Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health最新文献

{"title":"Maternal Nationality, Migration-Related Health Inequalities, and Pregnancy Complications in Cyprus: A Retrospective Analysis of Routinely Collected Maternity Records.","authors":"Paschalis Matzinos, Lenos Mastrou, Alexandros Heraclides, Demetris Lamnisos, Konstantinos Giannakou","doi":"10.1007/s10903-026-01991-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-026-01991-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Increasing international migration has transformed the maternity population of Cyprus, yet little is known about whether maternal health profiles and pregnancy complications differ across nationality groups. Understanding such differences is important for identifying potential maternal health inequalities and informing equitable maternity care in increasingly diverse maternity populations. This retrospective study analysed routinely collected maternity records from Paphos General Hospital, Cyprus. Of 2,233 deliveries between 2015 and 2020, medical records could be retrieved and contained sufficient information for abstraction for 1,112 births (49.8%). The unit of analysis was the birth. Maternal nationality as recorded at hospital registration was used as a proxy measure of migration-related characteristics and classified into seven categories. Pre-existing maternal conditions and pregnancy complications, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction, were compared using Fisher's exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests, with Cramér's V (V) reported as an effect-size measure. Logistic regression, including Firth's penalized regression for sparse outcomes, estimated crude and adjusted associations controlling for maternal age, parity, smoking, educational level and any pre-existing chronic condition. Among 1,112 births, maternal age, parity, smoking and educational level differed markedly across nationality categories (all p < 0.001), with the largest effect sizes observed for smoking (V = 0.35) and educational level (V = 0.33). Crude GDM prevalence ranged from 13.8% among women from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to 41.2% among women from Sub-Saharan Africa (p = 0.019; V = 0.12). After adjustment, MENA nationality was associated with lower odds of GDM (adjusted odds ratio 0.53, 95% CI 0.30-0.95, p = 0.032); this was the only statistically significant adjusted association among 24 nationality comparisons and should therefore be interpreted cautiously in the context of multiple testing. No statistically significant adjusted association was detected for gestational hypertension, preeclampsia or fetal growth restriction, with Cramér's V ranging from 0.03 to 0.09 for these complications. Births to women of different nationalities showed marked variation in sociodemographic and pre-existing health profiles, while estimates for several pregnancy complications remained imprecise, particularly in the smaller nationality categories. Lower adjusted odds of GDM among MENA women, a predominantly Syrian population, were robust to three sensitivity analyses; the institutional screening protocol was universal and remained unchanged throughout the study period, although individual screening completion could not be assessed systematically. The study was underpowered for the rarer outcomes, was not designed as an equivalence analysis, and measured no aspect of maternity-care delivery, so it cannot dete","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148850975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Healthcare Services Use and Satisfaction Among Iraqi and Syrian Refugees in San Diego: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Nissma Bencheikh, Omar Barakat, Ariana Khayamian, Lana Bridi, Nour Makarem, Tala Al-Rousan","doi":"10.1007/s10903-026-01992-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-026-01992-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Arabic-speaking refugees in the United States face an elevated burden of chronic disease yet encounter significant barriers to care, and little research has examined their experiences in the U.S. primary care system. This study characterizes the patient experiences of Syrian and Iraqi refugees in San Diego to identify factors that enhance or hinder healthcare integration and satisfaction. Semi-structured interviews lasting 30 to 90 min were conducted in Arabic with 109 Syrian and Iraqi refugees residing in San Diego with a confirmed diagnosis of hypertension. Interviews were transcribed, translated, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. The Warwick Patient Experience Framework (WaPEF) guided the development of the interview guide and the organization of themes. Seven themes were identified across four WaPEF categories. Regarding service responsiveness, participants preferred providers who were perceived as sharing their language or cultural background, which facilitated trust and comfort. Within lived experience, comparisons with healthcare in participants' home countries shaped expectations of U.S. care. Within the continuity of care and relationships, long wait times and limited appointment availability were major barriers that sometimes led to emergency department use, while proactive follow-up and trust facilitated consistent care. Within communication, language barriers and inconsistent interpreter services hindered care, while compassionate treatment strengthened the patient-provider bond. Language- and culture-concordant care, compassionate communication, and trusting patient-provider relationships facilitated positive healthcare experiences, while long wait times and inconsistent interpreter services remained key barriers. These findings identify opportunities to strengthen patient-centered care for Iraqi and Syrian refugee populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148850954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Protecting Health Care as a Safe Space: Immigration Enforcement and Public Health.","authors":"Joshua Samaniego, Jessica Toledo, Octavio Vega, Susan Lopez","doi":"10.1007/s10903-026-01995-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-026-01995-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Immigration enforcement policies in the United States function as powerful structural determinants of health among immigrant populations. This commentary highlights how fear of enforcement drives disrupted healthcare utilization through a clinical observation from a free clinic in Chicago alongside a synthesis of existing literature. Patients avoid routine visits despite medical need due to fear, resulting in progression of manageable conditions to severe complications. Evidence from prior enforcement periods demonstrates widespread \"chilling effects\" on healthcare engagement, even among individuals eligible for services. Prior studies further link restrictive immigration policies to adverse population health outcomes. Fear-driven disengagement from care is reinforced by perceived threats within or near healthcare settings, undermining trust in institutions traditionally considered safe spaces. These dynamics produce measurable clinical deterioration and exacerbate existing health disparities. This commentary argues that healthcare systems must actively re-establish themselves as enforcement-free environments through institutional policies, patient protections, and advocacy. Recognizing immigration enforcement as a public health issue is essential to improving outcomes and ensuring equitable access to care for everyone, regardless of immigration status.</p>","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148840565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biosociodemographic, Anthropometric, and Laboratory Profiles Associated with the Risk of Developing Chronic Kidney Disease Among Older Adults Living in Quilombola Communities: A Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"Edison Vitório de Souza Junior, Randson Souza Rosa, Edson Zangiacomi Martinez, Lucas Brasileiro Lemos, Gisele da Silveira Lemos, Isleide Santana Cardoso Santos, Jaine Kareny da Silva Alves, Sávio Luiz Ferreira Moreira, Felix Salvador Chavane, Namie Okino Sawada, José de Bessa Junior","doi":"10.1007/s10903-026-01990-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-026-01990-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To investigate the association between biosociodemographic, anthropometric, and laboratory factors and the risk of chronic kidney disease among older adults living in Quilombola communities, as well as to evaluate the discriminatory performance of these indicators in predicting renal risk. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 120 Quilombola older adults aged ≥ 60 years. Fisher exact test, Student t test, Mann-Whitney test, linear regression analysis, and ROC curve analysis were used to assess the main outcomes (95%CI). Higher Body Roundness Index values were associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (β = 0.586 [95% CI: 0.270-0.708] p < 0.001). In contrast, hip circumference showed an inverse association with the outcome (β = -0.433 [95% CI: -0.111 a -0.028] p = 0.001). Higher Triglyceride-Glucose Index values were associated with a greater risk of the outcome (β = 0.454 [95% CI: 0.451-2.196] p = 0.003). The Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation demonstrated a statistically significant but clinically limited association (β = 0.230 [95% CI: 1.42 × 10⁻¹⁰ - 1.07 × 10⁻⁹] p = 0.011). The following indicators showed moderate and statistically significant discriminatory ability: Body Mass Index (AUC = 0.732 [95% CI 0.610-0.854] p = 0.021), Body Roundness (AUC = 0.731 [95% CI 0.594-0.868] p = 0.022), waist-to-height ratio (AUC = 0.731 [95% CI 0.594-0.868] p = 0.022), and Triglyceride-Glucose Index (AUC = 0.716 [95% CI 0.507-0.924] p = 0.032). The Body Roundness Index and Triglyceride-Glucose Index were associated with the risk of chronic kidney disease and demonstrated discriminatory potential for identifying renal risk among older adults living in Quilombola communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Socioeconomic and Migration-Related Determinants of Newborn Metabolic Screening Uptake: A Case-Control Study in Urban Iran.","authors":"Farzaneh Abbasi, Mohsen Heidari, Farshad Sharifi, Reihaneh Mohsenipour, Rasta Moradi, Hadis Izadi, Azita Karimi, Saeideh Abdolahpour","doi":"10.1007/s10903-026-01988-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-026-01988-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) is a critical public health intervention for the early detection of inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs). Despite high national coverage in Iran, substantial socioeconomic and migration-related disparities in NBS uptake persist in urban settings. This study aimed to identify socioeconomic, migration-related, and healthcare access determinants associated with reduced NBS uptake among parents in Tehran. A case-control study was conducted among 402 parents attending public health centers affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences between January 1 to October 25, 2025. Cases (n = 108) were parents classified as having NBS non-uptake, and controls (n = 294) were parents in the NBS uptake group. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and analyzed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated, with ORs interpreted in relation to NBS uptake. Overall, 26.9% of parents did not complete NBS. In multivariable analyses, NBS non-uptake was significantly higher among non-Iranian families, households in lower income categories, and those lacking supplemental health insurance. Additional factors associated with non-uptake in univariable analyses included limited healthcare access and lower perceived importance of NBS (p < 0.05). Higher perceived importance of screening and physician-delivered prenatal education were strongly associated with greater NBS uptake. Reduced uptake of newborn metabolic screening in Tehran is associated primarily with economic vulnerability and structural barriers faced by migrant families. Equity-oriented interventions-including multilingual counseling, full cost waivers, integration of NBS education into prenatal care, and simplified registration pathways for migrant newborns-are essential to improve participation and strengthen the effectiveness of national screening programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148828916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Post-Migration Stressors and Health Vulnerabilities Among Afghan Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Türkiye.","authors":"Mitra Naseh, Sahar Badiezadeh, Yasemin Sohtorik Ilkmen, Ceren Acartürk, Nur Soylu, Michael Sotirescu","doi":"10.1007/s10903-026-01981-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-026-01981-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This phenomenological study examines the lived experiences of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers navigating health and social support in Türkiye. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 25 Dari-speaking Afghan refugees residing in Kayseri, Türkiye, between December 2023 and June 2024. Interviews were conducted in Dari or English, based on participant preference, and audio-recorded with participants' consent. The interviews were conducted using an interview guide designed to facilitate conversation about lived experiences in Türkiye with a focus on health. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed four overlapping themes: (1) widespread psychological distress, (2) discrimination and social exclusion in everyday interactions, (3) economic hardship as a mental health burden, and (4) restrictive migration policies as chronic stressors. Findings underscore how restrictive migration policies shape health outcomes, positioning them as critical social determinants of health for Afghan refugees and asylum seekers.</p>","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148794073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Early Childhood Development of Rohingya Children Living in Refugee Camps.","authors":"M Mofizul Islam, Irfath Sharmin Eva, Md Mashiur Rahman, Jannat Ul Ferdosh","doi":"10.1007/s10903-026-01984-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-026-01984-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This cross-sectional study examined early childhood development (ECD) among 36-59-month-old Rohingya children (n = 298) living in refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Based on caregiver responses to 10 standard ECD questions, 73.6% of children were developmentally on track overall, although only 39.1% were on track in the literacy-numeracy domain. Compared with Bangladeshi children from the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, a slightly higher proportion of Rohingya children (26.4% vs. 25.5%) were developmentally delayed, performing relatively poorly in the physical and learning domains. Multivariable regression analysis indicated that children's older age, greater exposure to stimulation activities, and household internet access were significantly associated with being developmentally on track. Despite limited resources in refugee settings, interventions that expand early learning opportunities and promote positive parenting could meaningfully improve developmental outcomes among displaced children. Future research should include larger, more representative samples to enhance precision and strengthen generalisability.</p>","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148794076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Long-Term Neurological Manifestations in HEV-Infected Immigrant Patients: A 11-year Follow-up Study on Meningo-Encephalomyelitis.","authors":"Gaetano Scotto, Vincenzina Fazio","doi":"10.1007/s10903-026-01983-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-026-01983-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This letter reports long-term (6-11 years) follow-up of a series with acute Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, highlighting its neurotropic potential in immunocompetent individuals. Among 20 individuals with documented viremia, 15% developed delayed meningo-encephalomyelitis, despite no acute neurological signs. HEV RNA detection in cerebrospinal fluid supports the role of active viral replication in central nervous system invasion. Both genotype 3 and genotype 1 were implicated. Two patients later developed neoplastic diseases in lung and pancreas. Although limited by small sample size, findings suggest neurological complications of HEV may be underrecognized and warrant broader diagnostic screening beyond acute hepatitis.</p>","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148794060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"\"Nobody Wants to Die That Way\": The Intersection of Immigration Enforcement and Emergency Medical Services in a Rural South Texas County.","authors":"Christine Crudo Blackburn, Emma Newman","doi":"10.1007/s10903-026-01977-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10903-026-01977-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of migration and immigration enforcement on this inland, rural community's EMS clinicians and first responders. We conducted 13 in-depth interviews with emergency responders in a rural county in Texas. Interviews were conducted between May 25-28, 2025. Thematic analysis using inductive, latent coding was performed using NVivo 14. Our analysis identified three primary themes: (1) Severe Negative Impacts of Immigration Enforcement on Emergency Responders, (2) Frequent and Necessary Collaboration with Border Patrol Agents, and (3) Positive Influence of Operational Lone Star Funding to Support Response to Migrant Health Emergencies. These themes highlight the ways that border enforcement and infrastructure contribute to situations that perpetuate the need for emergency services, the complexity of providing emergency care in a border security environment, and policy changes that have positively impacted emergency responders and the community in response to stated need. Elements of the intensive U.S. border security network bring already stretched local emergency responders on a collision course with the morbidity and mortality outcomes facilitated by border security infrastructure. This increases the negative impacts on local emergency responders, but funding specific to support medical response provided through border security initiatives can alleviate many of the challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148794169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"U.S. Policy as a Pathogen: A Systematic Review of Somatic and Psychological Distress Among Immigrants.","authors":"Kali Nicole Gagnon","doi":"10.1007/s10903-026-01982-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10903-026-01982-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>U.S. immigration policies function as structural determinants of health, yet their impacts across multiple domains remain poorly integrated. Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review of 45 empirical studies (2010-2025) across PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science considers the impact that U.S. immigration and enforcement policies have on the psychological and somatic health of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Findings are organized into four thematic clusters: Detention and Trauma, Caregiving Disruptions and Family Separation, Migration and Resettlement Stress, and Policy and Geographic Risks. Results illustrate how pre-migration, transit, and post-migration stressors intersect with restrictive policies and detention environments, contributing to elevated rates of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and somatic distress. This review demonstrates how enforcement-driven family separation, and the consistent threat of it, functions conceptually as a structural pathogen that is linked to intergenerational health burdens regardless of legal status. These findings underscore the need to recognize immigration policy as a critical social determinant of health and highlight the importance of policy-level interventions to mitigate systemic harm and preserve family health and unity.</p>","PeriodicalId":15958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148721804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}