Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100375
Yedilfana Adinew
Objective
The primary focus of the study was to explore the psychosocial experiences, abuses, and exploitations, and adaptation mechanisms of Ethiopian women who were victims of trafficking in the Middle East countries. The study explores contributing factors to trafficking, mental health impacts, significant forms of abuses and exploitations, victims' coping strategies, and post trafficking situations.
Method
a phenomenological qualitative approach was used using a semi-structured in-depth interview with 30 Ethiopian women who survived human trafficking. To identify key patterns in the participants' narratives, thematic analysis was used.
Results
The results of the study show that economic hardship, gender-based violence, and the need for a better life were the primary causes of trafficking. Survivors endured harsh labor exploitation, economic exploitation, sexual abuse, and psychological trauma. Social isolation, combined with language and cultural barriers, aggravated their agony. After being released from trafficking, survivors faced health decline, psychological trauma, and substance abuse. The coping mechanisms used by victims were spirituality, writing, music, familial support, and maladaptive strategies.
Conclusion
The findings of the study emphasize the need for trauma-informed interventions, psychosocial supports, and legal protections for human trafficking victim survivors. Policymakers and service providers should address systematic vulnerabilities and optimize rehabilitation efforts to mitigate long-term consequences.
{"title":"The lived experiences of Ethiopian women trafficked to the Middle East: Departure motives, gender-specific trauma, and coping strategies","authors":"Yedilfana Adinew","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100375","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100375","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The primary focus of the study was to explore the psychosocial experiences, abuses, and exploitations, and adaptation mechanisms of Ethiopian women who were victims of trafficking in the Middle East countries. The study explores contributing factors to trafficking, mental health impacts, significant forms of abuses and exploitations, victims' coping strategies, and post trafficking situations.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>a phenomenological qualitative approach was used using a semi-structured in-depth interview with 30 Ethiopian women who survived human trafficking. To identify key patterns in the participants' narratives, thematic analysis was used.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results of the study show that economic hardship, gender-based violence, and the need for a better life were the primary causes of trafficking. Survivors endured harsh labor exploitation, economic exploitation, sexual abuse, and psychological trauma. Social isolation, combined with language and cultural barriers, aggravated their agony. After being released from trafficking, survivors faced health decline, psychological trauma, and substance abuse. The coping mechanisms used by victims were spirituality, writing, music, familial support, and maladaptive strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings of the study emphasize the need for trauma-informed interventions, psychosocial supports, and legal protections for human trafficking victim survivors. Policymakers and service providers should address systematic vulnerabilities and optimize rehabilitation efforts to mitigate long-term consequences.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100375"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939291","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100391
Dr Hannah Rayment-Jones , Yahye Mohamud , Holly Lovell , Judith Rankin , Jane Sandall , Siofra Peeren , Mpho Dube , Nikel-Shaniece Hector-Jack , Zenab Barry , Cristina Fernandez Turienzo , Elsie Sowah , Tomasina Stacey , Maria Castaner , Maria Raisa Jessica Aquino , Andrew Jolly , Jacqueline Broadhead , Mel Haith-Cooper , Abigail Easter , Sam Burton
Background
The “healthy migrant effect” suggests migrants experience better health than local populations despite socioeconomic disadvantage. Its relevance to maternal and child health is uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined outcomes among migrant women and children in high-income countries (HICs), and the impact of restrictive healthcare policies.
Methods
Studies published between 2014 and 2024 comparing outcomes for foreign-born migrant women and children (up to five years) with local-born populations were included. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses.
Findings
Fifty-one moderate- or high-quality studies (67,471,879 participants across 16 HICs) were included. Migrant women were more likely to be from minority ethnic groups, have lower educational and socioeconomic status, and be older and multiparous. Migrants had higher odds of emergency caesarean birth (OR=1.24, 95%CI=1.16–1.33), food insecurity (OR=2.49, 95%CI=1.24–5.96), perinatal depression/anxiety (OR=1.67, 95%CI=1.10–2.54), intimate partner violence (OR=2.20, 95%CI=1.31–3.72), and low Apgar scores (OR=1.37, 95%CI=1.19–1.56). Odds of low birth weight were slightly lower (OR=0.95, 95%CI=0.90–1.00). Associations persisted under restrictive healthcare policies. No significant differences were found in maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, preterm birth, fetal loss, neonatal intensive care use, or vaccination coverage. There is a notable lack of evidence on longer-term child health outcomes.
Interpretation
The “healthy migrant effect” may not apply during the perinatal period. Migrant women face significant health inequities, exacerbated by exclusionary policies. Further research, particularly into long-term child outcomes and in inclusive healthcare settings, is needed to inform equitable policy and practice.
{"title":"Maternal and early childhood health and social outcomes of migrants in high-income countries and the impact of policies that restrict access to healthcare; a systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Dr Hannah Rayment-Jones , Yahye Mohamud , Holly Lovell , Judith Rankin , Jane Sandall , Siofra Peeren , Mpho Dube , Nikel-Shaniece Hector-Jack , Zenab Barry , Cristina Fernandez Turienzo , Elsie Sowah , Tomasina Stacey , Maria Castaner , Maria Raisa Jessica Aquino , Andrew Jolly , Jacqueline Broadhead , Mel Haith-Cooper , Abigail Easter , Sam Burton","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100391","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100391","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The “healthy migrant effect” suggests migrants experience better health than local populations despite socioeconomic disadvantage. Its relevance to maternal and child health is uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined outcomes among migrant women and children in high-income countries (HICs), and the impact of restrictive healthcare policies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Studies published between 2014 and 2024 comparing outcomes for foreign-born migrant women and children (up to five years) with local-born populations were included. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Fifty-one moderate- or high-quality studies (67,471,879 participants across 16 HICs) were included. Migrant women were more likely to be from minority ethnic groups, have lower educational and socioeconomic status, and be older and multiparous. Migrants had higher odds of emergency caesarean birth (OR=1.24, 95%CI=1.16–1.33), food insecurity (OR=2.49, 95%CI=1.24–5.96), perinatal depression/anxiety (OR=1.67, 95%CI=1.10–2.54), intimate partner violence (OR=2.20, 95%CI=1.31–3.72), and low Apgar scores (OR=1.37, 95%CI=1.19–1.56). Odds of low birth weight were slightly lower (OR=0.95, 95%CI=0.90–1.00). Associations persisted under restrictive healthcare policies. No significant differences were found in maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, preterm birth, fetal loss, neonatal intensive care use, or vaccination coverage. There is a notable lack of evidence on longer-term child health outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><div>The “healthy migrant effect” may not apply during the perinatal period. Migrant women face significant health inequities, exacerbated by exclusionary policies. Further research, particularly into long-term child outcomes and in inclusive healthcare settings, is needed to inform equitable policy and practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100391"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100394
Kjærsti Thorsteinsen , Rebecca Nybru Gleditsch
Purpose
Refugees often experience significant health burdens that can impact their integration into the labor market. This study examines the prevalence of psychological and musculoskeletal health burdens among refugees while participating in the Norwegian Introduction Programme (NIP) and how these health burdens influence later labor marked integration.
Methods
Using longitudinal health registry data on 60,325 refugees who completed the NIP between 2005 and 2018, we analyzed how health burdens during the NIP affected their employment status in 2020.
Results
Indicate that 20.2% of refugees received a psychological diagnosis and 42.6% received a musculoskeletal diagnosis during program participation. Health burdens were associated with lower employment rates: refugees with a psychological diagnosis or a musculoskeletal diagnosis had lower odds of employment in 2020.
Conclusions
The findings highlight the substantial health challenges faced by refugees and their impact on labor market integration. Strengthening healthcare support and integrating health-promoting activities within the NIP may enhance refugees' ability to participate in the workforce and improve their economic outcomes. Addressing both mental and physical health burdens early in the integration process may support long-term employment and successful social integration among refugees.
{"title":"Barriers to employment: The impact of health burdens among refugees in the Norwegian introduction programme","authors":"Kjærsti Thorsteinsen , Rebecca Nybru Gleditsch","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100394","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100394","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Refugees often experience significant health burdens that can impact their integration into the labor market. This study examines the prevalence of psychological and musculoskeletal health burdens among refugees while participating in the Norwegian Introduction Programme (NIP) and how these health burdens influence later labor marked integration.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using longitudinal health registry data on 60,325 refugees who completed the NIP between 2005 and 2018, we analyzed how health burdens during the NIP affected their employment status in 2020.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Indicate that 20.2% of refugees received a psychological diagnosis and 42.6% received a musculoskeletal diagnosis during program participation. Health burdens were associated with lower employment rates: refugees with a psychological diagnosis or a musculoskeletal diagnosis had lower odds of employment in 2020.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The findings highlight the substantial health challenges faced by refugees and their impact on labor market integration. Strengthening healthcare support and integrating health-promoting activities within the NIP may enhance refugees' ability to participate in the workforce and improve their economic outcomes. Addressing both mental and physical health burdens early in the integration process may support long-term employment and successful social integration among refugees.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100394"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100389
Jeniffer Jeyason, Georgia B. Black
Refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants face significant structural and social barriers when accessing, or attempting to access, primary care delivered by the NHS in the United Kingdom. The aim of this research is to conduct a critical interpretive synthesis of primary research articles, identified via a systematic search of several online databases. This review approach was chosen in order to develop a new synthesis of the constructed identities and experiences of refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants, and contribute to a further understanding of the barriers and facilitators that these populations face in relation to primary care access. This research used an interdisciplinary framework, guided by Penchansky and Thomas’ theory of healthcare access, as well as Bhaba’s, Spivak’s and Berry’s post-colonial theories. Differences in social cues, the impact of the past, and the role of communities are examples of the various barriers and enablers that refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants face in relation to primary care in the UK. This analysis generated a new model, the Tangibility of Access, which theorises that recognising the tangibility of various identities and experiences can provide a deeper insight into persisting barriers of primary care access. These findings highlight the implications of assuming the nature of identities and experiences in research, and identifying how differences in the knowledge of these vulnerable groups between research and policymaking can lead to continued difficulties surrounding primary care access. Further interdisciplinary research is necessary to determine the causal effects of deterrents to approaching primary care, and provide insights into how the quality of primary care can be improved, especially concerning intangible identities and experiences. A holistic perspective is needed to challenge assumptions regarding the identities and experiences of refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants, which may prove harmful to help-seeking behaviour if not confronted.
{"title":"A critical interpretive synthesis of the constructed identities and experiences of refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants in relation to accessing primary care services in the UK","authors":"Jeniffer Jeyason, Georgia B. Black","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100389","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100389","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants face significant structural and social barriers when accessing, or attempting to access, primary care delivered by the NHS in the United Kingdom. The aim of this research is to conduct a critical interpretive synthesis of primary research articles, identified via a systematic search of several online databases. This review approach was chosen in order to develop a new synthesis of the constructed identities and experiences of refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants, and contribute to a further understanding of the barriers and facilitators that these populations face in relation to primary care access. This research used an interdisciplinary framework, guided by Penchansky and Thomas’ theory of healthcare access, as well as Bhaba’s, Spivak’s and Berry’s post-colonial theories. Differences in social cues, the impact of the past, and the role of communities are examples of the various barriers and enablers that refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants face in relation to primary care in the UK. This analysis generated a new model, the <em>Tangibility of Access</em>, which theorises that recognising the tangibility of various identities and experiences can provide a deeper insight into persisting barriers of primary care access. These findings highlight the implications of assuming the nature of identities and experiences in research, and identifying how differences in the knowledge of these vulnerable groups between research and policymaking can lead to continued difficulties surrounding primary care access. Further interdisciplinary research is necessary to determine the causal effects of deterrents to approaching primary care, and provide insights into how the quality of primary care can be improved, especially concerning intangible identities and experiences. A holistic perspective is needed to challenge assumptions regarding the identities and experiences of refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants, which may prove harmful to help-seeking behaviour if not confronted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100389"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100392
Narges GHOROUBI , Myriam KHLAT , Emilie COUNIL , the EpiCoV Study group
Objectives
COVID-19 disproportionately hit women, immigrants, ethno-racial minorities, and essential workers. This study examines disparities in SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity by gender and migration background in France (late 2020) and assesses how much essential worker status explains them.
Methods
We grouped 30,018 workers from the EpiCoV cohort into four categories defined by gender and migration background. Worker status included seven categories: non-essential workers; high- and low-class healthcare workers (HCWs), social and educational workers (SEWs), and other essential workers (OEWs). We assessed SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence across gender and migration-background groups. Non-linear decomposition analysis quantified the extent to which significant seropositivity differences were driven by unequal representation in essential occupations and varying infection risk within similar essential occupations.
Results
SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was lowest among men without a migration background, higher among women without a migration background, and highest among individuals with a migration background. Compared to men without a migration background, seropositivity was 1.6 percentage points higher among women without a migration background (43.7% attributed to overrepresentation among HCWs and 5.8% to greater risk within low-class HCWs), and 6.9 percentage points higher among women with a migration background (31.5% driven by their overrepresentation among HCWs and low-class SEWs, and 19.4% by stronger risks across low-class essential jobs). The 5.3-point seropositivity gap between women with and without a migration background was 33.4% attributable to stronger infection risks among low-class SEWs and low-class OEWs.
Conclusions
Women bore a double burden exacerbated by their migration background: overrepresentation in certain essential jobs and elevated COVID-19 risk within these occupations.
{"title":"Essential worker status, gender, and migration background disparities in COVID-19: An intersectional approach","authors":"Narges GHOROUBI , Myriam KHLAT , Emilie COUNIL , the EpiCoV Study group","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100392","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100392","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>COVID-19 disproportionately hit women, immigrants, ethno-racial minorities, and essential workers. This study examines disparities in SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity by gender and migration background in France (late 2020) and assesses how much essential worker status explains them.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We grouped 30,018 workers from the EpiCoV cohort into four categories defined by gender and migration background. Worker status included seven categories: non-essential workers; high- and low-class healthcare workers (HCWs), social and educational workers (SEWs), and other essential workers (OEWs). We assessed SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence across gender and migration-background groups. Non-linear decomposition analysis quantified the extent to which significant seropositivity differences were driven by unequal representation in essential occupations and varying infection risk within similar essential occupations.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was lowest among men without a migration background, higher among women without a migration background, and highest among individuals with a migration background. Compared to men without a migration background, seropositivity was 1.6 percentage points higher among women without a migration background (43.7% attributed to overrepresentation among HCWs and 5.8% to greater risk within low-class HCWs), and 6.9 percentage points higher among women with a migration background (31.5% driven by their overrepresentation among HCWs and low-class SEWs, and 19.4% by stronger risks across low-class essential jobs). The 5.3-point seropositivity gap between women with and without a migration background was 33.4% attributable to stronger infection risks among low-class SEWs and low-class OEWs.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Women bore a double burden exacerbated by their migration background: overrepresentation in certain essential jobs and elevated COVID-19 risk within these occupations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100392"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100393
H. Benjeddi , M.P. Gruppen , S.A. Post , A.D. Groenewegen , E.B.K. Egen , E. Samiotaki Logotheti , Z. Livaditou , W.P. Voskuijl , A.M. Tutu-van Furth , M. Boele van Hensbroek , A. Terzidis , M. van der Kuip
Introduction
The number of displaced people worldwide has reached an unprecedented 120 million, of whom 40% are children. There is limited knowledge about the health of children in refugee camps, particularly regarding their nutritional status. This study examines the nutritional status of 304 displaced children (0–18 years) in Closed Controlled Access Centre (CCAC) Mavrovouni, Lesvos, Greece.
Methods
An observational study was conducted between February and August 2023 at CCAC Mavrovouni. Data collection included demographics, dietary details, health and nutritional status. The primary outcome was the prevalence of wasting, stunting and overweight using World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. We also conducted subgroup analyses for unaccompanied minors (UAMs) separately. Secondary outcomes of our study included the role of breastfeeding and other factors that potentially affect nutritional status.
Results
The overall prevalence of stunting among minors in CCAC at baseline was 11%. 10% of children under five were wasted. Of all children, 5% underweight and 13% were overweight. Nutritional status does not change during their stay in the camp: wasting (improvement in Z-score by 0.2, 95% CI -0.5–0.1), stunting (decrease in Z-score by 0.07, 95% CI -0.2–0.3). There was a significantly higher prevalence of stunting in the UAM sub-group (31%, p < 0.01). No association was found between breastfeeding and weight-for-height Z-scores under two years old (Z-score difference of 1.3, p = 1.18), but there was in the larger age group up to five (Z-score difference of 0.82, p < 0.01).
Conclusions
Our results show that poor nutritional status is prevalent amongst displaced children on Lesvos, highlighting their vulnerability. Our results underline the compromised health and vulnerability of UAMs, with nearly one third of this group being stunted.. The unexpected prevalence of overweight highlights complex nutritional challenges.
全世界流离失所者的数量已达到前所未有的1.2亿，其中40%是儿童。人们对难民营儿童的健康，特别是营养状况的了解有限。本研究调查了希腊莱斯沃斯马夫罗沃尼封闭控制通道中心（CCAC） 304名流离失所儿童（0-18岁）的营养状况。方法于2023年2月至8月在马夫罗沃尼CCAC进行观察性研究。数据收集包括人口统计、饮食细节、健康和营养状况。根据世界卫生组织（WHO）的标准，主要结局是消瘦、发育迟缓和超重的发生率。我们还分别对无人陪伴的未成年人（UAMs）进行了亚组分析。我们研究的次要结果包括母乳喂养的作用和其他可能影响营养状况的因素。结果基线时CCAC未成年人发育迟缓总体发生率为11%。五岁以下儿童中有10%被浪费。在所有儿童中，5%体重过轻，13%超重。他们的营养状况在营地逗留期间没有改变：消瘦（z -评分改善0.2,95% CI -0.5-0.1），发育迟缓（z -评分降低0.07,95% CI -0.2-0.3）。UAM亚组发育迟缓发生率显著高于对照组（31%,p < 0.01）。2岁以下儿童母乳喂养与身高体重比值Z-score无相关性（Z-score差值为1.3,p = 1.18），但5岁以下儿童母乳喂养与身高体重比值Z-score有相关性（Z-score差值为0.82,p < 0.01）。结论研究结果显示，莱斯沃斯岛流离失所儿童普遍营养状况不佳，凸显了他们的脆弱性。我们的研究结果强调了UAMs的健康状况和脆弱性，近三分之一的这一群体发育迟缓。超重的意外流行凸显了复杂的营养挑战。
{"title":"Nutritional status of displaced children including unaccompanied minors on Lesvos, Greece","authors":"H. Benjeddi , M.P. Gruppen , S.A. Post , A.D. Groenewegen , E.B.K. Egen , E. Samiotaki Logotheti , Z. Livaditou , W.P. Voskuijl , A.M. Tutu-van Furth , M. Boele van Hensbroek , A. Terzidis , M. van der Kuip","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100393","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100393","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The number of displaced people worldwide has reached an unprecedented 120 million, of whom 40% are children. There is limited knowledge about the health of children in refugee camps, particularly regarding their nutritional status. This study examines the nutritional status of 304 displaced children (0–18 years) in Closed Controlled Access Centre (CCAC) Mavrovouni, Lesvos, Greece.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An observational study was conducted between February and August 2023 at CCAC Mavrovouni. Data collection included demographics, dietary details, health and nutritional status. The primary outcome was the prevalence of wasting, stunting and overweight using World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. We also conducted subgroup analyses for unaccompanied minors (UAMs) separately. Secondary outcomes of our study included the role of breastfeeding and other factors that potentially affect nutritional status.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The overall prevalence of stunting among minors in CCAC at baseline was 11%. 10% of children under five were wasted. Of all children, 5% underweight and 13% were overweight. Nutritional status does not change during their stay in the camp: wasting (improvement in Z-score by 0.2, 95% CI -0.5–0.1), stunting (decrease in Z-score by 0.07, 95% CI -0.2–0.3). There was a significantly higher prevalence of stunting in the UAM sub-group (31%, <em>p</em> < 0.01). No association was found between breastfeeding and weight-for-height Z-scores under two years old (Z-score difference of 1.3, <em>p</em> = 1.18), but there was in the larger age group up to five (Z-score difference of 0.82, <em>p</em> < 0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our results show that poor nutritional status is prevalent amongst displaced children on Lesvos, highlighting their vulnerability. Our results underline the compromised health and vulnerability of UAMs, with nearly one third of this group being stunted.. The unexpected prevalence of overweight highlights complex nutritional challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100393"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100387
Waseem Haider , Laura Salonen , Elina Kilpi-Jakonen
Objective
The earnings gap between migrants and natives is well-documented, but the extent to which health shocks contribute to this gap remains unclear. We estimated the impact of a health shock on long-term earnings for both natives and migrants from different regions of origin.
Methods
Using high-quality full-population register data, we followed all residents aged 25 to 58 years in 2011, who were employed and did not experience a health shock between 2011 and 2012. A health shock was defined as the unanticipated hospitalization in 2013–14. Annual earnings were followed from 2011 to 2018. Using an event-study approach, we estimated the average treatment effects on the treated using dynamic difference-in-differences models stratified by gender and region of origin.
Results
Health shocks led to substantial and persistent earnings losses. On average, the health shock reduced earnings levels by 7.4 % for natives and 13.5 % for migrants compared to their pre-shock earnings levels. Among migrants, significant declines were observed in earnings among those from European & Western, Russia and the former Soviet Union, as well as from ‘other’ region of origin. By gender, the earnings penalty due to health shocks was greater for migrant men (17.7 %), 1.5 times that of their female counterparts (8.6 %).
Conclusions
The overall migrant–native difference of about six percentage points was small. Even if the average earnings penalty of a health shock is similar across groups, health shocks could still contribute to migrant–native disparities if migrants are more likely to experience such shocks initially.
{"title":"Health shocks and earnings trajectories: A comparative study of migrants and natives in Finland","authors":"Waseem Haider , Laura Salonen , Elina Kilpi-Jakonen","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100387","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100387","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The earnings gap between migrants and natives is well-documented, but the extent to which health shocks contribute to this gap remains unclear. We estimated the impact of a health shock on long-term earnings for both natives and migrants from different regions of origin.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using high-quality full-population register data, we followed all residents aged 25 to 58 years in 2011, who were employed and did not experience a health shock between 2011 and 2012. A health shock was defined as the unanticipated hospitalization in 2013–14. Annual earnings were followed from 2011 to 2018. Using an event-study approach, we estimated the average treatment effects on the treated using dynamic difference-in-differences models stratified by gender and region of origin.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Health shocks led to substantial and persistent earnings losses. On average, the health shock reduced earnings levels by 7.4 % for natives and 13.5 % for migrants compared to their pre-shock earnings levels. Among migrants, significant declines were observed in earnings among those from European & Western, Russia and the former Soviet Union, as well as from ‘other’ region of origin. By gender, the earnings penalty due to health shocks was greater for migrant men (17.7 %), 1.5 times that of their female counterparts (8.6 %).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The overall migrant–native difference of about six percentage points was small. Even if the average earnings penalty of a health shock is similar across groups, health shocks could still contribute to migrant–native disparities if migrants are more likely to experience such shocks initially.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100387"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939293","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Knowledge about the perinatal and reproductive health of international migrants remains limited due to their marginalization in health and social-epidemiological research. We address this gap by analysing the prevalence of self-reported infertility among three migrant generations, migrants from different regions of origin, and comparing it to the majority of third-generation plus in Australia. We examine whether infertility risk differs across these groups and to what extent socio-demographic characteristics account for observed differences. The analysis draws on pooled data from the 2011, 2015, and 2019 waves of the Household, Income, and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, the waves in which self-reported infertility was assessed. Average prevalence of current infertility is 11.8% among women and 7.5% among men. Multivariable findings from this study align with the healthy migrant hypothesis, which suggests that migrants tend to have a health advantage over the majority population at destination which is driven by selection into migration. Australia’s immigration policy contributes to such selection effects as it favours immigration of skilled and healthy individuals, who likely have a lower risk of infertility. The health advantage of the migrant generations 1 and 1.5 occurs for all origin groups except for migrants from English-speaking countries. This advantage diminishes for the second generation. In light of the high levels of self-reported infertility in this study, results suggest that Australia’s reproductive health policies need to address the specific needs of Australia’s increasingly diverse population.
{"title":"Generational changes in self-reported infertility among migrants in Australia","authors":"Jasmin Passet-Wittig , Ester Lazzari , Nadja Milewski","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100385","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100385","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Knowledge about the perinatal and reproductive health of international migrants remains limited due to their marginalization in health and social-epidemiological research. We address this gap by analysing the prevalence of self-reported infertility among three migrant generations, migrants from different regions of origin, and comparing it to the majority of third-generation plus in Australia. We examine whether infertility risk differs across these groups and to what extent socio-demographic characteristics account for observed differences. The analysis draws on pooled data from the 2011, 2015, and 2019 waves of the Household, Income, and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, the waves in which self-reported infertility was assessed. Average prevalence of current infertility is 11.8% among women and 7.5% among men. Multivariable findings from this study align with the healthy migrant hypothesis, which suggests that migrants tend to have a health advantage over the majority population at destination which is driven by selection into migration. Australia’s immigration policy contributes to such selection effects as it favours immigration of skilled and healthy individuals, who likely have a lower risk of infertility. The health advantage of the migrant generations 1 and 1.5 occurs for all origin groups except for migrants from English-speaking countries. This advantage diminishes for the second generation. In light of the high levels of self-reported infertility in this study, results suggest that Australia’s reproductive health policies need to address the specific needs of Australia’s increasingly diverse population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100385"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2026.100397
Heiko Becher , Nadia Obi , Tilman Brand , Hermann Brenner , Laura Buschmann , Renée T. Fortner , Karin Halina Greiser , Volker Harth , Wolfgang Hoffmann , André Karch , Thomas Keil , Alexander Kluttig , Lilian Krist , Michael Leitzmann , Andy Maun , Rafael Mikolajczyk , Katharina Nimptsch , Tobias Pischon , Sabine Schipf , Börge Schmidt , Christian Wiessner
Background
For early detection of breast cancer, clinical palpation of the breast is offered yearly to all women aged 30 and older, and the German Mammography Screening Programme (MSP) offers biennial mammograms to all women aged 50 to 75 years. We investigated the utilization of both screening methods across various migrant groups in Germany, as well as the effect of German language proficiency.
Methods
Cross-sectional data on participation frequencies from the baseline examination (2014 to 2019) of more than 100,000 women of the German National Cohort study (NAKO) were analysed by migrant status. Adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted for palpation and MSP to compare screening uptake among six migrant groups, and non-migrant population.
Results
Palpation of the breast was less frequently utilized in all migrant groups with odds ratios ranging from 0.5 (95% CI 0.4–0.6) for Turkish women to 0.9 for women from western countries (95% CI 0.7–1.1) compared to autochthone Germans. Lower German language proficiency further decreases its use. In contrast, odds ratios for MSP participation did not differ substantially compared to Germans ranging from 0.8 to 1.2. German language proficiency had little effect on MSP participation.
Discussion
In contrast to earlier studies, our findings suggest that MSP participation and motivation does not significantly differ by migration status or language skills. This may indicate that information on MSP is broadly accessible through established invitation procedures in Germany. However, lower uptake of breast palpation by a physician in some migrant populations highlights potential gaps in broader preventive care engagement.
背景：为了早期发现乳腺癌，所有30岁及以上的妇女每年都要进行乳房临床触诊，德国乳房x光检查计划（MSP）为所有50至75岁的妇女提供两年一次的乳房x光检查。我们调查了两种筛查方法在德国不同移民群体中的使用情况，以及德语熟练程度的影响。方法根据移民身份分析德国国家队列研究（NAKO）中10万多名女性基线检查（2014年至2019年）参与频率的横断面数据。对触诊和MSP进行调整后的logistic回归分析，比较6个移民群体和非移民群体的筛查情况。结果与本土德国人相比，所有移民群体中乳房穿刺的使用频率较低，土耳其妇女的优势比为0.5 (95% CI 0.4-0.6)，西方国家妇女的优势比为0.9 （95% CI 0.7-1.1）。较低的德语水平进一步减少了它的使用。相比之下，与德国人相比，参加MSP的优势比没有太大差异，在0.8到1.2之间。德语熟练程度对MSP参与影响不大。与早期的研究相反，我们的研究结果表明，MSP的参与和动机并没有因移民身份或语言技能而显著差异。这可能表明，通过德国既定的邀请程序，可以广泛获取有关MSP的信息。然而，在一些流动人口中，医生对乳房触诊的接受程度较低，这凸显了在更广泛的预防保健参与方面的潜在差距。
{"title":"Participation behaviour of different migrant groups in breast cancer screening – palpation of the breast and mammography. Results from the German national cohort (NAKO)","authors":"Heiko Becher , Nadia Obi , Tilman Brand , Hermann Brenner , Laura Buschmann , Renée T. Fortner , Karin Halina Greiser , Volker Harth , Wolfgang Hoffmann , André Karch , Thomas Keil , Alexander Kluttig , Lilian Krist , Michael Leitzmann , Andy Maun , Rafael Mikolajczyk , Katharina Nimptsch , Tobias Pischon , Sabine Schipf , Börge Schmidt , Christian Wiessner","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2026.100397","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2026.100397","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>For early detection of breast cancer, clinical palpation of the breast is offered yearly to all women aged 30 and older, and the German Mammography Screening Programme (MSP) offers biennial mammograms to all women aged 50 to 75 years. We investigated the utilization of both screening methods across various migrant groups in Germany, as well as the effect of German language proficiency.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Cross-sectional data on participation frequencies from the baseline examination (2014 to 2019) of more than 100,000 women of the German National Cohort study (NAKO) were analysed by migrant status. Adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted for palpation and MSP to compare screening uptake among six migrant groups, and non-migrant population.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Palpation of the breast was less frequently utilized in all migrant groups with odds ratios ranging from 0.5 (95% CI 0.4–0.6) for Turkish women to 0.9 for women from western countries (95% CI 0.7–1.1) compared to autochthone Germans. Lower German language proficiency further decreases its use. In contrast, odds ratios for MSP participation did not differ substantially compared to Germans ranging from 0.8 to 1.2. German language proficiency had little effect on MSP participation.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>In contrast to earlier studies, our findings suggest that MSP participation and motivation does not significantly differ by migration status or language skills. This may indicate that information on MSP is broadly accessible through established invitation procedures in Germany. However, lower uptake of breast palpation by a physician in some migrant populations highlights potential gaps in broader preventive care engagement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100397"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100388
Ludovica Alesci , Igor Francetic
Introduction:
Differences in Emergency Department (ED) utilization between immigrant and native populations may reflect inequalities in health status and access to care. This study compares ED use between Swiss natives and first- and second-generation immigrants in Switzerland.
Methods:
We used pooled data from the Swiss Health Survey 2017 and 2022 (N = 16,183). Logistic regression models were estimated and reported as average marginal effects (AMEs). Models were progressively adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, health status, health behaviors, and healthcare-use variables.
Results:
In unadjusted models, first-generation immigrants showed a higher probability of ED use (AME = 0.025, SE = 0.004, ; 95% CI: 0.017–0.033), but this association disappeared after adjusting for health status (AME = 0.007, SE = 0.006, p = 0.25). For second-generation immigrants, the association remained significant after adjustments (Main model: AME = 0.030, SE = 0.010, p = 0.01; 95% CI: 0.011–0.049) and slightly attenuated when accounting for healthcare-use patterns (AME = 0.022, SE = 0.011, p = 0.06; 95% CI: 0.000–0.042). An alternative analysis based on Oaxaca–Blinder decompositions confirmed that differences between Swiss natives and first-generation immigrants are mainly explained by health status, whereas differences with second-generation immigrants remain largely unexplained.
Conclusions:
First-generation immigrants do not differ from Swiss natives in ED use once differences in health status are taken into account. Second-generation immigrants (particularly women and individuals from Eastern and South-Eastern Europe) exhibit a persistently higher probability of ED use, partly explained by higher engagement with other healthcare services. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve equitable access and continuity of care among immigrant populations.
简介：移民和本地人口在急诊科（ED）使用率上的差异可能反映了健康状况和获得护理的不平等。本研究比较了瑞士本地人和第一代和第二代移民在瑞士的ED使用情况。方法：我们使用2017年和2022年瑞士健康调查的汇总数据（N = 16,183）。逻辑回归模型估计并报告为平均边际效应（AMEs）。根据社会人口特征、健康状况、健康行为和医疗保健使用变量逐步调整模型。结果：在未调整的模型中，第一代移民使用ED的概率更高（AME = 0.025, SE = 0.004, p<0.001; 95% CI: 0.017-0.033），但在调整健康状况后，这种关联消失（AME = 0.007, SE = 0.006, p = 0.25）。对于第二代移民，调整后的相关性仍然显著（主要模型：AME = 0.030, SE = 0.010, p = 0.01; 95% CI: 0.011 - 0.049），考虑到医疗保健使用模式时，相关性略有减弱（AME = 0.022, SE = 0.011, p = 0.06; 95% CI: 0.000-0.042）。另一项基于瓦哈卡-布林德分解的分析证实，瑞士本地人与第一代移民之间的差异主要由健康状况来解释，而与第二代移民之间的差异在很大程度上仍无法解释。结论：一旦考虑到健康状况的差异，第一代移民与瑞士本地人在使用ED方面没有差异。第二代移民（特别是来自东欧和东南欧的女性和个人）使用ED的可能性持续较高，部分原因是与其他医疗保健服务的接触较多。这些发现突出表明，有必要采取有针对性的干预措施，以改善移民人口的公平获取和护理的连续性。
{"title":"Emergency Department utilization in Switzerland: Comparing Swiss natives with first- and second-generation immigrants","authors":"Ludovica Alesci , Igor Francetic","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100388","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100388","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction:</h3><div>Differences in Emergency Department (ED) utilization between immigrant and native populations may reflect inequalities in health status and access to care. This study compares ED use between Swiss natives and first- and second-generation immigrants in Switzerland.</div></div><div><h3>Methods:</h3><div>We used pooled data from the Swiss Health Survey 2017 and 2022 (N = 16,183). Logistic regression models were estimated and reported as average marginal effects (AMEs). Models were progressively adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, health status, health behaviors, and healthcare-use variables.</div></div><div><h3>Results:</h3><div>In unadjusted models, first-generation immigrants showed a higher probability of ED use (AME = 0.025, SE = 0.004, <span><math><mrow><mi>p</mi><mo><</mo><mn>0</mn><mo>.</mo><mn>001</mn></mrow></math></span>; 95% CI: 0.017–0.033), but this association disappeared after adjusting for health status (AME = 0.007, SE = 0.006, p = 0.25). For second-generation immigrants, the association remained significant after adjustments (Main model: AME = 0.030, SE = 0.010, p = 0.01; 95% CI: 0.011–0.049) and slightly attenuated when accounting for healthcare-use patterns (AME = 0.022, SE = 0.011, p = 0.06; 95% CI: 0.000–0.042). An alternative analysis based on Oaxaca–Blinder decompositions confirmed that differences between Swiss natives and first-generation immigrants are mainly explained by health status, whereas differences with second-generation immigrants remain largely unexplained.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions:</h3><div>First-generation immigrants do not differ from Swiss natives in ED use once differences in health status are taken into account. Second-generation immigrants (particularly women and individuals from Eastern and South-Eastern Europe) exhibit a persistently higher probability of ED use, partly explained by higher engagement with other healthcare services. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve equitable access and continuity of care among immigrant populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100388"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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