Life Course Research: A Review of Factors Contributing to Health of Immigrants in the United States

Abstract

As the U.S. immigrant population increases, a thorough understanding of the socio-economic interactions, inter-ethnic relationships, and the impacts of the host country on immigrants, is worthy of examination. Our study reviewed the literature on factors, from both home and host countries, contributing to the health outcomes of immigrants. Using a conceptual model that builds on the growth of an individual from birth to childhood to adolescence and to adulthood, we highlight modifiers from home and host country that ultimately impact healthcare outcomes as an immigrant moves across this spectrum. Themes explored under home country factors include biological influences, culture and language, and environmental influences such as family, community, political and social factors. Themes identified within the United States factors include social network, environmental influences (lifestyle and behaviors), access to healthcare and socio-demographic influences. Using a life-course approach, we present a literature review of each of these modifiers as it relates to immigrants. Research of this nature facilitates the understanding of positive and negative changes in the immigrants’ health conditions and how these changes took place.