1st Generation Immigrants Research Articles

Differences in codeswitching patterns between immigrant and heritage speakers of US American Danish

This paper addresses intrasentential code-switching in US American Danish spoken by 1st generation immigrants from Denmark, who migrated to the US around 1900 as part as the transatlantic European mass emigration and their descendants (2nd and 3rd generation). The analysis is based on the Corpus of American Danish, specifically a dataset of 173 speakers producing 46 hours of speech. In this dataset, we observe significantly different patterns of intrasentential code-switching in the speech of the immigrant speakers (1st generation) and US-born heritage speakers (2nd and 3rd generation): The code-switching patterns of the heritage speakers show a preference for English lexemes that are integrated morphologically into Danish or which are part of Danish-English bilingual compounds. In contrast, the immigrant speakers prefer non-integrated English words for code-switching. This result taken per se shows that code-switching patterns show variation across generations just as other linguistic variables. Taking the result further, we have connected it to a previous study of representations of linguistic proficiency in immigrant Danish in the Americas. By this, we are able to show that the morphologically or lexically integrated code-switching of the heritage speakers correlate with features representing fluent speech, while the non-integrated code-switching of the immigrant speakers rather seems to correlate with features showing a low activation of Danish in a situation of language shift. Thus, the heritage speakers seem to have developed a way of speaking US American Danish where English word stems are an integrated part of speaking fluently and lexically varied.

Do immigrants support environmentalism? – Immigrants’ environmental socialization in the United States

As globalisation continues, heated debates over immigrants’ environmental behaviours in the U.S. have been prominent in recent years. While research has generally focused on the association between political affiliation and pro-environmental values, only a few studies have specifically explored immigrants’ pro-environmental values in the U.S. Utilizing a pooled dataset spanning 3 years (2017, 2020, and 2022) from the Cooperative Election Study and employing a multilevel model, we empirically tested three hypotheses regarding immigrants’ pro-environmental attitudes: the globalization hypothesis, the prosperity hypothesis, and the political socialization hypothesis. Our results supported all three hypotheses. On average, immigrants exhibited higher environmental scores than the native-born population. In addition, we identified generational differences, with the 1st generation immigrants showing the highest environmental scores, while the 2nd generation immigrants fell between the 1st generation and the native-born. Compared to the native-born population, party affiliation played a smaller role in immigrants’ formation of pro-environmental values. Democratic immigrants tended to be less pro-environment than democratic locals, while Republican immigrants were more pro-environment than Republican locals.

Benefits and Challenges of Adolescents’ Participation in Organized Activities for Mexican-origin Families

In our study, we aimed to qualitatively understand Mexican-origin parents’ perceptions of how adolescents’ participation in organized activities can contribute to benefits and challenges for families and examine whether these benefits and challenges varied depending on the parents’ level of enculturation to Mexican culture. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 34 Mexican-origin parents (mean age = 39.45; 47% 1st generation immigrants, 26% 1.5 generation, and 26% 2nd generation). Inductive and deductive approaches were used in multiple iterative stages of coding to determine the final themes. A cross-case analysis was conducted to compare parents’ responses based on their enculturation to Mexican culture. Parents perceived that the benefits of adolescents’ participation in organized activities were protection, family bonding, transfer of skills, and reinforcement of family ethnic culture. The challenges parents reported were exposure to unsafe situations, constraints on family resources, and family conflict. Parents with a higher enculturation to Mexican culture, more frequently reported family bonding and reinforcement of family ethnic culture as a benefit and family conflict as a challenge of activities compared to parents with a lower enculturation. Findings from our study have implications to help organized activities be culturally responsive to the Mexican-origin families and adolescents they serve.

Results Of A Home-based, Promotora-led Pilot Physical Activity Intervention With Latino Preschoolers And Their Mothers

Purpose: Latino children have higher rates of childhood obesity compared to preschool-aged children of other race/ethnicity groups. Community health workers (promotores) have been effective in improving health knowledge and behaviors in Latino adults. Few studies, however, have reported on the effectiveness of promotor-led interventions on physical activity (PA) changes in young Latino children and their parents. This study investigated the preliminary effectiveness of a 7-week, home-based, promotora-led pilot intervention with Latino preschool children and their families. Methods: One Spanish-speaking adult Latina trained as a promotora, recruited Latino families in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania via word-of-mouth and flyers. Families participated in a 7-week, theory-based PA program led by the promotora in their homes. Baseline and follow-up measures included child and parent objectively-measured PA (ActiGraph GT3X) and a parent survey. T-tests and Fisher’s Exact tests were completed in StataSE 17 to assess change in time spent in total PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and parental support and self-efficacy. Results: The sample included 8 mothers (37.4 ± 1.42 years, 100% female) and 8 children (4 ± 0.27 years, 87.5% female). The mothers were 1st generation immigrants primarily from Mexico with low acculturation, 62.5% college education and 62.5% employed. Child total PA did not change significantly (baseline: 21.8 ± 2.2 min/hr, follow-up: 23.9 ± 1.4 min/hr, p = 0.90), nor did MVPA (baseline: 6.1 ± 1.06 min/hr, follow-up: 6.5 ± 0.77 min/hr, p = 0.65). Similarly, parent total PA and MVPA did not change significantly (total PA baseline: 25.4 ± 2.1 min/hr, follow-up: 26.6 ± 2.1 min/hr, p = 0.85; MVPA baseline: 1.6 ± 0.46 min/hr, follow-up: 1.4 ± 0.33 min/hr, p = 0.27). While not significant, a greater proportion of parents reported support for child PA and self-efficacy from baseline to follow-up. Conclusions: While there were no statistically significant PA changes following the 7-week pilot intervention, there was evidence of changes to the home social environment to promote healthy PA. Future research with larger, appropriately powered sample sizes are necessary to continue investigating the effectiveness of a promotora-led home-based intervention with Latino preschoolers and their families.

P08-17 Physical activity according to migration status in adolescents living in French-speaking Belgium

BackgroundRising levels of childhood obesity is a worldwide concern, with physical inactivity considered to be amongst the many contributors. Worryingly, physical activity (PA) tends to decline throughout adolescence. Although there is extensive research on the sociodemographic disparities of adolescent PA participation, less evidence is available on the potential involvement of immigration status in such disparities. The aim of this study was to investigate PA levels according to migration status among adolescents aged 12-20 years in Belgium.MethodsThis study used the data from the cross-sectional 2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey in French-speaking Belgian schools (Brussels and Wallonia). A two-stage random sample was used to select participants. Data was collected using self-administrated questionnaires. Adolescents aged 12 to 20 were included in the analyses presented here (n = 8635, boys: n = 4179, girls: n = 4456). The association of global PA (GPA) and vigorous PA (VPA) with migration status (natives, 2nd and 1st-generation immigrants) was analysed using multiple binary logistic regression analyses. Interactions with gender were tested.ResultsThe prevalence of adolescents undertaking sufficient GPA (moderate to vigorous PA 60 minutes/day and VPA ≥3 times/week) was higher amongst 1st-generation immigrants (11.7%) compared to 2nd-generation immigrants (7.4%) and natives (8.9%) (p = 0.01). Vigorous PA ≥ 3 times/week was significantly more prevalent amongst natives (52.6%) than 2nd (44.9%) and 1st (48.8%) generation immigrants. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, compared to natives, 2nd-generation immigrants were less likely to participate in sufficient GPA (aOR= 0.83, 95%CI: 0.69-1.00) and VPA (aOR= 0.77, 95%CI: 0.68-0.87). Conversely, 1st-generation immigrants were more likely to be sufficiently active compared to natives (GPA: aOR= 1.44, 95%CI: 1.03-2.01). An interaction between migration status and gender was found for VPA only (p > 0.001). Compared to natives, 1st-generation immigrant boys were more likely (aOR=1.42, 95%CI: 1.15-1.75) and immigrant girls were less likely to undertake VPA ≥3 times/week (2nd-generation: aOR= 0.66, 95%CI: 0.56-0.78; 1st-generation: aOR=0.72, 95%CI: 0.57-0.90).ConclusionsThis study shows disparities in PA participation according to migration status and gender, independently of sociodemographic characteristics, for adolescents living in French-speaking Belgium. These findings will enable to inform future public health initiatives promoting PA in adolescents on migration and gender-specific considerations.

Advancing our understanding of immigrants’ trust in police: the role of ethnicity, immigrant generational status and measurement

ABSTRACT Studies of immigrant populations point to numerous immigrant-specific factors that may explain their level of trust in police. Yet research on immigrants’ trust in police remains sparse, and available studies present contradictory findings. Some studies find that immigrants are more trusting of police than non-immigrants, while other studies find immigrants are less trusting of police. We argue that these contradictions can be explained by three factors: (1) how trust is measured; (2) immigrants’ ethnic group (e.g. minority vs non-minority); and (3) immigrants’ generational status (i.e. 1st vs. 2nd generation immigrant). To address these contradictions, we draw on survey data from 903 immigrants living in Sydney, Australia. We examine the relationship between ethnicity, immigrant generational status and various measures of trust in police. We find when trust is measured as an overarching orientation, minority immigrants tend to distrust police more than non-minority immigrants, and that 2nd generation immigrants are more distrusting than 1st generation immigrants. However, these findings vary when measuring trust multi-dimensionally and when accounting for the interaction between ethnicity and generational status. Implications for immigrant research and police practice are discussed.

The health of immigrant children: a cohort study in the Metropolitan area of Lisbon - Portugal

Abstract Background Studies in Europe show immigrant children to be more vulnerable to health problems. Portugal has a gap in knowledge about the health of immigrant children. The objective of this paper is to present results on a cohort study for health trajectories of immigrant children in the Amadora Municipality which has one of the highest numbers of immigrants in Portugal. We will analyse health profile characteristics of immigrant and native children and their utilisation of health services. Methods Prospective cohort study in Amadora health units (questionnaires and patient registers data). Participants: 420 native and immigrant children born in 2015 registered in Amadora Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC); recruitment from June 2019 to March 2020. Main outcomes: psychomotor development (Mary Sheridan); emotional and behavioural problems (SDQ); BMI; vaccination; Results From the 420 children recruited, 48,3% were immigrant mostly from Brazil and Portuguese speaking African countries, 41 children were born outside the EU (1st generation). From the 126 children who had no routine medical examination at the age of 4, 59% were immigrant. Almost all immigrant children had vaccinations up to date (90%). Around 70% of native and 60% of immigrant children achieved all parameters in Mary Sheridan's test (p = 0.09). Overweight was found in 28% of native and 22% of immigrant children (p = 0.2). Median SDQ score for externalizing behaviours is different for 1st generation immigrants suggesting higher behaviour problems for this group of children (p = 0,003). Conclusions Most differences in overall outcomes occur between 1st generation immigrant and other children; immigrants showed significantly higher emotional and behaviour problems. Early identification of above difficulties and higher utilisation of routine health examinations should be a priority. Key messages 1st generation immigrant children appear more at risk for emotional and behaviour difficulties. Early identification of above difficulties and higher utilisation of routine health examinations should be a priority.

The association between recalled parental rearing behavior and depressiveness: a comparison between 1st immigrants and non-immigrants in the population-based Gutenberg Health Study

BackgroundStudies in immigrant youth have suggested differences in parenting patterns by immigration status. Knowledge of variation in recalled parenting pattern and its distinctive impact on mental health in adult immigrants, however, is limited. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to investigate similarities and differences in recalled maternal and paternal rearing behavior and its association with depressiveness in adult 1st generation immigrants compared to non-immigrants.MethodsSeven hundred and forty-three 1st generation immigrants (M = 57.4, SD = 10.1 years) and 6518 non-immigrants (M = 60.3, SD = 10.7 years) participated in a population-based study. Regarding countries of origin, the largest subgroups were immigrants from Eastern-Europe, Former-SU, and Arabic-Islamic countries. All participants completed the ultra-short version of The Recalled Parental Rearing Behavior-questionnaire and the PHQ-9 assessing depressiveness. Multiple linear regressions with depressiveness as outcome variable were analyzed separately for each facet of parental rearing behavior adjusting for socio-demographic and migration-related variables.ResultsIn addition to differences in depressiveness and socioeconomic status, 1st generation immigrants recalled both their mothers and fathers as more controlling and overprotecting than non-immigrants. Parental emotional warmth was negatively associated with depressiveness across all groups. The relationship between parental control, respectively parental rejection and depressiveness, however, varied in direction and severity between the groups.ConclusionThe results support the notion that parental warmth is a universal protective factor against depressiveness, whereas the impact of parental control on mental health might be more culturally influenced. Analyses point to the importance of considering the unique contribution of fathers’ rearing behavior on mental health, particularly in immigrant samples.

Effects of Country of Origin and Wave of Immigration on Prevalence of Schizophrenia Among First and Second-Generation Immigrants: A 30-Year Retrospective Study

Abstract Objectives To compare the rates of schizophrenia among 1st and 2nd generation immigrants from two distinct backgrounds and across sequential periods of immigration. Methods A 30-years retrospective cohort study (187,184 individuals) of 1st and 2nd generation East-African immigrants (EAIs) and former Soviet-Union immigrants (FSUIs) who migrated to Israel between 1980 and 2012. EAIs were further divided according to waves of immigration. Period prevalence was calculated between the years 2002–2012. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association between immigration-related factors and prevalence of schizophrenia (Native-Born Israelis serving as reference group). Results The prevalence of schizophrenia in 1st generation EAIs and FSUIs was 1.8% and 1.2%, respectively, compared to 1.0% among NBIs (p Conclusions The increased risk for developing schizophrenia among 2nd generation immigrants and among pioneer groups of immigrants emphasizes the importance of persistent investment in acculturation. Further studies elucidating the impact of country of origin and ethnic density on the risk for developing schizophrenia are warranted.

Effects of country of origin and wave of immigration on prevalence of schizophrenia among first and second-generation immigrants: A 30-year retrospective study

ObjectivesTo compare the rates of schizophrenia among 1st and 2nd generation immigrants from two distinct backgrounds and across sequential periods of immigration. MethodsA 30-years retrospective cohort study (187,184 individuals) of 1st and 2nd generation East-African immigrants (EAIs) and former Soviet-Union immigrants (FSUIs) who migrated to Israel between 1980 and 2012. EAIs were further divided according to waves of immigration. Period prevalence was calculated between the years 2002–2012. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association between immigration-related factors and prevalence of schizophrenia (Native-Born Israelis serving as reference group). ResultsThe prevalence of schizophrenia in 1st generation EAIs and FSUIs was 1.8% and 1.2%, respectively, compared to 1.0% among NBIs (p<0.001). The prevalence of schizophrenia among 2nd generation EAIs and FSUIs was 1.3% and 0.8%, respectively, compared to 0.6% among NBIs (p<0.001). Adjusted odds ratios for developing schizophrenia compared to NBIs were 1.6 (95%CI:1.4–1.8) and 2.1 (95%CI:1.6–2.7), among 1st and 2nd generation EAIs and 1.1 (95%CI:0.9–1.2) and 1.3 (95%CI:1.0–1.8) among 1st and 2nd generation FSUIs respectively. Among EAIs, we observed the highest rate of schizophrenia in the pioneer wave of immigrants with gradual decline across subsequent waves: 2.4%, 1.9% and 1.0% for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd waves of immigration, respectively (p<0.001). ConclusionsThe increased risk for developing schizophrenia among 2nd generation immigrants and among pioneer groups of immigrants emphasizes the importance of persistent investment in acculturation. Further studies elucidating the impact of country of origin and ethnic density on the risk for developing schizophrenia are warranted.

Abstract P292: THE LACK OF FASTING INSULIN MEASUREMENT DELAYS THE MANAGEMENT OF PREDIABETES IN OBESE ADOLESCENTS.

Background: Insulin resistance is a medical complication associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome in youth. Data have shown that pediatric obesity can stop or even decrease by an adequate clinical management of the insulin resistance-associated syndrome. Despite those new evidences, measurement of insulin resistance in youth remains quite low. Objective: The objective was to review and evaluate the proportion of pediatric obese patients referred to a 2nd line pediatric multidisciplinary obesity clinic among whom insulin resistance was screened or not. Material &amp; Method: We have looked, retrospectively, at the initial blood tests among 133 obese patients (body mass index above 97th percentile with respect for age and sex) above 10 years of age, between July 2017 and April 2019. Sixty percent (60%) of our urban cohort is represented by 1st and 2nd generation immigrants. Hyperinsulinemia was defined as a value above 100 pmol/L. Pediatric obese patients were referred by general practitionniers or community pediatricians. Results: Among the 133 medical files revised, 91 patients shown hyperinsulinemia (68%). Of those 91 patients, 64 were not initially screened for hyperinsulinemia (70%). Interestingly, in the hyperinsulinemia pediatric group, mean HDL-cholesterol was lower, mean triglycérides were higher, as well as the mean alanine transaminase (ALT) compared to the normal insulin group (p smaller than 0.05). In the hyperinsulinemia group, 71,8% of our pediatric cohort was started on metformin therapy in addition to a multidisciplinary intensive educational family interventions as recommended by WHO. Conclusions: Fasting insulin can be variable among puberty stages and general guidelines for the use of metformin in the pediatric population are still to come. However, measurement of elevated fasting insulin among pre- and post-pubertal patients was previously associated with markers of cardiovascular and hepatic complications in obese young patients. Fasting insulin is a simple, cheap, easily accessible measure in all clinical settings. Multidisciplinary health care for pediatric obesity is still embryonic and difficult to access. Appropriate and complete initial clinical investigations, including fasting insulin measurement, should be performed in order not to delay its medical intensive multidisciplinary management both in 1st and 2nd lines practitioners.

Mental health among immigrants in Germany \u2013 the impact of self-attribution and attribution by others as an immigrant

BackgroundIn Germany, the term ‘migration background’ has been established to differentiate between immigrants and natives. In the present study post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression were analysed in immigrant populations in Germany by considering self-attribution as well as attribution by others on one’s own ‘migration background’.MethodsIn a population-based survey (N = 2317), socio-demographic characteristics, migration background (official statistics definition vs. self-attribution as well as the anticipated attribution by others), PTSD (PCL-5), and symptoms of anxiety and depression (PHQ-4) were assessed. Logistic regression models were applied to predict mental health outcomes by considering socio-demographic and immigration-related factors.ResultsA total of 10.7% of respondents (N = 248) had a ‘migration background’. Immigrants of the 2nd generation compared to 1st generation immigrants are less likely to see themselves as immigrants. Attribution as an immigrant (self and/or by others) was found as significant predictor for PTSD and depression, but not anxiety.ConclusionsIt seems useful to focus on immigration-related factors considering subjective perspectives and not only comparing immigrants and natives using a federal statistics definition. Our findings suggest that research on the association between immigration-related factors such as attribution as an immigrant and mental health outcomes might be a promising approach to better identify subgroups at higher risk of mental distress.

Immigrants’ relative income and life satisfaction: Comparison groups from a multi-generational perspective

With a focus on the immigrant population, this study examines how the association between a relative income position and life satisfaction varies when the comparison group changes. Drawing data from Understanding Society in the UK between 2009 and 2015, this study first shows that after migration, income comparisons with the mainstream and co-ethnic groups in the host country matter more than that with the source-country population for one’s life satisfaction. Furthermore, the relevance of comparison groups to life satisfaction varies across immigrant generations. Income comparison with the source-country population is more relevant to life satisfaction of the 1st generation, whereas 1.5 and 2nd generations consider income comparisons within the host country more relevant. In particular, favourable income comparison with the mainstream group in the host country is the most relevant to life satisfaction of the 2nd-generation, followed by the 1.5-generation, and last by the 1st-generation immigrants.

Linking self and society: Identity and the immigrant experience in two macro-contexts

The purpose of this study was to compare identity processes associated with the immigrant experience in two macro-contexts, the U.S and Sweden. Using a qualitative narrative approach, we explored how immigrant and non-immigrant youth negotiate their identities in the intersection between individual selves and society, by studying how they experience deviations from societal expectations and whether such deviations were associated with alternative group belonging. The sample consisted of 59 narratives written by 1st and 2nd generation immigrants and non-immigrants (age 16–25). Results indicated that the U.S. participants were more likely to define themselves using racial and multi-ethnic categories, whereas Swedish participants relied on national labels. Additionally, U.S. participants showed clear evidence of deviations from societal norms, but also found belonging in social groups from those deviations. Swedish participants showed some deviations, but little evidence of group belonging. The findings highlight the contextual nature of identity development within an immigrant context.

Socioeconomic Disparities in Diet Vary According to Migration Status among Adolescents in Belgium.

Little information concerning social disparities in adolescent dietary habits is currently available, especially regarding migration status. The aim of the present study was to estimate socioeconomic disparities in dietary habits of school adolescents from different migration backgrounds. In the 2014 cross-sectional “Health Behavior in School-Aged Children” survey in Belgium, food consumption was estimated using a self-administrated short food frequency questionnaire. In total, 19,172 school adolescents aged 10–19 years were included in analyses. Multilevel multiple binary and multinomial logistic regressions were performed, stratified by migration status (natives, 2nd- and 1st-generation immigrants). Overall, immigrants more frequently consumed both healthy and unhealthy foods. Indeed, 32.4% of 1st-generation immigrants, 26.5% of 2nd-generation immigrants, and 16.7% of natives consumed fish ≥two days a week. Compared to those having a high family affluence scale (FAS), adolescents with a low FAS were more likely to consume chips and fries ≥once a day (vs. <once a day: Natives aRRR = 1.39 (95%CI: 1.12–1.73); NS in immigrants). Immigrants at schools in Flanders were less likely than those in Brussels to consume sugar-sweetened beverages 2–6 days a week (vs. ≤once a week: Natives aRRR = 1.86 (95%CI: 1.32–2.62); 2nd-generation immigrants aRRR = 1.52 (1.11–2.09); NS in 1st-generation immigrants). The migration gradient observed here underlines a process of acculturation. Narrower socioeconomic disparities in immigrant dietary habits compared with natives suggest that such habits are primarily defined by culture of origin. Nutrition interventions should thus include cultural components of dietary habits.

ANDALE Pittsburgh: results of a promotora-led, home-based intervention to promote a healthy weight in Latino preschool children

BackgroundLatino preschool children have higher rates of obesity than preschool children from other racial/ethnic groups; however, few effective, culturally appropriate interventions exist targeting this group. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of a 10-week, promotora-mediated, home-based intervention to promote a healthy weight in Latino preschool children.MethodsTrained promotoras (community health workers) delivered 10, 90-min weekly interactive and tailored sessions to Latino families living in Allegheny County. Participants were recruited through promotoras’ own social networks and community gatherings, flyers, and word of mouth. Primary outcome measures included child body mass index (BMI) z-score and percentile. Secondary outcome measures included child objectively measured physical activity and dietary intake, and the home social and physical environment (e.g., parent health behaviors, parent self-efficacy, parental support, physical activity equipment in the home). The final analysis sample included 49 of 51 participants who completed both baseline and follow-up assessments.ResultsParticipants included mothers (33.5 ± 6.1 years old) and their preschool-aged children who were primarily 1st generation immigrants from Mexico (65%). The primary analyses of BMI percentile and z-score showed no change post-intervention. However, there was a significant decrease in child BMI percentile for overweight and obese children from baseline to follow-up (p < .05). We also saw significant pre/post increases in child daily fruit and vegetable intake, and parent moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, fruit and vegetable servings per day, and self-efficacy; and significant decreases in child saturated fat and added-sugar intake, and child and parent screen time (p’s < .05).ConclusionsDespite the short duration of the intervention and follow-up, this pilot study showed promising effects of a promotora-mediated intervention to promote a healthy weight in Latino preschool children.

Association Between Immigration History and Inflammatory Marker Profiles Among Older Adult Mexican Americans

ABSTRACTForeign-born Hispanics have better cardiometabolic health upon arrival in the US than their US-born counterparts, yet this advantage diminishes as duration of residence in the US increases. Underlying mechanisms explaining this paradox have been understudied. Using data from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging (SALSA), this study examined immigration history (immigrant generation and duration of US residence) in relation to biomarkers of inflammation (interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble forms of type 1 and 2 receptors of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2), C-reactive protein (CRP), leptin, adiponectin) in a sample of 1,290 predominantly Mexican-origin immigrants. Second and ≥3rd generation immigrants had higher IL-6 and leptin levels than 1st generation immigrants living in the US for less than 15 years (2nd generation percent difference = 45.9; 95% CI: 24.7, 70.7 and 3rd generation percent difference = 41.8; 95% CI: 17.7, 70.4). CRP and sTNF-R1 levels were higher among ≥3rd generation immigrants than 1st generation immigrants with less than 15 years of US residency. Worse inflammatory profiles were observed among Mexican-origin immigrants with longer US immigration histories, independent of health, and behavioral factors. Additional research is warranted to understand the factors that shape trajectories of biological risk across generations of Hispanics.

Revisiting the immigrant paradox: Suicidal ideations and suicide attempts among immigrant and non-immigrant adolescents

The current study examined the immigrant paradox in suicidal ideations and attempts, whether rates and correlates varied across immigrant/non-immigrant youth in a nationally representative sample of 7,287 Swiss adolescents (10.2% 1st generation immigrants, 10.3% 2nd generation, and 16.1% mixed parentage; Mage = 17.45, SD = 1.85, 46.6% females). Known risk and protective factors for suicidal ideations and attempts (depressive symptoms, family and peer connectedness, and demographics) were used as correlates, and their effects were compared across groups. About 27% of youth thought about suicide in past 12 months, while 5.5% reported attempting suicide once in their lifetime. After controlling for known predictors and nationality, being an immigrant adolescent (1st, 2nd generation, or mixed parentage) lowered the risk for suicidal ideations as compared to native Swiss youth; immigrant status was unrelated to attempts. Findings provide mixed support for the immigrant paradox; both immigrant and native youth would benefit from effective intervention strategies.

Development and Validation of the Bicultural Youth Acculturation Questionnaire.

ObjectivesAcculturation is a multidimensional process involving changes in behaviour and beliefs. Questionnaires developed to measure acculturation are typically designed for specific ethnic populations and adult experiences. This study developed a questionnaire that measures acculturation among ethnically diverse populations of youth that can be included as a module in population surveys.MethodsQuestionnaires measuring acculturation in youth were identified in the literature. The importance of items from the existing questionnaires was determined using a Delphi process and this informed the development of our questionnaire. The questionnaire was then pilot tested using a sample of 248 Canadians aged 18–25 via an online system. Participants identified as East and South East Asian (27.8%), South Asian (17.7%) and Black (13.7%). The majority were 1st (33.5%) or 2nd generation immigrants (52.0%). After redundant items were eliminated, exploratory factor analysis grouped items into domains, and, for each domain, internal consistency, and convergent validity with immigrant generation then age at immigration estimated. A subset of participants re-completed the questionnaire for reliability estimation.ResultsThe literature review yielded 117 articles that used 13 questionnaires with a total of 440 questions. The Delphi process reduced these to 32 questions. Pilot testing occurred in 248 Canadians aged 18–25. Following item reduction, 16 questions in three domains remained: dominant culture, heritage language, and heritage culture. All had good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alphas > .75). The mean dominant domain score increased with immigrant generation (1st generation: 3.69 (95% CI: 3.49–3.89), 2nd: 4.13 (4.00–4.26), 3rd: 4.40 (4.19–4.61)), and mean heritage language score was higher among those who immigrated after age 12 than before (p = .0001), indicative of convergent validity.ConclusionsThis Bicultural Youth Acculturation Questionnaire has demonstrated validity. It can be incorporated into population health surveys to elucidate the impact of acculturation on health outcomes among bicultural youth.

Postpartum Contraception: a Comparative Study of Berlin Women with and without Immigration Background.

Research Questions: Are there differences in postpartum contraceptive use between women with and without immigration background? Do women more commonly use contraception following a high-risk pregnancy or caesarean section? What role does current breastfeeding play and, amongst immigrants, what is the effect of acculturation level on the frequency of contraceptive use? Study Population and Methods: Data collection was carried out as part of a larger study in three Berlin delivery units using standardised interviews (questionnaires covering e.g. sociodemographics, immigration history/acculturation and use of antenatal care); telephone interviews comprising 6 questions on postpartum contraception, breastfeeding and postpartum complications were conducted on a sample of the study population six months after delivery. Results: 247 women with, and 358 women without a background of immigration were included in the study (total study population n = 605, response rate 81.1 %). 68 % of 1st generation immigrants, 87 % of 2nd/3rd generation women and 73 % of women without immigration background (non-immigrants) used contraception. In the logistical regression analysis 1st generation immigrants were less likely than non-immigrants to be using contraception six months postpartum, and 1st generation immigrants with low acculturation level were significantly less likely to use contraception than 2nd/3rd generation women with low acculturation level. Conclusion: In the extended postpartum period there was no major difference in contraceptive use between immigrants in general and non-immigrants. It remains unclear whether the differing contraceptive behaviour of 1st generation immigrants is the result of less access to information, sociocultural factors or differing contraceptive requirements and further targeted, qualitative study is required.