The health of Canada's immigrants in 1994-95.
The "healthy immigrant effect" observed in other countries also prevails in Canada. Immigrants, especially recent immigrants, are less likely than the Canadian-born population to have chronic conditions or disabilities. The effect is most evident among those from non-European countries, who constitute the majority of recent immigrants to Canada. This article compares the health status, health care utilization, and health-related behaviour of immigrants with the Canadian-born population, and is based on self-reported data from the 1994-95 National Population Health Survey. Health status is examined in terms of chronic conditions, disability and health-related dependency. The indicators of health care utilization are hospitalization, contact with physicians and dentists, and unmet needs for health services. The health-related behaviours analysed are smoking and leisure time physical activity.
Chen
J
J
Health Statistics Division, Statistics Canada, Ottawa.
Ng
E
E
Wilkins
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001208:Asia / Q000208:ethnology; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004641:Emigration and Immigration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005060:Europe / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007843:Latin America / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence