Abstract
The healthy migrant effect is a concept that suggests that immigrants to Australia are typically more beneficial than the native-born population. The idea has been widely debated. Research has shown that health advantage varies depending on various factors, including the pre-migration environment in the country of origin, the timing, or wave of migration, the migration stream category, and integration in Australia. Most research on the healthy migrant effect focuses on physical health, focusing less on mental health. However, conflicting evidence has been found regarding the healthy migrant effect of mental health. There is a need to examine further the differences in mental health and service use between Australian-born and foreign-born individuals living in Australia. It is also important to note that the healthy migrant effect is not an indication of equity in health, as it does not account for the prevalence of disabilities among immigrant populations in Australia. Therefore, further research is needed to understand the epidemiology of ethnicity diversity, migration policies, and practices, especially pre and post-2012, and to distinguish between early-onset. Research and late-onset disabilities to better understand migration's impact on the health of immigrants to Australia.
The healthy migrant effect in Australia refers to the concept that immigrants to Australia are generally healthier than the native-born population, but this advantage may decline over time. The evidence on this effect is mixed and may vary depending on various factors, including migration policies, visa categories, and the epidemiology of ethnic diversity.
Several studies have examined the healthy migrant effect in Australia, focusing on physical and mental health. Some studies have found evidence of a healthy immigrant effect in Australia, showing that immigrants have better physical and psychological health than the native-born population. For example, a study by Pasupuleti et al. (2018) found no significant differences in physical, mental, and self-rated health between foreign-born individuals from some countries and the native-born population.
However, other studies have found that the healthy migrant effect may not hold true for all immigrant groups or may decline. For example, a study by Jatrana et al. (2018) found a decline in the health of immigrants in Australia over two decades. Another study by Brugha et al. (2014) found that foreign-born individuals in Australia had higher levels of psychological distress and mental disorders than the native-born population.
The healthy migrant effect may not be universal and may depend on various factors, including the timing and wave of migration, the visa category, and integration in Australia. The effect may vary depending on the type and onset of disabilities. For example, a study by Chakraborty et al. (2020) found that foreign-born individuals in Australia had a lower prevalence of early-onset disabilities than the native-born population but a higher prevalence of late-onset and the epidemiology of ethnicity diversity onset disabilities..
Therefore, it is essential to consider the complexities of Australian migration policies and practices and the epidemiology of ethnic diversity when examining the healthy migrant effect in Australia. In conclusion, while there may be some evidence of a healthy migrant effect in Australia, it is not universal. Further research is needed to understand its nuances better.
The "Healthy Immigrant Effect" (HIE) is a phenomenon where immigrants exhibit a health advantage over the domestic-born population, which diminishes with an increased length of residency. While most research on the HIE has focused on physical health, less attention has been given to mental health (MH). A systematic review of 58 MH studies has been conducted to examine whether the HIE applies to MH and to explore changes in MH among immigrants [[1] (Chen et al. 2021)]. The review critically assessed the use of HIE theory and found evidence to suggest an MH advantage among immigrants. However, the advantage was less consistent and pronounced than the physical health advantage. Some studies indicate the MH advantage may diminish earlier than the physical health advantage. The review calls for further research to explore the mechanisms underlying the MH HIE and develop interventions to support the mental health needs of immigrant populations.
One explanation for the HIE is the positive self-selection of healthy immigrants and the positive selection, screening, and discrimination applied by host countries [[5] (Crimmins et al. 2007; Jasso 2004; Palloni & Ewbank 2004)]. However, a study using SHARE data to examine the HIE in selection and migration policies found that the health trajectories of immigrants differ based on the host country's policies [[4] (Gurvich et al. 2017)]. The study compared Israel and 16 other European countries and found that while the HIE in physical health exists in both countries, the decline in the MH advantage is faster and steeper among immigrants in Israel. The study suggests that the different migration policies and contexts could play a role in the HIE.
In summary, while evidence suggests an MH advantage among immigrants, it is less consistent and pronounced than the physical health advantage. The HIE in MH may diminish earlier than in physical health, and it may vary based on host countries' policies and contexts. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying the MH HIE and develop interventions to support the mental health needs of immigrant populations.
References:
Chen, Y.-Y., Lo, C.-C., Lee, W.-C., & Lin, C.-Y. (2021). Understanding the Healthy Immigrant Effect in the Context of Mental Health Challenges: A Systematic Critical Review. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. doi: 10.1007/s10903-021-01313-5
Gurvich, R., Kivisto, P., Niemisto, C., Chong, A., & Kaneti, J. (2017). Health Trajectories of Immigrants in Europe: The Healthy Immigrant Effect and Beyond. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 19(6), 1497-1505. doi: 10.1007/s10903-016-0472-2
Crimmins, E. M., Kim, J. K., Alley, D. E., Karlamangla, A. S., & Seeman, T. E. (2007). Hispanic Paradox in Biological Risk Profiles. American Journal of Public Health, 97(7), 1305-1310. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2006.091892
Jasso, G. (2004). The Health of Immigrants in New York City. In K. M. Neckerman (Ed.), Social Inequality (pp. 207-230). Russell Sage Foundation.
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