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Rheumatic complaints in Tokelau. II. A comparison of migrants in New Zealand and non-migrants. The Tokelau Island migrant study.

The migration of 1381 Tokelauans 15 years and over to New Zealand leaving 811 in Tokelau, provided a unique opportunity to test centuries of speculation on the impact of environment on rheumatic disease. There was no change in all rheumatic complaints. The migrant men had more gout, joint pain following injury, and neck pain. The migrant women had more dorsal back pain. There was no change in the prevalence of clinically defined osteoarthritis (COA) despite positive associations with weight and higher weights in the migrants. Rheumatoid arthritis was infrequent in both populations. Low back pain was common but was not more common in migrants, though compensation payments are readily available in New Zealand and are not in the Islands.

Adolescent↗

Migrant stock vs. lagged migrant flow as a determinant of migrant settlement. A comment on Anjomani and Hariri.

The author comments on a study by Ardeshir Anjomani and Vida Hariri "of United States interstate migration which explicitly incorporates so-called 'flow diversion' and 'flow creation' effects. Their discussion and evaluation of the model, however, are marred by several factors. This paper contrasts the roles of migrant stock and lagged migration in migration analysis and then addresses (a) the problems encountered when the 'family-friends' effect is proxied with measures of lagged migrant flows, (b) the problem of using a two-period lagged value of earlier migrant flow as an explanatory variable, and (c) this paper suggests an alternative method of correcting the Anjomani-Hariri model's problems with multicollinearity."

Americas↗

HIV-related sexual behaviour among migrants and non-migrants in a rural area of China: role of rural-to-urban migration.

OBJECTIVE: To compare human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related sexual risks between temporary rural-to-urban migrants and non-migrants, and to explore the role of migration in HIV transmission in a rural area of China. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 605 (302.5 couples, one male missing) marriage licence applicants. METHODS: A two-part anonymous questionnaire was used. The first part included non-sensitive questions including demographics and HIV knowledge. Sensitive questions related to sexual behaviours were administered in the second part of the questionnaire using a tape recorder, earphones and an answer sheet. RESULTS: Sixty-six percent (399/605) of the study subjects had migrated to a city for a temporary job. The proportions of migrants who had premarital sex (62%, 247/399) and multiple sexual partners (12%, 47/399) were significantly higher than those of non-migrants (52 and 6%, respectively). Among those who had multiple sexual partners, only 9% (4/47) of migrants and 8% (1/12) of non-migrants reported often or always using condoms with sexual partners other than their spouse. A low level of knowledge regarding HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome was observed in both groups. Very few migrants (15%, 61/399) and non-migrants (10%, 20/206) perceived themselves to be at risk of HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS: As both migrants and non-migrants are at risk of HIV infection, intervention programmes targeting reduction of HIV sexual risk behaviour should cover both groups in rural areas of China.

Adult↗

Who infects whom? HIV-1 concordance and discordance among migrant and non-migrant couples in South Africa.

OBJECTIVES: To measure HIV-1 discordance among migrant and non-migrant men and their rural partners, and to estimate the relative risk of infection from inside versus outside primary relationships. DESIGN: A cross-sectional behavioural and HIV-1 seroprevalence survey among 168 couples in which the male partner either a migrant, or not. METHODS: A detailed questionnaire was administered and blood was collected for laboratory analysis. A mathematical model was developed to estimate the relative risk of infection from inside versus from outside regular relationships. RESULTS: A total of 70% (117 of 168) of couples were negatively concordant for HIV, 9% (16 of 168) were positively concordant and 21% (35 of 168) were discordant. Migrant couples were more likely than non-migrant couples to have one or both partners infected [35 versus 19%; P = 0.026; odds ratio (OR) = 2.28] and to be HIV-1 discordant (27 versus 15%; P = 0.066; OR = 2.06). In 71.4% of discordant couples, the male was the infected partner; this did not differ by migration status. In the mathematical model, migrant men were 26 times more likely to be infected from outside their regular relationships than from inside [relative risk (RR) = 26.3; P = 0.000]; non-migrant men were 10 times more likely to be infected from outside their regular relationships than inside (RR = 10.5; P = 0.00003). CONCLUSIONS: Migration continues to play an important role in the spread of HIV-1 in South Africa. The direction of spread of the epidemic is not only from returning migrant men to their rural partners, but also from women to their migrant partners. Prevention efforts will need to target both migrant men and women who remain at home.

Adult↗

Migrants and the meaning of parenthood: involuntary childless Turkish migrants in The Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: Parenthood motives of infertile Turkish migrant men and women in The Netherlands are compared with those of infertile Dutch men and women. Additionally, the question of whether the importance of various parenthood motives of Turkish migrants are related to the degree of adaptation to the Dutch culture was investigated. METHODS: Questionnaires were administered to 58 involuntary childless Turkish migrant men and women and 162 involuntary childless Dutch men and women. RESULTS: Individual parenthood motives were most important to both Turkish migrant and Dutch men and women. While social motives were quite important to Turkish migrants, they were unimportant to Dutch men and women. Four aspects of adaptation (norms and values, social integration, skills, absence of feelings of loss related to migration) were negatively related to the importance of social parenthood motives for Turkish migrant women. For Turkish migrant men two aspects of adaptation (traditions and absence of loss) were negatively related to the importance of social parenthood motives. CONCLUSION: Turkish migrant and Dutch men and women differ in the importance of social motives. However, Turkish migrants who are more adapted to the Dutch culture give less importance to social parenthood motives.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Impact of the health and living conditions of migrant and non-migrant Senegalese adolescent girls on their nutritional status and growth.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the living conditions of Senegalese adolescent girls according to their migration status, and to define the main socio-economic and biological determinants of their nutritional and growth status. DESIGN: Health and living conditions, sexual maturation, and nutritional and growth status of adolescent girls were determined within the framework of a longitudinal study on growth. SETTINGS: The capital city of Senegal (Dakar) and a rural community (Niakhar), 120 km south-east of Dakar. SUBJECTS: Three hundred and thirty-one girls, 14.5-16.6 years of age, were recruited from the same villages. Thirty-six per cent of the sample remained in the villages to attend school and/or to help with household subsistence tasks (non-migrants). The remaining (64%) migrated to cities to work as maids (migrants) and lived in two different socio-economic environments: at the home of a guardian during the night and in the house of the employer during the daytime. RESULTS: Family rural environment and guardian and employer urban environments were socio-economically different (P < 0.001). Living conditions in urban areas were better than in rural areas and the employer's environment was socio-economically more favourable. Migrants had more advanced sexual maturation and higher body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI) and mid-upper arm circumference than non-migrants. However, migrants were smaller than non-migrants. BMI, FMI and weight-for-age were related to socio-economic levels and duration of migration. Schooling was positively related to height and negatively related to BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Migrants enjoyed better living conditions than non-migrants. This could be partly due to the better socio-economic environment of the employer. It was associated with earlier puberty and better nutritional status, but not with a better growth.

Adolescent↗

Mumbai disease in far western Nepal: HIV infection and syphilis among male migrant-returnees and non-migrants.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and syphilis, and to assess the behavioural risk factors for these infections among migrant-returnees and non-migrants in far western Nepal. METHODS: In April 2001, we recruited 97 male migrant-returnees and 40 non-migrants from five rural villages in Doti district where migration to Mumbai is common. For data collection, we conducted a serological examination for HIV and syphilis, and a perception and behaviour survey on HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. RESULTS: We found that 11 of 137 men (8%) were positive for HIV infection and 30 men (22%) for syphilis. The respondents, especially the migrant-returnees from Mumbai, were engaging in risky behaviours such as pre- or extramarital sex, and sex with multiple partners, including sex workers. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed high HIV and syphilis prevalence among the male migrant-returnees and non-migrants in far western Nepal where migration to Mumbai is common. The prevalent behaviours, particularly among the migrant-returnees, imply urgent needs of the behavioural modification programme in this area to prevent the spread of HIV infection to general population.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Exploring Professional Experiences in Caring for Vulnerable Migrants in an Italian Rural Reception Centre: A Qualitative Study Using Multidimensional Textual Analysis-Professional Experiences in Rural Migrant Care.

AIM: This study aims to explore the experiences, strengths, challenges, and potential improvements for professionals in managing the complex needs of vulnerable migrants (VM) in an Italian rural reception centre. METHODS: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted in April 2024. Data were analysed using the Automatic Analysis of Textual Data, based on Fraire's seven-step model for Exploratory Multidimensional Data Analysis. DATA SOURCES: Data were collected from 16 professionals working in a rural reception centre in southern Italy. Interviews were conducted and analysed using AATD in April 2024. FINDINGS: The analysis identified two main dimensions of professionals' roles: balancing systemic responsibilities with personal engagement and managing immediate needs versus long-term integration goals. Professionals face significant challenges, such as resource scarcity, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and emotional fatigue, which impact their well-being and the quality of care provided to migrants. Resilience, adaptability, and multidisciplinary collaboration were identified as key strengths. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the dual nature of professionals' work in reception centres, requiring them to balance operational tasks with emotional involvement in migrant care. Targeted interventions and systemic reforms are necessary to support professionals and enhance the quality of care for vulnerable migrants, particularly in resource-constrained rural settings. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND/OR PATIENT CARE: This study underscores the importance of providing targeted support to professionals working in reception centres, including training in intercultural competence, stress management, and coping strategies. Policies should address systemic challenges and provide resources to enhance healthcare delivery and social integration programs. REPORTING METHOD: This study adhered to the EQUATOR guidelines for reporting qualitative research (COREQ). The findings were reported in compliance with these guidelines, ensuring methodological rigour and transparency. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: This study highlights the critical need for targeted support and training for professionals working in reception centres, particularly in rural settings. To improve care for vulnerable migrants, professionals should receive training in intercultural competence, stress management, and coping strategies to better navigate the complex challenges they face. Furthermore, systemic changes are necessary to alleviate the pressures on reception centres, such as streamlining bureaucratic processes and enhancing healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where resources are limited. By addressing these needs, we can improve the well-being of both the professionals and the migrants they serve, fostering more effective support systems and better care outcomes. Additionally, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and community engagement can contribute to more comprehensive and sustainable care models. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: The Ethics Committee of the University of Rome Tor Vergata approved this study on 07/07/2021 (protocol registration number 160.21).

Humans↗

Anthropometric variation between migrants and non-migrants: Orkney Islands, Scotland.

Anthropometric measurements on a non-migrant sample consisting of 174 males and 148 females aged 21 to 75 resident in the Orkney Islands are compared with measurements on 91 males and 96 females who migrated as adults to the Aberdeen area of Scotland. Covariance analysis, adjusting for age effects, reveals differences in a number of anthropometric variables, with migrants showing smaller dimensions in several cases. For most variables the differences are more marked in females. Significantly smaller values are found in upper arm circumference, bicondylar humerus and head breadth in female migrants, and in bicondylar humerus in male migrants. Biacromial and head length dimensions are significantly greater in female migrants. There is no significant effect of duration of residence in the new environment on the anthropometric values of migrants.

Adult↗

The healthy migrant theory: variations in pregnancy outcomes among US-born migrants.

Various studies have observed that infants born to foreign-born women have better birth outcomes (lower rates of preterm, low birth weight, and infant mortality) than those delivered to US-born women. While much attention has been given to the "healthy migrant effect" as an explanation for these positive outcomes, this theory has not been examined in an internally migrant population. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between maternal mobility history and birth outcomes among infants born to US resident mothers of Mexican origin. The study used 1995-1999 National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) live birth/infant death cohort files of singleton infants delivered in the US to white women of Mexican origin (n = 2,446,253). Maternal mobility history (MMH), which refers to the relationship between the maternal place of birth and the state of residence at delivery, was categorized into the four following groups: (a) foreign-born-place of birth outside the US and delivery in the US; (b) outside-region-place of birth in one US region and delivery in another US region; (c) within-region-place of birth in one US region and delivery in a different state in the same US region; and (d) within-state-place of birth and delivery in the same US state. Consistently, there is evidence to support the healthy migrant effect in an internally migrant population. Unique to this study are the findings that infants born to mothers with outside-region MMH had a lower risk of low birth weight (LBW) and small-for-gestational age (SGA) compared to those who did not move. Overall, this study provides evidence that the healthy migrant effect and its relationship to birth outcomes can be applied to an internally migrant population.

Adult↗

Risk factors of sexually transmitted infections among migrant and non-migrant sexual partnerships from rural South Africa.

In October 1998, cohorts of circular migrant men and their non-migrant sexual partners, and non-migrant men and their non-migrant sexual partners from rural South Africa were recruited and followed-up every 4 months until October 2001. At each visit, information on sociodemographic, sexual behaviour, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV was collected. In total, 553 individuals aged between 18 and 69 years were recruited. A man and his sexual partner(s) form a sexual partnership. Migration status, age, marital status, age at sexual debut, recent sexual partners and HIV status were found to be important determinants of STI. The risk of STI varies (sigma2 = 1.45, P < 0.001) significantly across sexual partnerships even after controlling for important determinants. The variance implies substantial correlation (0.59) between members of the same sexual partnership. Ignoring this correlation leads to incorrect inference. Migration contributes significantly to the spread of STIs. Community interventions of HIV/STI should target co-transmitter sexual partnerships rather than high-risk individuals.

Adolescent↗

Refugees, labour migrants and psychological distress. A population-based study of 338 Latin-American refugees, 161 south European and 396 Finnish labour migrants, and 996 Swedish age-, sex- and education-matched controls.

This paper shows the strength and influence of ethnicity on mental health in comparison with material factors and lifestyle, which are well-known risk factors for psychological distress. The focus was on health differences between Latin-American refugees and labour migrants from Finland and the south of Europe. The study was designed as a population-based cross-sectional study, with 338 Latin-American refugees aged 16-74 years (response rate = 81.8%) in Lund, a random sample of 396 Finnish and 161 South European labour migrants, and 996 age-, sex- and education-matched Swedish controls from the Swedish Annual Level-of-living Surveys. The data were analysed unmatched with logistic regression in main effect models. The strongest independent risk indicator for self-reported psychological distress was being a non-European refugee, i.e. a Latin-American refugee, with an estimated odds ratio of 4.39 (2.49-7.31). There was a non-significant association in logistic regression between South European labour migrants and psychological distress, but a crude odds ratio of 2.29 (1.09-4.81). There was no association between Finnish labour migrants and psychological distress. Not feeling secure in daily life was a strong risk indicator for psychological distress, with an estimated odds ratio of 3.29 (1.90-5.45).

Adolescent↗

The probability of return migration, migrants' work effort, and migrants' performance.

"This paper demonstrates that differences in earnings between migrants and the native population may reflect differences in incentives rather than differences in characteristics. The analysis indicates that in the presence of a positive probability of return migration, migrants' work effort is higher than that of comparable native-born workers. This differential may explain why, even if all workers are perfectly homogeneous in skills, migrants often outperform the native-born workers in the receiving economy."

Behavior↗

Health of migrants and migrant health policy, The Netherlands as an example.

In The Netherlands, as in many other countries, many studies have addressed the health situation of migrant groups. After a discussion on methodological pitfalls in migrant studies, the article reviews the most important results. The data show that there are differences in the health status and mortality patterns between migrant groups and the indigenous population. Most, but not all, of the differences are in disfavour of ethnic groups. Possible determinants of these differences are evident in socio/cultural, genetic and socio-economic factors. A model is presented that demonstrates the relation between these factors and health and disease. Implications for research and for health policy are discussed.

Adolescent↗

Timing of autumn bird migration under climate change: advances in long-distance migrants, delays in short-distance migrants.

As a response to increasing spring temperature in temperate regions in recent years, populations of many plant and animal species, including migratory birds, have advanced the seasonal start of their reproduction or growth. However, the effects of climate changes on subsequent events of the annual cycle remain poorly understood. We investigated long-term changes in the timing of autumn migration in birds, a key event in the annual cycle limiting the reproductive period. Using data spanning a 42-year period, we analysed long-term changes in the passage of 65 species of migratory birds through Western Europe. The autumn passage of migrants wintering south of the Sahara has advanced in recent years, presumably as a result of selection pressure to cross the Sahel before its seasonal dry period. In contrast, migrants wintering north of the Sahara have delayed autumn passage. In addition, species with a variable rather than a fixed number of broods per year have delayed passage, possibly because they are free to attempt more broods. Recent climate changes seem to have a simple unidirectional effect on the seasonal onset of reproduction, but complex and opposing effects on the timing of subsequent events in the annual cycle, depending on the ecology and life history of a species. This complicates predictions of overall effects of global warming on avian communities.

Animals↗

Setting norms in the United Nations system: the draft convention on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and their families in relation to ILO in standards on migrant workers.

The author reviews the U.N.'s draft proposal concerning the rights of migrant workers and their families. "This article examines the nature and scope of obligations under the United Nations Convention and contrasts them with existing international standards. In the light of the elaboration of the U.N. Convention, the conditions of future normative activities to limit negative consequences of a proliferation of instruments and supervisory mechanisms are outlined." Consideration is given to human and trade union rights, employment, social security, living and working conditions, workers' families, expulsion, and conditions of international migration. (SUMMARY IN FRE AND SPA)

Demography↗

Circular, invisible, and ambiguous migrants: components of difference in estimates of the number of unauthorized Mexican migrants in the United States.

Based on an equation that can be used with available data and that provides a basis for facilitating decomposition analyses, this research estimates that about 2.54 million total (as opposed to enumerated) unauthorized Mexicans resided in the United States in 1996. Comparing this figure with an estimate of about 2.70 million released by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) during the 1990s, we find that the two estimates involve different assumptions about circular, invisible, and ambiguous migrants. Such differences not only can have important policy implications; they can also be sizable and can operate in opposite directions, as illustrated by findings from a components-of-difference analysis. The results are also extrapolated to 2000, and implications for 2000 census counts are discussed.

Emigration and Immigration↗