Abstract
In Chile, the migrant population has increased in the last years. Migrants adopt behaviors of this new culture, which can have an effect on their health. Contradictory results regarding differences between migrant and native children have been reported. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between nationality with health indicator and lifestyle habits among schoolchildren in Chile. A cross-sectional and observational study with a non-probabilistic sample was conducted in 1033 children (86.4% Chilean and 13.6% migrant) from second to fourth grade of seven public schools from low-income municipalities from the Metropolitan Region, Chile. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist circumference, triceps and subscapular folds), handgrip strength, and standing long jump measurements, physical activity, self-esteem and food guidelines accomplishments were determined. Migrant children presented lower body mass index (BMI), Z-BMI, body fat% and waist circumference values; and higher handgrip strength, standing long jump, and more satisfactory compliance with food guidelines than natives (p < 0.05). No significant difference for physical activity and self-esteem was observed. In the adjusted models, migrants presented lower odds for overweight/obesity, risk of abdominal obesity, low handgrip strength and unsatisfactory food guidelines accomplishment in all models (p < 0.05). The nutritional and muscular fitness of migrant children was better than that of the Chilean ones.
Highlights
Migration refers to the movement of people from one territory to another, temporarily or permanently, to usually settle to live [1]
This is a secondary analysis within the framework of a cross-sectional observational study called “Development, scaling up and validation of an integrated system of interventions in schoolchildren in nutrition, physical activity and community environment”
Considering the total number of migrant children, 39.3% came from Haiti; 22.1%, from
Summary
Migration refers to the movement of people from one territory to another, temporarily or permanently, to usually settle to live [1]. Among the factors that affect health are the changes in habits and behaviors that are required to adapt to a new culture and assimilate the new context [3]. In countries with a longer history of immigration, it has been reported that being a migrant is associated with worse eating habits, a higher risk of overweight and chronic diseases [5,6]. This can have adverse effects on current and future health, especially in children.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
