Native-born Population Research Articles

Incorporating Evidence of Migrant Women with Schizophrenia into a Women’s Clinic

Many gender differences in mental and physical health, along with accompanying social needs have been reported by those suffering with schizophrenia. The goal of this review is to explore the literature on migrant and culturally diverse women suffering with schizophrenia to develop and implement effective strategies in specialized clinics. In general, we found higher rates of mental health symptoms among migrant and refugee women when compared to men. Several factors contribute to this vulnerability, suggesting that women may experience more pre- and post-migration-related trauma. In clinical populations, migrant status, region of origin, age at the time of migration, migration with family or alone, and migration to join family determine the risk of schizophrenia and the clinical course of the illness. Refugee migrant women have a higher risk of schizophrenia than non-refugee migrants and native-born populations. Migration is associated with poor access to mental health services; low social support, lack of awareness of services, and language barriers may mediate this association. These findings call for specific assessments on migrant women, interventions (e.g., focus groups), and improvement in current programs. In our clinics, we have recently incorporated assessment and intervention strategies that may be effective in our programming.

A matter of measurement? Segregation and all-cause mortality in Sweden’s three metropolitan regions

Abstract Background Residential segregation can be operationalized and measured in many ways, along distinct dimensions. There are multiple mechanisms through which segregation and health mutually affect each other. Consequently, contextual health effects of segregation may vary depending on how segregation is measured. Methods We used longitudinal Swedish register data to compare associations between local measures of residential segregation (migrant density, migrant isolation, and the mutual information index) and all-cause mortality among the adult migrant and native-born populations in Sweden’s three largest metropolitan regions between 2004-2016. Results Among migrants, modest positive mortality gradients were observed across measures of migrant density and isolation, where a higher level of segregation was associated with higher risks of all-cause mortality (Q5 RR ranged from 1.08-1.20 across cities and measures). However, these effects were largely attenuated by individual-level socioeconomic factors, and reversed when further controlling for neighborhood economic deprivation (Q5 RR ranged from 0.74-0.87). Among the native-born, a positive gradient for mortality was found (Q5 RR ranged from 1.31-1.45), although this was reduced when accounting for neighborhood deprivation (Q5 RR ranged from 1.01 -1.11). For both migrants and the native-born, the mutual information index showed no clear association with mortality, although a mortality advantage is observed for migrants in the most segregated areas after individual and neighborhood level adjustments (Q5 RR ranged from 0.73-0.86). Conclusions Our findings show that the manner in which residential segregation is conceptualized and operationalized alters associations with health. However, individual and other contextual level confounders are important determinants which influences the patterns. Much of the negative health effects of residential segregation can be perceived through the lack of economic opportunities. Key messages • Associations between segregation and all-cause mortality depends on how segregation is conceptualized and measured. • The mortality disadvantage observed in local areas with high migrant density may be attributed to the lack of economic opportunities in the neighborhood.

Increasing inequalities in mortality among individuals with a foreign background in Sweden

Abstract Background Previous research indicates that migrants in high-income destination countries not only experience a mortality advantage but also demonstrate lower or absent socioeconomic inequalities in mortality compared to the general native population. Yet the extent to which an income mortality gradient may also be evident among the descendants of migrants has been largely unexamined. Existing evidence has revealed that descendants of migrants face mortality risks higher than both migrants and their native-born peers. Methods This study utilizes longitudinal population registries covering the entire registered population of Sweden from 2004 to 2016. The study population comprises individuals aged 25 to 64, employing an open cohort design. Using Poisson regression, we examine the relationship between income rank position and cause-specific mortality among native-origin Swedes and eight nativity groups based on individuals’ country/region of birth, age of migration or parental origin. Results While foreign-born individuals who migrated as adults exhibited lower inequalities in all-cause mortality compared to native-origin Swedes, descendants of immigrants, particularly those with non-European backgrounds, show larger inequalities. Examination of specific causes of mortality revealed that external causes, notably accidents and assaults, account for increased disparities among non-European foreign-born men who migrated during childhood and male descendants of immigrants with non-European backgrounds. Conclusions Income-related inequalities in mortality are less pronounced among migrants compared to the native-born majority population in Sweden and tend to be higher among descendants of migrants, depending on gender and parental origin. The analysis highlights the role of external causes of mortality in shaping these inequalities, indicating that income disadvantages, augmented by a migrant background during upbringing, amplify specific health risks within these groups. Key messages • The study reveals lower mortality inequalities among migrant adults but a higher magnitude of inequalities among male descendants of immigrants, especially with non-European backgrounds. • Income disparities, combined with migrant backgrounds, amplify health risks among descendants of migrants in Sweden, underscoring the need for tackling social inequalities.

Impact of lifestyle intervention on vitamin D, Adiponectin, Insulin-like growth factor 1 and Proneurotensin in overweight individuals from the Middle East

BackgroundImmigrants from the Middle East (ME) have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to the native-born Swedish population. In individuals free from T2D, ME immigrants are more insulin resistant and have lower levels of adjusted insulin secretion (Disposition index, DIo) compared to Swedish-born individuals. The ethnic differences are not fully explained by traditional risk factors. This has raised the question as to whether hormonal factors other than insulin are involved, contributing to higher T2D risk in ME immigrants. AimsIn ME immigrants at high risk of developing T2D, we aimed to study the effect of a randomized culturally adapted lifestyle intervention on the levels of Vitamin D (25(OH)D), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), Pro-neurotensin (Pro-NT) and Adiponectin. Furthermore, we aimed to study if the effect of the intervention was associated to these hormones, or if a direct effect of the intervention remained after accounting for these. MethodsIn this culturally adapted randomized controlled trial of four months duration, eligible ME immigrants at high risk of developing T2D identified in the MEDIM cohort were invited to participate. The intervention group (N= 35) received a culturally adapted lifestyle intervention program consisting of seven group sessions and cooking classes. The control group (N= 32) were given treatment as usual with oral and written information to improve their lifestyle habits. Using mixed models’ linear regression analysis, the changes in the levels of 25(OH)D, IGF-1, Adiponectin and Pro-NT were assessed by comparing the groups and we further studied the effects of the changes on insulin action and secretion. ResultsThe adjusted levels of 25(OH)D significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (β for the effect of the intervention on 25(OH)D: 0.061, 95% CI 0.009-0.113, P = 0.023). The increase in insulin sensitivity index (ISI) observed in the intervention compared to the control group was altered after adjusting for 25(OH)D: 0.129, 95% CI -0.016-0.274, P = 0.078). IGF-1, Adiponectin and Pro-NT did not significantly influence the change over time concerning insulin secretion. ConclusionLifestyle intervention increases the adjusted levels of 25(OH)D. Moreover, the effect of the lifestyle intervention on insulin action and secretion was altered when adjusting for 25(OH)D.

Population Growth, Immigration, and Labor Market Dynamics

This article provides a first synthesis of population flows and labor market dynamics across immigrant and native-born populations. We devise a novel dynamic accounting methodology that integrates population flows from two sources—changes in birth cohort size and immigrant flows—with labor market dynamics. We illustrate the method using data for the United Kingdom, where population flows have been large and cyclical, driven first by the maturation of baby boom cohorts in the 1980s and later by immigration in the 2000s. New measures of labor market flows by migrant status uncover the flow origins of disparities in the levels and cyclicality of immigrant and native labor market outcomes and their more recent convergence. An application of our accounting framework reveals that population flows have played a nontrivial role in the volatility of labor markets among the UK-born and, especially, immigrants.

How Income and Discrimination Shape the Acceptance of Newcomers in Europe: A Comparative Analysis of Native-Born and Immigrant Populations.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how income and belonging to a discriminated group are associated with perceptions of threats posed by immigrants, and with the willingness to accept newcomers of a different/same race or ethnicity as most people of the receiving country, or newcomers who came from poor countries outside Europe. The study transcended Borjas's theory of 'competing and complementary' to newcomer groups of native workers, expanding it from the economic and labor spheres to the symbolic cultural and social spheres, and extending this theory to the foreign-born European population. The study used data from the European Social Survey Round 10 Data. Three local population groups in the EU were examined: the native-born population, immigrants from non-EU countries living in the EU, and migrants from EU countries living in other EU countries. The study revealed that for native-born people, the salient factor predicting their perceived threats and willingness to accept newcomers was income, and for non-EU veteran immigrants, the salient factor was the feeling of belonging to a discriminated group. Economically disadvantaged native-born people in the EU were a group competing with newcomers. However, disadvantaged and discriminated non-EU immigrants were complementary to newcomers. The study showed that a disadvantaged group may be either competing or complementary to newcomers, depending on the origin of the group's members rather than on the origin of newcomers.

Examining Factors Associated With Intention to Seek Professional Mental Health Support Among First-Generation Iranian Americans.

Research suggests immigrants are at a greater risk of mental health disorders compared to native-born populations. Thus, the current study investigated factors associated with professional mental help-seeking intention among American immigrants. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 207 first-generation Iranian Americans, and data were collected using survey questionnaires. Younger Iranians living in western states in the United States and those with positive attitudes toward professional mental health services had greater intention to seek these services. Unexpectedly, those with better mental health literacy (MHL) held more mental health stigma (MHS). Findings elucidated valuable insights into the complex dynamics among sociodemographic factors, acculturation, MHL, MHS, attitudes, and intentions toward professional mental health help-seeking. We also highlighted the intricate relationship between MHL and MHS, suggesting that strategies to improve MHL may not necessarily mitigate MHS within this community. Therefore, integrating anti-stigma, contact-based approaches to MHL programs could effectively reduce stigma while facilitating mental health help-seeking. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].

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.

Migration Spurs Changes in the Human Microbiome: a Review.

International migration often results in major changes in living environments and lifestyles, and these changes may lead to the observed increases in obesity and diabetes among foreign-born people after resettling in higher-income countries. A possible mechanism linking changes in living environments to the onset of health conditions may be changes in the microbiome. Previous research has shown that unfavorable changes in the composition of the microbiome can increase disposition to diseases such as diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. We investigated the relationship between human migration and microbiome composition through a review using microbiome- and migration-related search terms in PubMed and Web of Science. We included articles examining the gut, oral, or oropharyngeal microbiome in people who migrated internationally. Nine articles met eligibility criteria. All but one examined migration from a non-Western to a Western country. Four of these found a difference in the microbiome of migrants compared with non-migrating residents of their country of birth, seven found differences in the microbiome of migrants compared with the native-born population in the country of resettlement, and five found microbiome differences associated with duration of stay in the country of resettlement. Microbiome composition varies with country of birth, age at migration, time since immigration, and country of resettlement. The results suggest that migration may lead to changes in the microbiome; thus, microbiome characteristics are a plausible pathway to examine changes in health after resettlement in a new country.

Migration and risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: A Swedish national study.

Prior studies report increased risk of schizophrenia (SCZ) in migrants relative to the native-born population; however, few have investigated bipolar disorder (BD) and migrant characteristics which may influence risk. We aimed to examine the risk of SCZ and BD in migrants and their children relative to those of Swedish ancestry, and whether risk varied by age at migration, region of origin, sex, and parental migrant status. We conducted a nested case-control study using 5539 SCZ cases and 20,577 BD cases diagnosed 1988-2013, individually matched to five population-based controls by birth year and sex. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate the risk of SCZ and BD by migrant status, region of origin and age at migration, with models stratified by sex. First-generation migrants had increased risk of SCZ and decreased risk of BD. There was a distinct pattern of risk for SCZ by age at migration. Childhood migrants from all regions had increased risk of SCZ, particularly those from Africa. In contrast, risk for BD declined with age at migration, with increased risk only in Nordic child migrants. SCZ and BD diagnoses were decreased in adult migrants, elevated in second-generation migrants (with risk differing by number of migrant parents and greater for those with migrant fathers) and higher in male migrants (vs. female). Age at migration, sex, and region of origin affect risk of SCZ and BD. Further research is required to determine how migration-related factors influence disease etiology and the receipt of these diagnoses.

Inequities in Organ Donation and Transplantation Among Immigrant Populations in Italy: A Narrative Review of Evidence, Gaps in Research and Potential Areas for Intervention.

Immigrants from outside Europe have increased over the past two decades, especially in Southern European countries including Italy. This influx coincided with an increased number of immigrants with end-stage organ diseases. In this narrative review, we reviewed evidence of the gaps between native-born and immigrant populations in the Organ Donation and Transplantation (ODT) process in Italy. Consistent with prior studies, despite the availability of a publicly funded health system with universal healthcare coverage, non-European-born individuals living in Italy are less likely to receive living donor kidney transplantation and more likely to have inferior long-term kidney graft function compared with EU-born and Eastern European-born individuals. While these patients are increasingly represented among transplant recipients (especially kidney and liver transplants), refusal rates for organ donation are higher in some ethnic groups compared with native-born and other foreign-born referents, with the potential downstream effects of prolonged waiting times and inferior transplant outcomes. In the process, we identified gaps in relevant research and biases in existing studies. Given the Italian National Transplant Center's (CNT) commitment to fighting inequities in ODT, we illustrated actions taken by CNT to tackle inequities in ODT among immigrant communities in Italy.

Immigrant assimilation in health care utilisation in Spain

Abundant evidence has tracked the labour market and health assimilation of immigrants, including static analyses of differences in how foreign-born and native-born residents consume health care services. However, we know much less about how migrants’ patterns of healthcare usage evolve with time of residence, especially in countries providing universal or quasi-universal coverage. We investigate this process in Spain by combining all the available waves of the local health survey, which allows us to separately identify period, cohort, and assimilation effects. We find robust evidence of migrant assimilation in health care use, specifically in visits to general practitioners and emergency care and among foreign-born women. The differential effects of ageing on health care use between foreign-born and native-born populations contributes to the convergence of utilisation patterns in most health services after 15 years in Spain. Substantial heterogeneity by the time of arrival and by region of origin both suggest that studies modelling future welfare state finances would benefit from a more thorough assessment of migration.

Childcare in Italy among migrants and natives: who uses which type and why?

The Italian welfare state is characterised by a preference for income transfers over transfers in kind and the marginal role of policies aimed directly at supporting the family. Despite the growing participation of women in the labour market, the Italian welfare system still assumes the family, with its unbalanced gender division of housework and its intergenerational solidarity, to be the primary provider of protection and support. As a result, in Italy in 2019 only 26.9% of children under 3 years of age were enrolled in formal childcare, which is below the European average. In this context, births from at least one foreign parent had increased over time, and foreign national children accounted for 14.0% of all children aged 0–3 in 2019. Despite this, migrants are still seen as ‘suppliers’ rather than citizens who, as parents, are potential consumers of childcare services. Aspects related to the use of childcare by migrants and differences compared to natives in Italy are currently understudied. We use the 2012 Birth Sample Survey by the Italian National Institute of Statistics to fill this gap. Mothers were interviewed about 18–21 months after having given birth: information on sociodemographic characteristics of both parents was collected, including their use of childcare services, their reasons for not using them, their unmet need for childcare services, and the lack of access to the job market due to care work. Our study aims to understand childcare patterns among migrants and the differences between them and those of the native-born population. We found that Italian mothers use informal care more than migrants. Unlike the evidence from other international studies, our results show that migrant mothers use daycare for children aged 0–3 more than native-born mothers. However, we found that the migrants who had arrived as children show patterns more similar to natives. This finding might be associated with a better knowledge of the system and a more extensive network (including grandparents) in Italy. Similarly, we found that migrant mothers who co-parent with an Italian father use more informal care and experience lower logistical barriers to accessing daycare. In addition, we observed that obstacles to children’s enrolment resulting in an unmet need for daycare are also related to migrant background.

Depression among Turkish and Moroccan immigrant populations in Northwestern Europe: a systematic review of prevalence and correlates

BackgroundThis systematic review aimed to synthesize the prevalence and correlates of depressive disorders and symptoms of Turkish and Moroccan immigrant populations in Northwestern Europe, formulating evidence-informed recommendations for clinical practice.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search in PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Science Direct, Web of Knowledge, and Cochrane databases for records up to March 2021. Peer-reviewed studies on adult populations that included instruments assessing prevalence and/or correlates of depression in Turkish and Moroccan immigrant populations met inclusion criteria and were assessed in terms of methodological quality. The review followed the relevant sections of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses reporting (PRISMA) guideline.ResultsWe identified 51 relevant studies of observational design. Prevalence of depression was consistently higher among people who had an immigrant background, compared to those who did not. This difference seemed to be more pronounced for Turkish immigrants (especially older adults, women, and outpatients with psychosomatic complaints). Ethnicity and ethnic discrimination were identified as salient, positive, independent correlates of depressive psychopathology. Acculturation strategy (high maintenance) was related to higher depressive psychopathology in Turkish groups, while religiousness appeared protective in Moroccan groups. Current research gaps concern psychological correlates, second- and third-generation populations, and sexual and gender minorities.ConclusionCompared to native-born populations, Turkish immigrants consistently showed the highest prevalence of depressive disorder, while Moroccan immigrants showed similar to rather moderately elevated rates. Ethnic discrimination and acculturation were more often related to depressive symptomatology than socio-demographic correlates. Ethnicity seems to be a salient, independent correlate of depression among Turkish and Moroccan immigrant populations in Northwestern Europe.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among first-generation immigrants living in Sweden.

In many countries, immigrants face higher risks of contracting and dying from COVID-19 compared with the native-born population. Moreover, their COVID-19 vaccination uptake tends to be lower. This study aimed to investigate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in relation to sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19-related exposures and social values, norms and perceptions among first-generation immigrants in Sweden. Vaccine hesitancy is an important public health issue to ensure protection against vaccine-preventable mortality and morbidity. Nation-wide representative data were collected by the Migrant World Values Survey. Descriptive and multinomial multivariate analyses were performed to analyze vaccine hesitancy among 2612 men and women aged ≥16 years. One-quarter of the respondents expressed some degree of vaccine hesitancy; 5% said they would definitely not vaccinate, 7% probably not, 4% did not know and 7% did not want to answer. Young age, arriving to Sweden during the large migration wave in 2015, Eastern European origin, female gender, lower education and low trust in authorities, and less perceived benefits of vaccination were all significant determinants of vaccine hesitancy. The results underscore the importance of trust in healthcare providers and government authorities. Additionally, the importance of providing adequate and targeted information about vaccination to groups who face the largest barriers to care, enabling informed decision-making about the benefits and risks of vaccination in relation to health risks. Given these health risks, it is crucial that government agencies and the health sector address the multiple social dimensions that shape the low vaccine uptake and, in turn, health equity.

Outcomes 1 year after a first episode of psychosis in migrants to the Republic of Ireland.

Migration is a robust risk factor for developing a psychotic disorder, yet there is a paucity of research on the outcomes of migrants who develop a psychotic disorder. Identifying sub-groups within FEP cohorts who have a poorer outcome, could assist in the development and delivery of more targeted interventions. There is a paucity of research on the outcomes of migrants who develop a psychotic disorder. This study aimed to evaluate a broad range of outcomes for those with a FEP who migrated to the Republic of Ireland, including: (i) symptomatic; (ii) functional; (iii) hospitalisation and (iv) engagement with psychosocial services. All individuals with a FEP aged 18 to 65 who presented between 01.02.2006 and 01.07.2014 were included. Structured and validated instruments were used to measure positive, negative, depressive symptoms and insight. Of the 573 individuals with a FEP, 22.3% were first-generation migrants and 63.4% (n = 363) were followed up at 1 year. At this time, 72.4% of migrants were in remission of positive psychotic symptoms compared to 78.5% of the Irish born (OR = 0.84, 95% CI [0.50-1.41], p = .51). In relation to negative symptoms, 60.5% of migrants were in remission compared to 67.2% of the Irish born (OR = 0.75, 95% CI [0.44-1.27], p = .283). There was no difference in the severity of positive, negative or depressive symptoms between groups and there was a trend for the Irish born to have better insight (p = .056). The functional outcomes were similar across groups. One third of migrants were admitted to hospital compared to 28.7% of the Irish born (OR = 1.24, 95% CI [0.73-2.13], p = .426). Just over half of both groups attended CBT and 46.2% of caregivers for migrants attended the psychoeducation programme, compared to 39.7% for the Irish born (OR = 1.30, 95% CI [0.79-2.16], p = .306). These findings demonstrate that migrants have broadly similar outcomes to the native-born populations, however there is still considerable scope for the outcomes for all individuals affected by psychotic disorders to be improved.

Jewish population trajectories between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea

ABSTRACT This article re-examines Jewish population in what is now Israel using historical estimates from Ottoman, Mandatory British and United Nations sources and recent data from the Israeli census bureau. A logistic model generates backward extrapolations and forward projections. The model quantifies three waves of Jewish immigration totalling about 3.5 million. Subtracting immigrant data from total population numbers gives the main empirical trajectory for non-immigrant native-born population. A multi-logistic model combining migrant and native populations projects a Jewish population of about 10 million in 2050, a level low in the range of estimates made by others.

Creating welcoming spaces: How immigrant-led cultural programs shape public libraries and the communities they serve

ABSTRACT Local organizations constitute a significant share of the social safety net for immigrants in the United States. It is well documented that these organizations provide political, social, and economic integration while also helping immigrants to stay connected to their cultures and countries of origin. Less is known, however, about how immigrants actively shape these organizations. Through a study of cultural programming at neighborhood library branches in Boston, Massachusetts, this research examines how local organizations can be sources of support for immigrants as well as sites in which immigrants can serve as community assets. In addition to traditional cultural programs, neighborhood branches host immigrant-led cultural programs, which are notable in how they (1) fulfill needs that are identified and met by immigrants, (2) represent diverse cultures through the eyes of immigrants, (3) do outreach in and reach immigrant communities, and (4) bridge local immigrant and native-born populations.

Melanin levels in relation to vitamin D among first-generation immigrants from different ethnic groups and origins: A comparative national Canadian cross-sectional study.

Immigrants to Western countries tend to have darker skin than native-born populations. We examined the relationship between skin melanin and serum vitamin D (vitD) [S-25(OH)D] levels and explored whether melanin levels explained S-25(OH)D variations between immigrants and native-born Canadians. This study offers novel findings as no such study has been conducted. We used a national cross-sectional population-based design with data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). Skin melanin levels among first-generation immigrants based on their ethnicity and origin/country of birth were compared with white and native-born populations. We assessed the association between S-25(OH)D and melanin after adjusting for independent variables related to S-25(OH)D, melanin level, and immigration status. Of 11,579 participants, 21.9% were immigrants aged 3-79 years (mean age 39.23 years). Compared with non-immigrants, immigrants had lower S-25(OH)D levels (mean: 51.23 vs. 62.72; 95% CI: 8.37, 14.62; P < 0.001) but higher melanin levels (mean [SE]: 17.08 [0.25] vs. 16.29 [0.29]; 95% CI: -1.29, -0.281; P = 0.004). Melanin did not differ by length of stay in Canada but was weakly positively correlated (r = 0.088, P < 0.001) with S-25(OH)D. Sex (male), age (≥18 years), summer/fall seasons, sunlight exposure, sunscreen non-use, smoking, and alcohol consumption were associated with higher melanin levels, whereas indoor tanning use was not. Skin melanin levels were associated with sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. Immigrants had higher melanin levels, but melanin did not differ by length of stay in Canada. The weak positive correlation between melanin and S-25(OH)D suggested confounding factors may impact the relationship between melanin levels, S-25(OH)D, and immigration status.

Body mass index mediates the direct association of subjective social status and hypertension in a fulani west African immigrant sample.

The inverse association between social status and hypertension (HTN) often observed in native-born populations may not hold among immigrants from regions where larger bodies are markers of success. Qualitative evidence suggests that many African immigrant groups view larger body size as a marker of social status. The present study examined the relationships between subjective social status, body mass index (BMI), and HTN in a cross-sectional, community snowball sample of 218 West African Fulani immigrants living in New York City. Over a third of the sample met criteria for HTN. Higher subjective social status within the Fulani community was directly associated with higher likelihood of HTN. BMI fully mediated this association. Member checking revealed a community narrative in which being heavy indicated higher status. These findings provide the first quantitative evidence that aesthetic markers of status within African immigrant communities may comprise risks to cardiovascular health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).