Health behaviours and their determinants among immigrants residing in Italy

BackgroundThe mechanisms that influence the uptake of risky behaviours among immigrants are influenced by the interrelation between characteristics operating in different phases of their migratory experience. Characterizing their behavioural risk profile is needed to prioritize actions for prevention and health services organization. We therefore analysed health behaviours and their determinants among immigrants in Italy, jointly accounting for sociodemographic factors, migration pathways and integration indicators. MethodsData come from a national survey conducted in 2011-2012 on a sample of about 12000 households with at least one foreigner residing in Italy. The independent impact of a variety of sociodemographic, migratory and integration characteristics on obesity, smoking and daily alcohol consumption was assessed using multivariable Poisson models. ResultsThe survey involved more than 15,000 first generation immigrants. Unhealthy lifestyles are more common among men than among women and vary widely by ethnic group. There is a significant impact of employment status and family composition, while the educational level loses importance. Longer duration of residence and younger age at arrival are associated with an increased behavioural risk. Among women we also observed an independent impact of the integration indicators, less important for men. ConclusionsThe profile of the main unhealthy lifestyles among migrants is shaped by cultural, socioeconomic and migratory characteristics, which differ by gender. Understanding these factors can help to design tailored preventive messages, necessary to interrupt the deterioration of migrants health capital. Low levels of integration have an additional negative impact on health, so inclusion and integration policies should complement health promotion strategies.