Health Behaviours and Their Determinants Among Immigrants in Italy

Background: Characterizing the behavioural risk profile of the immigrant population 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. Methods: Data 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, daily alcohol consumption and the preventive attitude to undergo medical checks in the absence of symptoms was assessed using multivariable Poisson models. Findings: The 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 educational level loses importance. Longer duration of residence and younger age at arrival are associated with an increased behavioural risk, but an improved preventive attitude. Among women we also observed an independent impact of integration indicators, less important for men. Interpretation: The 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 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. Funding: Ministry of Education, University and Research. Declaration of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interests to disclose. Ethical Approval: The survey has been conducted by the National Institute of Statistics (Istat) within the National Statistical Plan, approved by the Privacy Authority and by a decree of the President of the Republic.