born abroad represented 19%, 23%, 36% and 22% of the respondents, respectively. Sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviours varied according to immigrant status. Young immigrants were more likely to present overweight (odds ratio [OR] _{first-generation immigrants vs. natives} = 1.76 [95% confidence interval {CI} = 1.16-2.65]; OR _{second-generation immigrants with both parents born abroad vs. natives} = 2.06 [95% CI = 1.41-3.02]; OR _{second-generation immigrants with one parent born abroad vs. natives} = 1.69 [95% CI = 1.12-2.56]). This effect turned out to be partially explained by sociodemographic status and health-related behaviours. No association was detected between immigration and self-rated health and multiple recurrent symptoms.

Discrepancies in health behaviours and weight status were identified between adolescents of different immigration background, whereas this was not the case for well-being. Socio-economic status, cultural characteristics and specific behaviours partly explained these findings. Future research is needed to better understand immigration-related risk and protective factors, at individual and school levels.