Long lives, poor health? A comprehensive review of the evidence among international migrants.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Empirical evidence on migrant morbidity suggests that migrant populations have a higher burden of disease compared to non-migrants in high-income destination countries. Yet, empirical evidence on migrant mortality typically shows a lower risk of death compared to non-migrants. Migrants might be living longer lives in worse health-a 'migrant "morbidity-mortality" paradox'.

Sources of data

Peer-reviewed, English-language publications.

Areas of agreement

The paradox has been reported in different destinations, across different migrant groups, and across different health outcomes. It presents most consistently among migrants and women born in low and middle-income countries, and/or when morbidity is self-reported.

Areas of controversy

The majority of t

SUBMITTER: Wallace M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12455983 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature