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International Journal of Public Health

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01-12-2012 | Original Article

Coming to Canada: the difference in health trajectories between immigrants and native-born residents

Authors: Lawrence So, Hude Quan

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 6/2012

Abstract

Objectives

This study investigates improvements as well as declines in health with four health measures for immigrants and native-born residents.

Methods

We used longitudinal data from Statistics Canada National Population Health Survey, which represented 8,474 native-born residents and 1,339 immigrants from 1994/95 to 2004/05. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to evaluate self-perceived health, chronic condition, health utility index, and body mass index.

Results

The results showed that some immigrants were more likely to report a decline in health, while others were more likely to report an improvement in health relative to native-born residents. For example, immigrants had a higher odds ratio of both reporting (1.63: 95 % CI 1.22–2.18) and no longer reporting (1.49: 95 % CI 1.04–2.14) a chronic condition in subsequent survey years than native-born residents.

Conclusions

Our finding may be attributable to immigrants inconsistently reporting, or a dichotomous health trajectory. Longitudinal data with physical measurements may be required to decipher our observations.

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Title: Coming to Canada: the difference in health trajectories between immigrants and native-born residents
Authors: Lawrence So
Hude Quan
Publication date: 01-12-2012
Publisher: SP Birkhäuser Verlag Basel
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 6/2012
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-012-0398-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Coming to Canada: the difference in health trajectories between immigrants and native-born residents

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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