International Migration Review
Volume 43, Issue 3, 2009, Pages 471-495

Could "acculturation" effects be explained by latent health disadvantages among Mexican immigrants? (Article)

Finch B.K.* , Do D.P. , Frank R. , Seeman T.
  • a San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
  • b University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
  • c Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
  • d UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

This paper tests portions of a new theory of immigrant health by focusing exclusively on latent biomarkers of future health risks. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, 1988-1994 -we uncover the typically observed immigrant health advantage among recent immigrants that diminishes among long-term immigrants. In addition, we observe worse health among U.S.-born Mexican Americans relative to non-Hispanic Whites. Finally, although our theory suggests that recent immigrants may have latent health risks due to disadvantaged childhood experiences, we do not find evidence in support of this theory. © 2009 Center for Migration Studies, New York, Inc.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

international migration Acculturation immigrant theoretical study health risk public health social theory
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-70149090144&doi=10.1111%2fj.1747-7379.2009.00774.x&partnerID=40&md5=aa71ff9e7dad3a86b614ce396ae97571
DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-7379.2009.00774.x
ISSN: 01979183
Cited by: 13
Original Language: English