Immigrant Health Paradoxes and Impacts

These flashcards focus on key concepts related to immigrant health, the social determinants affecting their health outcomes, and the implications of acculturation.

Foreign-Born Population

Individuals who have migrated to a country and are not citizens by birth.

Health Paradox

A situation where a group has better health outcomes than expected based on their socioeconomic status.

Latino Health Paradox

The phenomenon where Latino immigrants exhibit better health outcomes than their U.S. born counterparts despite lower socioeconomic status.

Acculturation

The process through which individuals adopt the cultural traits or social patterns of another group.

Health Selection

The theory that healthier individuals are more likely to migrate because they can handle the stress of relocation better.

Neighborhood Composition

The demographic and socioeconomic makeup of a specific geographic area.

Census Tract

A geographic region defined for the purpose of taking a census, often used to analyze data about local populations.

Cultural Protection

Health-promoting behaviors unique to immigrant communities that may decline with acculturation.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

An individual's or group's social and economic position in relation to others.

Infant Mortality Rate

The number of deaths of infants under one year old per 1,000 live births in a given year.

Racial and Ethnic Distribution

The representation of various racial and ethnic groups within a particular geographical area.

Low Birth Weight

A birth weight of less than 5.5 pounds, often associated with higher risk of infant mortality.

Stress Pathways

Biopsychosocial mechanisms through which stress affects health outcomes.

Health Behaviors

Actions taken by individuals that affect their health, including diet, physical activity, and smoking.

Biopsychosocial Factors

Complex interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors that influence health.

Immigration Policy

Laws and regulations governing the entry, stay, and status of individuals in a country.

Discrimination

Unjust treatment of individuals based on their race, ethnicity, or immigration status.

Chronic Disease

Long-term health conditions that often require ongoing management.

Neighborhood Poverty

The level of poverty present within a specific community or neighborhood.

Census Data

Statistics collected from a population for analysis of various demographic factors.

Cohort Study

A research study that follows a group of people over time to assess outcomes.

Epidemiologic Research

Study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states in populations.

Community Health

The health status of a specific group of people and the actions to improve it.

Cultural Assimilation

The process by which a minority group adopts the customs and attitudes of the dominant culture.