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Global Migrants and Refugees: Recent Trends, Health Inequities and Aging

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 19940

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Dr. Lillian Mwanri

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Research Centre for Public Health, Equity and Human Flourishing, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide Campus, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
Interests: migration and migrants health; health inequities; communicable and non-communicable disease; social determinants of health; mixed methods research; global and public health in general
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Dr. Nnaemeka Meribe

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Centre for Public Health, Equity and Human Flourishing, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide Campus, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
Interests: media and health; migrants mental health; media and disability; media and migration; media and climate change; communication studies; qualitative research

Dr. William Mude

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Guest Editor

College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia
Interests: migrant/refugee health; health equity; communicable and non-communicable diseases; epidemiology; social determinants of health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Migrant and refugee populations are steadily growing, diversifying and aging. The 2022 World Migration Report stated that international migrants comprise 3.6% of the total global population. From 1990 to 2020, this population has increased from 128 to 281 million people. These migrant groups are not only growing in number and diversity, but a significant proportion are also aging. Although migrant populations are known to be significantly resilient and generally of good health, especially in their initial settlement, often migration and settlement challenges persist for generations, resulting in complex and inequitable communities. Research is essential to provide evidence that informs local, national and global policy and practice drivers for better health outcomes.

This Special Issue of The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) focuses on global migration trends, migrants’ and refugees’ health, health inequities and aging.

Original research papers, reviews, case reports and conference papers are welcome in this Special Issue. Articles dealing with new approaches to address issues, including migration (opportunities, challenges and inequities), migrants’ health, settlement and migrant health care service access, and specific migrants’ sub-groups, including older people, will be accepted. Other manuscript types that will be accepted include methodological papers, position papers, brief reports and commentaries. We encourage manuscripts from different disciplines, including public health, social and behavioral sciences, international law and human rights, settlement services, anthropology, epidemiology, psychology and demography.

Dr. Lillian Mwanri
Dr. Nnaemeka Meribe
Dr. William Mude
Guest Editors

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Keywords

global migrant trends
migrant health and health equities
mental health
population aging
human rights and international law

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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30 pages, 1498 KB

Open AccessArticle

Social Network Impacts and Moderators of Depression Among Indigenous Maya People Remaining in Place of Origin in the Migrant-Sending Guatemalan Western Highlands

by Haley M. Ciborowski, Kimberly C. Brouwer, Samantha Hurst, Ramona L. Perez, Kate Swanson and Holly Baker

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(9), 1328; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22091328 - 26 Aug 2025

Viewed by 997

Abstract

Remaining in the place of origin while family, friends, and neighbors emigrate can have adverse effects on psychological well-being. Specific important relationships absent from one’s social network can be especially impactful, while other relationships and network characteristics still available in the home network can be protective against psychological distress. The highlands of western Guatemala experience emigration at high rates and changing social network structures, affecting the mental health of those remaining at home. This study uses socio-centric network data from a single community (N = 653) to investigate the association between having emigrant ties in the United States and experiencing depressive symptoms according to an adapted CESD-20 scale. We also explore which types of relationships and network characteristics increase the likelihood of reporting depressive symptoms or moderate the relationship between emigration and depression. Our results indicate that having emigrant ties and more of them increases the odds of depression, even if only one friend or neighbor emigrated. Those with lower levels of education were also more likely to report depressive symptoms. However, more connected networks offered some protection from depression. Certain critical relationships still available at home, like a mother or sibling, lowered the likelihood of depression. For women, higher transitivity, or network cohesiveness, moderated the relationship between emigration and depression, and for men, a higher proportion of their connections outside of the household than within the household moderated that relationship. These findings may offer some insight into important relationships and network structures that may be leveraged to ease the mental health burden for those remaining at home while friends and loved ones emigrate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Migrants and Refugees: Recent Trends, Health Inequities and Aging)

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16 pages, 293 KB

Open AccessArticle

Using a Community-Based Participatory Research Approach to Study the Mental Health of Older Adults with a Refugee Life Experience

by Rochelle L. Frounfelker, Puja Thapa and Tej Mishra

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1303; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081303 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1133

Abstract

Older adults with a refugee life experience have a disproportionate burden of mental health problems compared to non-refugee aging populations. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a promising approach to identify the challenges and strengths of older refugee adults and identify solutions to mental health disparities. We present a case study of one such CBPR program of research with older ethnic Nepali Bhutanese adults resettled in North America, Project Bhalakushari. We highlight the many opportunities to integrate older adults and members of the broader Bhutanese community in activities throughout the research process, starting with forming academic–community partnerships, identifying the needs and strengths of the community, conducting research, and sharing study findings with a broad audience of community members, health practitioners, policy-makers, and academics. Our case study emphasizes that a successful, culturally informed partnership should consider the involvement of the entire community, regardless of age, in the initiative to secure buy-in and support and maximize the positive impact of the work. We identify concrete strategies to overcome challenges specific to conducting research, with a focus on recruitment, outreach, and data collection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Migrants and Refugees: Recent Trends, Health Inequities and Aging)

15 pages, 3204 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bibliometric Analysis of the Mental Health of International Migrants

by Lei Han, Seunghui Jeong, Seongwon Kim, Yunjeong Eom and Minye Jung

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1187; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081187 - 29 Jul 2025

Viewed by 477

Abstract

Background: International migration is a growing global phenomenon involving diverse groups, such as labor migrants, international marriage migrants, refugees, and international students. International migrants face unique mental health challenges influenced by adversities such as social isolation and limited access to mental health services. This study employs bibliometric methods to systematically analyze the global body of literature on international migrants’ mental health. Methods: The literature on the mental health of international migrants published until October 2024 was searched using the Web of Science database. The search terms included (‘International migrants’ OR ‘migrant workers’ OR ‘international students’ OR ‘refugees’ OR ‘asylum seekers’ OR ‘smuggled migrants’) AND ‘mental health’. VOSviewer was used to conduct bibliometric analysis, focusing on co-authorship patterns, keyword co-occurrence, and citation networks. Results: Over the past four decades, research on the mental health of international migrants has grown substantially, with major migration destinations such as the United States, Europe, and Australia playing prominent roles in this field. ‘Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)’ was the most frequent keyword in publications, with strong links to ‘trauma’ and ‘depression’. In recent years, with the impact of global socioenvironmental changes and emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the research focus has gradually shifted towards social support, service accessibility, and cultural adaptation. Conclusions: International migration is a far-reaching global phenomenon, and addressing the mental health of migrant populations is essential for advancing public health, social cohesion, and sustainable development. This study provides the first bibliometric overview of research in this domain, mapping its thematic evolution and collaborative structure. The findings offer valuable insights into the field’s development and may support future interdisciplinary collaboration and the formulation of culturally informed, evidence-based approaches in migrant mental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Migrants and Refugees: Recent Trends, Health Inequities and Aging)

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14 pages, 319 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hypertension and the Well-Being of African Migrants in South Africa

by Ufuoma Patience Ejoke and Edwin Devon Du Plessis

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(5), 779; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22050779 - 14 May 2025

Viewed by 758

Abstract

This article examines the risk factors for hypertension among migrants in South Africa, a critical public health concern. We explore the connection between acculturation, lifestyle changes, obesity, diet, urbanization, and socioeconomic status in contributing to hypertension risk. Our analysis highlights the unique challenges faced by African migrants, including acculturative stress, limited healthcare access, and lifestyle changes. The findings have significant implications for health promotion, disease prevention, and policy development. We emphasize the need for targeted interventions and updated immigration policies prioritizing hypertension awareness, screening, and management among African migrant populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Migrants and Refugees: Recent Trends, Health Inequities and Aging)

12 pages, 235 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evolving Global Migration Trends: Post-Migration Experiences of Iranian Dentists Attempting to Obtain Credential Recognition in Canada

by Sara Hajian and Glen E. Randall

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(5), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22050725 - 2 May 2025

Viewed by 900

Abstract

As global migration continues to expand, the diversity of migrant populations increases. This includes a growing number of highly educated individuals from lower-income countries who face significant economic and mental health challenges in attempting to integrate into new communities. Despite extensive education and experience, their expertise is often unrecognized, with many resorting to unskilled labor alternatives. While substantial research exists on the immigration experiences of physicians and nurses, little is known about other professionals, such as dentists. This case study seeks to gain an in-depth understanding of the post-migration experiences of Iranian-trained dentists in Canada, identifying barriers and facilitators to their successful integration. Using a qualitative approach, this study is based on eleven interviews with dentists trained in Iran who recently immigrated to Canada. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom in English. A thematic analysis was performed using the 2021 Dedoose software program. Barriers to successful integration were categorized into two main themes: “socio-cultural” and “institutional” impediments. The findings show that participants faced significant challenges integrating into Canadian society. Beyond the many socio-cultural obstacles, the negative economic and mental health impacts of attempting to navigate the credential recognition system were substantial, largely due to what appears to be a systematic and institutionalized bias against foreign-trained individuals built into the credentialing system. As a result, their skills often remain underutilized, benefiting neither themselves nor their new country. Findings will inform policy and practice and propose practical recommendations that include reducing institutional barriers for credential assessment, providing mental health support, and offering financial support during assessment of international education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Migrants and Refugees: Recent Trends, Health Inequities and Aging)

12 pages, 266 KB

Open AccessArticle

Vagal Nerve Biofeedback Intervention for Improving Health Outcomes Among Ukrainian Forced Migrants: A Proof-of-Concept Study

by Yori Gidron, Einav Levy, Chen Hanna Ryder, Sharon Shaul, Rita Sirota and Drorit Atias

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(4), 515; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040515 - 28 Mar 2025

Viewed by 902

Abstract

Background: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has forced numerous migrants into neighboring countries, many suffering from pre-existing or newly acquired physical and mental health conditions. Addressing these complex challenges in humanitarian settings requires innovative, evidence-based interventions that are cost-effective and easy to administer. Drawing upon research highlighting the vagus nerve’s role in regulating well-being, we hypothesized that vagal nerve activation could offer a promising therapeutic approach. Method: We conducted a proof-of-concept study in which 21 Ukrainian forced migrants were trained in a biofeedback-guided paced breathing intervention designed to stimulate the vagus nerve and promote self-regulation of stress response systems. Changes in pain perception, perceived stress, blood pressure, and heart rate were assessed before and after the vagal breathing intervention using a t-test. Correlations were examined at baseline. Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in all measures except systolic blood pressure, providing preliminary evidence for the efficacy of vagal nerve activation in alleviating stress-related health symptoms. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility and therapeutic potential of a vagal nerve-activating intervention in a humanitarian setting. These findings warrant replication in larger, controlled trials. If substantiated, this low-cost, scalable intervention could help mitigate health burdens among forced migrant populations worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Migrants and Refugees: Recent Trends, Health Inequities and Aging)

14 pages, 1017 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Conceptual Model of Refugee Family Dynamics: A Study with Sri Lankan Tamils

by Miriam Kuttikat, Marianne B. Lund, David Chan and Indranil Sahoo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(2), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22020169 - 26 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1568

Abstract

Sri Lankan Tamil refugees have endured over four decades of protracted displacement in southern India. This paper synthesizes findings from four studies conducted between 2005 and 2018 among refugees residing in the Gummidipoondi and Trichy refugee camps in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Framed by a Community Based Participatory Research, in collaboration with the Organization for Eelam Refugee Rehabilitation (OfERR) and Community Advisory Board, these studies aimed to investigate the challenges related to migration stressors, mental health, family dynamics, and resource utilization of the Sri Lankan refugees living in India. The association of Psychological Distress and Migration Stress (PDMS) study examined migration stressors influencing psychological distress among refugees. The intergenerational Conflict and Community Readiness (ICCR study) assessed community readiness for repatriation and intergenerational conflict employing semi-structured qualitative interviews. The Family Dynamics (FD) mixed-method study investigated longitudinal associations between migration stressors, resource utilization, family dynamics, and health outcomes among Sri Lankan Tamil refugees. The Parenting Processes and Intervention Development (PPID) Study incorporated perspectives of community health workers through qualitative exploratory research. Integrating these findings, the research developed (1) Conceptual Model of Refugee Family Dynamics and (2) Framework for Refugee Health Intervention. These models provide a culturally sensitive framework for future interventions to improve family well-being among refugee populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Migrants and Refugees: Recent Trends, Health Inequities and Aging)

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17 pages, 2807 KB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Communicable Diseases Among Forcibly Displaced People: A Systematic Mapping Review

by Kyohei Nishino, Tshewang Gyeltshen and Mahbubur Rahman

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22010063 - 5 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1356

Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a serious global health challenge, accounting for 74% of all deaths worldwide, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) disproportionately affected. These challenges are further exacerbated in humanitarian settings, particularly among forcibly displaced people (FDP). Despite the critical need for NCD management in these populations, their epidemiology remains poorly understood. This highlights an urgent research priority to address knowledge gaps and improve their health outcomes. Methods: In this research, we conducted a systematic mapping review to aggregate and categorize existing publications on NCDs among FDP. Literature searches were performed across five electronic databases, namely PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Global Index Medicus, and Google Scholar, using predefined criteria related to target populations, research domains, and study design. The evidence was systematically coded and analyzed to assess the current research status on NCDs among FDP. Results: A total of 310 publications were included in the review. The findings indicate an increasing trend in publications on NCDs among FDP since 2014. In contrast, most studies revealed low evidence levels. Disease-specific research primarily focused on diabetes mellitus (DM) (26.4%) and hypertension (19.8%), addressing health status (43.1%) and health policy (32.0%). Studies mainly concentrated on Syrian (45.5%) and Palestinian (18.9%) refugees, with limited research on other countries and types of FDP. Funding sources were mostly governmental (23.1%) and philanthropic foundations (17.6%), although many studies were unfunded (26.2%). Conclusions: This is the first systematic mapping review on NCDs among FDP. The findings revealed both current knowledge areas of focus and gaps. Although the research quantity has increased, the evidence quality remains low. The retrieved studies predominantly focused on DM and hypertension among Syrian and Palestinian refugees, causing significant knowledge gaps regarding other geographical areas and types of FDP. Future research should prioritize higher-quality studies, expand the geographical scope, and include diverse types of FDP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Migrants and Refugees: Recent Trends, Health Inequities and Aging)

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12 pages, 442 KB

Open AccessArticle

Intention to Use Primary Healthcare Services among South–South Migrants

by Consuelo Cruz-Riveros, Alfonso Urzúa, Carolina Lagos and Evelyn Parada

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(9), 1258; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091258 - 23 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1466

Abstract

(1) Background: To evaluate a model based on the right-to-health approach, considering the impact of associated factors on the future utilization of primary healthcare services among international migrants in Chile. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed to survey 499 South American migrants residing in Chile. Ad-hoc questionnaires were used to assess their experiences related to the right to health, perceived discrimination, income, education, length of residence, age, marital status, gender, migration status, among others. Correlation analyses were conducted, followed by path analysis with significant variables to assess the fit of two models. (3) Results: Ten variables were identified as significant for path analysis. Among the two evaluated models, the final model identified six variables with significant direct and indirect effects. Among them, the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of healthcare services were positively associated with the future intention to use them. Additionally, perceived racial and ethnic discrimination also had a positive effect on the intention to use healthcare services, suggesting a possible adaptive response to adversity, exhibiting acceptable goodness-of-fit indices (χ² =241,492; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.913; TLI = 0.82; RMSEA = 0.062; SRMR = 0.05). (4) Conclusions: While the initial model provides valuable insights, it is essential to broaden the analysis to include other factors influencing the specific context of international migrants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Migrants and Refugees: Recent Trends, Health Inequities and Aging)

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15 pages, 333 KB

Open AccessArticle

Parental Migration and the Social and Mental Well-Being Challenges among Indonesian Left-Behind Children: A Qualitative Study

by Nelsensius Klau Fauk, Alfonsa Liquory Seran, Paul Aylward, Lillian Mwanri and Paul Russell Ward

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(6), 793; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21060793 - 18 Jun 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 7676

Abstract

Parental labour migration, of either one or both parents, has been associated with various challenges among left-behind children (LBC). However, there is a limited understanding of the LBC’s own views and experiences of social and mental well-being and how the new daily life circumstances they encounter following their parents’ migration impact them. This study aimed to understand the influence of parental migration and its aftermath on the social and mental well-being of adolescents (referred to as LBC) in two rural districts in Indonesia. Employing a qualitative design, data were collected through individual in-depth interviews with LBC (n = 24) aged 14 to 18 years, recruited using the snowball sampling technique. Data were thematically analysed, guided by a qualitative data analysis framework. The findings showed that parental migration negatively impacted the social well-being of LBC. This impact was reflected in negative labelling from friends and changes in familial roles which influenced their social interactions and activities with peers. Parental migration was also associated with challenges to the mental well-being of LBC. These manifested in the LBC experiencing fractured emotional bonds, leading to negative emotions, including stress, anxiety, sadness, depression, frustration, loss of motivation, and self-imposed isolation, which were associated with their parents’ migration and abrupt disruptions in parent–child communication. The transition to new life situations with caregivers after parental migration and the dynamics within the caregivers’ households were additional factors that detrimentally affected their mental well-being. Unmet basic needs and educational needs due to financial hardships faced by mothers and caregivers further exacerbated mental health challenges for the children. The findings indicate the importance and improvement of policies and interventions in Indonesia (e.g., counselling services, non-cash food assistance, family hope program, direct cash assistance) that cover and address the diverse needs of mothers or caregivers and the LBC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Migrants and Refugees: Recent Trends, Health Inequities and Aging)

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8 pages, 264 KB

Open AccessBrief Report

Mentalization in Asylum Seekers with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

by Massimiliano Aragona, Marcella Cavallo, Federica Ferrari, Giovanna Laurendi and Gianluca Nicolella

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(9), 1405; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22091405 - 9 Sep 2025

Viewed by 604

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the two major dimensions of mentalization (self and other-oriented) in asylum seekers resettled in Italy. It is important because it is the first study addressing the role of mentalization in asylum seekers with PTSD. Twenty asylum seekers scoring above the cut-off for the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) were contrasted to twenty asylum seekers without PTSD on mentalization and somatization. The Certainty About Mental States Questionnaire (CAMSQ) and the Bradford Somatic Inventory (BSI-21) were used to assess mentalization and somatization, respectively. Pearson correlations and multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the overall association between variables. Asylum seekers with PTSD had significantly higher scores than those without PTSD on somatization (p = 0.03), and significantly lower scores on self-oriented mentalization (p < 0.05) than those without PTSD. These results show that asylum seekers with PTSD have reduced self-oriented mentalizing abilities, while the other-oriented component of mentalization appears less involved. This study shows that mentalization deserves more research for the possibly crucial role of reduced self-oriented mentalization in asylum seekers’ suffering. If these findings are confirmed by future studies, they could be used to tailor interventions for asylum seekers and refugees with PTSD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Migrants and Refugees: Recent Trends, Health Inequities and Aging)

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