Search Results (270)

Decisions to migrate are based on individual and family assessments of risk and opportunity, shaped by economic conditions, risks and experiences of violence, resources, and networks, which interact with personal factors and opportunity. During the journey, migrating people may encounter threats to their safety and wellbeing from both human and natural hazards. This study drew on survey data from 305 Mexican and Central American participants who migrated into the US between 2013 and 2022 alone or with families and children. Respondents provided demographic data and answered questions about stressors that prompted their migration, dangerous experiences encountered on their journey, sources of support, and what they wished they had known. Factors that influenced migration included economic stressors such as loss of job and poverty, witnessing or experiencing interpersonal violence or state violence such as kidnapping or threats to self or family, and environmental factors such as natural disasters. Approximately a third of participants traveled with their children, parents or siblings. Younger migrants and migrating people traveling with children reported significantly higher likelihood of encountering dangers during migration. Implications for supporting migrating children and families who have encountered violence and trauma are discussed, as well as limitations of the research. Full article

The integration experiences and vulnerabilities of migrants in host states are a critical area of study. This qualitative research, grounded in a human rights and social justice framework, investigates the systemic injustices and integration challenges faced by Zimbabwean migrants in Johannesburg, South Africa. Through in-depth interviews with 16 participants and six key informants, the study employs thematic analysis to uncover the socio-cultural, economic, and political barriers that impede successful integration. The findings reveal pervasive issues such as prejudice, discrimination, xenophobia, and language barriers, which exacerbate the migrants’ vulnerabilities and make it difficult to support their families. They, at times, fail to buy food and pay school fees for their children. Despite these challenges, the resilience and creativity of Zimbabwean migrants are evident. The study’s unique contribution lies in its widening of the genealogy of theories of migration by incorporating African-centred migration perspectives, which are grounded in social justice perspectives. This critiques the Global North-dominated narratives that have historically sidelined the lived experiences of migrants from the Global South. The study offers a comprehensive examination of the interplay between systemic barriers and migrant resilience, offering new insights into how migration involves and affects families. This research calls for the development and implementation of rights-based integration frameworks to address systemic issues and enhance the well-being of migrants so that they can better support their families and kinsmen. Full article

Objectives: To analyze the prevalence and influencing factors of overweight and obesity among left-behind children (LBC) under 6 years old in China, and to provide a reference basis for their early prevention and control. Methods: The data were derived from the National Nutrition and Health Survey among children and lactating mothers (2016–2017). A total of 19,229 left-behind children under 6 years old in China were included in this study. The results were post-stratification weighted and adjusted using data from the Sixth National Population Census released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China in 2010. The Rao–Scott chi-square test with sampling design-weighted correction was used to test for statistical differences, and multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore influencing factors. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among LBC under 6 years old in China were 6.68% and 2.22%, respectively. The overweight rate and obesity rate of boys were higher than those of girls (7.96% vs. 5.15%, 2.77% vs. 1.56%). Both the overweight rate and obesity rate showed a “U”-shaped trend with increasing age (p < 0.0001). LBC with migrant fathers had the highest overweight rate and obesity rate. Logistic regression analysis indicated that being male, being in infancy or preschool age, residing in eastern China, having a migrant father, and higher annual per capita household income were risk factors for overweight and obesity. Conclusions: Left-behind children under 6 years old in China are at risk of overweight and obesity. Among LBC under 6 years old in China, the issues of overweight and obesity are relatively prominent in boys, as well as those in infancy and preschool age. Additionally, LBC with fathers who migrate for work have relatively higher overweight/obesity rates. It is essential to pay attention to the problems of overweight and obesity among LBC under 6 years old in China, strengthen the monitoring of their growth and development, and incorporate the improvement of overweight and obesity in LBC into national nutrition improvement policies at all levels. Full article

China’s rapid urbanization has created the world’s largest internal migration, increasingly shaped by women’s participation. Co-migrant mothers—rural women who bring their children to cities—occupy complex roles as workers, wives, and caregivers. Existing studies focus on left-behind mothers or individual coping, but little is known about how co-migrant mothers collectively reshape motherhood through urban spatial and social change. Based on fieldwork in a Guangzhou migrant community, this study develops the “disembedding–re-embedding–reconstruction” framework to show how mobility reconfigures motherhood. Moving from villages to cities disembeds mothers from the moral surveillance that enforces self-sacrificing norms. Community-based organizations (CBOs) then serve as re-embedding sites where women form new maternal subjectivities through mutual support and reflection, producing a locally rooted idea of self-caring motherhood. This idea reframes care as reciprocal rather than self-depleting and affirms mothers’ emotional and bodily well-being as part of family life. Finally, these values are reconstructed in households through subtle temporal and spatial negotiations that adjust gendered divisions of labor without open conflict. Highlighting collective empowerment and spatial transformation, this study moves motherhood research beyond individualized lenses and reveals grounded, pragmatic forms of gendered agency in China’s rural–urban migration. Full article

Migrant children encounter numerous survival challenges during their development, which may contribute to difficulties they may face in adapting to new school environments. Although existing research has confirmed that multiple risk factors within the family microsystem negatively affect these children’s school adjustment, the cumulative impact of these risks and their underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently explored. A total of 2498 students participated in this study, including 1370 non-migrant children and 1128 migrant children (mean age = 12.83 ± 1.21 years; 576 boys), recruited from three middle schools in Jiangsu Province. The results show that (1) cumulative family risk had a significant negative predictive effect on school adjustment; (2) relative deprivation played a partial mediating role in this relationship; and (3) beliefs about adversity moderated the latter half of the mediation pathway, serving a protective function. Exposure to multiple family risk factors may heighten migrant children’s relative deprivation, thereby adversely influencing their school adjustment—a pathway further moderated by adversity beliefs. The present study not only contributes to a deeper theoretical understanding of the link between cumulative family risk and school adjustment, and the underlying mechanisms thereof, but also offers practical insights that can help design interventions that aim to enhance school adjustment among migrant children. Full article

Background/Objectives: Iran carries a significant burden of mental health disorders. This study aimed to describe the status of mental health and mental health care in Iran between 2012 and 2023, addressing inequalities and mapping existing challenges in the mental health care system. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted. Databases including Medline, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, as well as local databases such as SID, Magiran, and Noormags, were searched to identify studies related to mental health care in Iran. A total of 59 studies met the inclusion criteria. An inductive approach and thematic analysis were used to synthesize themes from the data. Results: Lower socioeconomic status (SES) was associated with higher rates of mental disorders due to poverty-related stressors and limited access to quality care. Gender disparities revealed that women are more vulnerable to mental health problems, exacerbated by perceived gender inequality. Ethnic minorities and undocumented migrant populations faced inadequate healthcare services, resulting in poorer mental health outcomes. Children and older adults also experienced mental health challenges influenced by sociodemographic factors. The main challenge for mental health care is establishing mechanisms to ensure more equitable access for all citizens. Additional challenges include limited awareness among policymakers, insufficient budget allocation, weak prevention programs, and poor intra- and inter-sectoral coordination and collaboration. A shortage of mental health care providers, as well as deficiencies in structure, system processes, and resources, further hinder progress. Conclusions: Socioeconomic factors exacerbate the challenges of Iran’s under-resourced mental health system. To address these issues, equity considerations must be integrated into mental health policies. Key interventions include the routine monitoring of mental health indicators, expanding insurance coverage for mental health services, and establishing dedicated services for children. Full article

Food insecurity (FI) is a major public health problem that disproportionately affects women, especially if they are migrants. In Chile, there is limited data on how gender and migration status intersect to explain vulnerability to FI. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 2124 women of childbearing age (1062 Chilean and 1062 immigrants) residing in south-central Chile. Biosociodemographic variables were collected through a structured questionnaire, and FI was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to estimate risk factors using odds ratios (OR). Overall, 39.2% of women experienced some degree of FI, with prevalence significantly higher among immigrants (49%) compared to Chileans (29%). Severe FI was twice as frequent in immigrant women (18.1% vs. 9.2%). The risk factor of FI in the total sample included immigrant status (OR = 2.61; 95% CI: 2.15–3.17), low socioeconomic status (OR = 2.25; 1.77–2.87), having children (OR = 1.82; 1.49–2.23), being head of household (OR = 1.53; 1.25–1.87), not having a job (OR = 1.27; 1.02–1.58), and suffering from depression (OR = 2.11; 1.66–2.67). Subgroup analyses confirmed similar determinants in both groups, with not having a job being relevant mainly for immigrants and age acting as a protective factor among Chileans. FI is highly prevalent among women in south-central Chile, particularly among immigrants. Structural determinants such as socioeconomic status, having children, being the head of the household, and depression increase vulnerability. Policies must integrate gender and migration perspectives, promoting access to adequate food, employment, childcare, and mental health support. Full article

The convergence of youth migration and the nuclearization of families has altered conventional living arrangements in India, indicating a sharp rise in the number of families in which older adults live alone due to the outmigration of their adult children. This study aims to explore the perceptions of left-behind older adults regarding long-distance care practices by their adult children and to describe the practical and functional care deficits that lead to vulnerability and unmet mental health care in migrant households. Twenty older adults above 65 years of age living alone or with a spouse for at least one year due to the out-migration of their adult children were selected purposively. The analysis revealed that distance from migrant children makes older adults feel anxious, miss their family togetherness, and experience increased loneliness and care gaps in later years, contributing to a multifaceted causality of vulnerability while aging alone. Narratives of distance care are often shaped by the bidirectional flow of care across generations through virtual and in-person means, where emotional and functional deprivations continue to challenge the quality of informal distant care among left-behind older adults. Mental health promotion among community-dwelling older adults is crucial for sustaining their functional capacity, thereby delaying psychological morbidities during aging. Full article

Childhood immunization is one of the most effective public health measures, yet inequities remain in marginalized populations across Asia, where parental adherence is essential to sustaining the Expanded Program on Immunization. This narrative review examines determinants of adherence among under-five children in disadvantaged communities. Following PRISMA guidelines, searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar identified studies published between 2015 and 2025, with earlier key works included as relevant. Twenty-one studies from South, Southeast, and East Asia were analyzed. Five domains were associated with adherence: socioeconomic and access factors, where maternal education, household income, and possession of immunization cards were positive predictors, while remote residence was a barrier; trust, cultural beliefs, and social norms, with misinformation and vaccine controversies reducing uptake, and provider trust and supportive norms improving it; migration and mobility, as migrant, stateless, and left-behind children had lower coverage due to weak registration and disrupted caregiving; household and caregiver dynamics, where decision-making by family or community members shaped uptake, while large family size and maternal employment limited adherence; and health system capacity, with inadequate infrastructure and follow-up hindering coverage and integration with maternal–child health services facilitating it. Addressing these intersecting barriers through equity-focused strategies is critical to achieving universal immunization coverage. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral health status of socially vulnerable children and adolescents in Seville and to examine its associations with behavioral and sociodemographic determinants. We hypothesized that greater social vulnerability and suboptimal behaviors would be associated with higher caries experience. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 250 participants aged 2 to 17 years attending the Luis Séiquer Social Dentistry Foundation between January and March 2025. Clinical examinations followed the WHO Oral Health Surveys: Basic Methods (5th edition, 2013) and were performed by a calibrated dentist. Variables included dental caries indices (dft, DMFT), pulpal treatment needs, and oral hygiene practices. Statistical analyses included Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U, Fisher’s exact tests, and multivariate regression models (significance level p < 0.05). Results: Caries prevalence was high across all age groups, particularly in primary dentition (mean dft = 3.05 ± 3.80; DMFT = 2.99 ± 3.66; p < 0.001). Pulp therapy needs were significantly higher among preschoolers (mean = 2.22 ± 2.31). Factors such as low parental education, migrant background, insufficient toothbrushing frequency, and frequent sugar intake were strongly associated with poorer oral health outcomes. Although fluoridated toothpaste use was widespread (>94%), dental floss use remained limited (34.8%). Multivariate analyses confirmed a strong association between social inequalities and oral disease burden. Conclusions: Children and adolescents from vulnerable groups in Seville experience a high prevalence of dental caries and substantial unmet treatment needs. Findings highlight marked oral health disparities linked to socioeconomic status, emphasizing the urgent need for early preventive programs, culturally adapted oral health education, and equitable access to dental care. Full article

Intergenerational contact is a key component of the informal support systems that contribute to the wellbeing of older adults. As societies age and migration patterns diversify family structures, understanding how contact is sustained across generations becomes increasingly relevant for health equity and the sustainability of care systems. In this study, we conceptualise sustainability not in environmental terms but as social and health-system sustainability—that is, the long-term ability of families and care systems to maintain intergenerational ties, ensure equitable access to support, and remain resilient under demographic and social pressures. Drawing on theories of intergenerational solidarity and social capital, this study situates contact as both a resource for individual wellbeing and a pillar of care sustainability in diverse societies. We examine the frequency of contact between parents and adult children among adults aged 50 and above, comparing migrant and non-migrant populations across 25 European countries. Using data from Waves 7, 8, and the COVID-19 wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), we assess both in-person and digital forms of contact before and during the pandemic. Results show that older migrants have less frequent contact with parents but more frequent contact with children than do non-migrants, with similar patterns attested across repeated cross-sections (2017, 2019, 2021). The strong contact observed in each cross-section, facilitated by digital tools, implies resilient family ties under public-health stress. However, resilience is uneven: weaker contact with parents among migrant populations reflects structural barriers such as visa restrictions, caregiving responsibilities, discrimination, language barriers, and unequal digital access. Moreover, differences in access and proficiency with digital tools suggest that digital contact did not compensate equally across groups. These findings underscore the importance of sustainable and inclusive strategies in ageing and health policy. Specifically, targeted digital literacy programmes for older migrants, policies supporting transnational caregiving, affordable internet access, mobility solutions, and anti-discrimination measures in family visitation are crucial to reducing inequities. Full article

International law has evolved to oblige states to treat children with disabilities with dignity and respect. Yet, where children with disabilities present as migrants, they face compounding challenges that are both physical and legal. This article explores key issues in general migration, including the discriminatory application of migration health rules, access to citizenship and birth registration, family reunification and access to education. There follows an account of particular challenges that face children with disabilities in forced migration and enforcement settings. The article touches briefly on the identification of disability, the vulnerabilities of these children to human trafficking and harms inherent in immigration enforcement mechanisms. The potential and limitations of protective mechanisms available in international law are explored using selective case studies most relevant to the author’s research work. Drawing on compilations of jurisprudence by university scholars and key not-for-profit organizations, the article includes some reflections on treaty body oversight of state party responses to migration, disability and human rights protection. The overarching aim is to interrogate and critique the operation of international legal mechanisms and the extent to which state practice is compliant with norms of international law. In this respect, the piece aligns with a broader project to improve international law and practice around disability, human rights and displacement. Full article

Background: Migrant populations are commonly under-immunised relative to general populations in host countries. The evidence base on routine vaccination among migrant children suggests that higher priority is given to infants and younger children compared to adolescents. Though migrants are often classified as a homogenous group, different sub-populations of migrants exist, including voluntary migrants who choose to move and involuntary migrants forcibly displaced by humanitarian crises. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, a relatively recent addition to global routine immunisation schedules for adolescents, is a useful proxy for understanding vaccine equity for this under-prioritised group. This qualitative systematic review explores health system determinants of delivery and uptake of HPV vaccination services among involuntary migrants. Methods: A literature search was conducted across ten electronic databases. An analytical framework tailored to the migrant context aided in capturing the complexity and magnitude of systemic factors that determine vaccine delivery and uptake among involuntary migrants. Of the 676 records retrieved, 27 studies were included in this review. Results: Key determinants of vaccine delivery include adaptation of immunisation policies for migrant inclusiveness, implementation of migrant-targeted interventions, health provider recommendations, electronic health records, and free vaccines. Uptake determinants include access dependent on legal status, awareness-related determinants akin to culturally appropriate health messaging, and acceptance-related determinants associated with sociocultural beliefs, misinformation, and distrust. Conclusions: Prioritising vaccination programmes linked with non-outbreak-related diseases is challenging in the disruptive context of humanitarian crises given fragile health systems, limited resources, loss of health infrastructure and deployment of health personnel to emergency care. We strongly advocate for global actors at all health systems levels to actively reform national HPV vaccination programmes to enhance inclusivity of adolescent girls in crises settings or resettled in host countries. Full article

This paper investigates and examines the role of the Muslim religious code of conduct known as Sharia or Islamic law in relation to the protection of children, in particular child neglect, within Australian Muslim communities. Australia has a secular and unified legal system. This legal system applies to all Australian citizens and residents, regardless of their religious, ethnic, or cultural background. However, it is argued here that for certain Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, particularly Muslim communities, their personal, cultural, and religion code of conduct may be relevant in shaping their family relations. What this paper offers is an understanding of the possible relevance of Muslim law and culture in relation to personal law and family and community cultures of Muslim migrants in Australia. This article utilises a scoping review and doctrinal legal research methodology provide a broad overview of the existing literature, relevant legislation, limited Australian case law, and sources of Islamic law that respond, or are relevant, to child neglect in Muslim migrant communities in Australia. It is concluded that Muslim culture and religious teachings support very strong and positive family bonds, which is positive in relation to the protection of children. However, some cultural practices relating to forced marriage, child marriage, gender inequality and family violence may lead to child neglect and result in adverse effects for child protection within Muslim communities in Australia. Full article

Background: Loneliness and social isolation among older people are currently widespread and recognized as the foremost public health problems globally and locally. Hong Kong, which exhibits a rapid aging trend and an expanding elderly population, is inevitably facing these issues. This study explored the lived experiences of loneliness among older adults in Hong Kong. Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted among older adults in the community aged 60 or above who were cared for by migrant domestic workers and presented varying levels of loneliness. Purposive sampling was used to select subjects for face-to-face, semi-structured individual interviews, with consent for audio recording, which led to the inclusion of 19 older adults, among whom five were male, nine lived with a spouse, and three lived with their children. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was adopted. Results: We identified a core theme, “Should I stay at home alone?”, and the following four interrelated themes: (1) experience of inadequate social support and networks, (2) altered family dynamics and support, (3) deterioration in physical functions and mobility limitations, and (4) experience of negative and complex emotions. Conclusions: Based on our investigation into the lived experience of loneliness among older adults locally, we recommend that the government, non-governmental organizations, and healthcare institutions establish appropriate strategies and integrated services to address the social, physical, familial, and emotional issues in this population to foster healthy aging, improve their quality of life, and encourage support from families and communities. Full article