Topic Editors

Department of Social Welfare, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
Department of Allied Health Sciences, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA

Migration, Health and Equity

Abstract submission deadline
closed (31 May 2024)
Manuscript submission deadline
closed (31 July 2024)
Viewed by
12504

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Our Topic calls for papers on migration, health, and equity. This Topic aims to publish the latest interdisciplinary research on comprehensive and multidisciplinary aspects of migration and health that may include health and healthcare issues related to sexual and gender minority health, inequalities in health and healthcare, health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), social determinants of health, the effect of communicable diseases (e.g., COVID-19, HIV/STI, etc.) on health and wellbeing, and health equity. This Topic aims to expand the knowledge in this field by publishing cutting-edge interdisciplinary research, soliciting interdisciplinary manuscripts covering broader aspects of migration, health, and equity.

Dr. Madhu Sudhan Atteraya
Dr. Roman Sherstha
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • migration
  • migrant health
  • mental health
  • refugee health
  • sexual health
  • gender minority health
  • health equity
  • health disparities
  • social determinants of health
  • health-related sustainable development goals (SDGs)
  • acculturation

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Healthcare
healthcare
2.4 3.5 2013 20.3 Days CHF 2700
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
ijerph
- 7.3 2004 25.8 Days CHF 2500
Social Sciences
socsci
1.7 2.6 2012 34.2 Days CHF 1800

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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11 pages, 816 KiB  
Article
The Role of Interdisciplinary Convergence for Mental Health Among Korean Military Servicemen: Focusing on Depression and Salivary Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate
by Daeyeon Jang and Wonjung Ryu
Healthcare 2025, 13(4), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13040424 - 15 Feb 2025
Viewed by 503
Abstract
(1) Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the “Thank You, Sorry, Love” (TSL) program for improving relationships on mental health and hormones of military soldiers in Korea. (2) Methods: We focused on soldiers’ levels of depression and [...] Read more.
(1) Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the “Thank You, Sorry, Love” (TSL) program for improving relationships on mental health and hormones of military soldiers in Korea. (2) Methods: We focused on soldiers’ levels of depression and salivary DHEA-S. The effectiveness evaluation of the program used the pretest–posttest control group design, one of the Quasi-experimental design models. The program evaluation used a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and a follow-up for a treatment group and a control group. The sample comprised 40 military soldiers, who were divided into an experimental group (n = 20) receiving the TSL intervention and a control group (n = 20) without intervention. The study was conducted from June to September 2016, and the effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated through pre-test, post-test, and four-week follow-up tests. (3) Results: Our results revealed that soldiers’ depression and DHEA-S levels significantly differed between the two groups. During the analysis of the program’s effectiveness in which the pre-test was controlled, a statistically significant difference was found between the groups in the post-test (F = 12.666, p < 0.01, ES = 0.255) and the follow-up test (F (1, 39) = 13.319, p < 0.01, ES = 0.265) in DHEA-S. (4) Conclusions: These findings imply that the TSL program can be an effective intervention for soldiers suffering from depression while helping to produce clinical guidelines that could be made available in the field of military social work in Korea, which are still in their beginning stages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Migration, Health and Equity)
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9 pages, 419 KiB  
Article
Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Refugees: A Questionnaire-Based Study
by Katharina Fink, Kais Alkayed, Franz Sebastian Schwindling and Vera Wiesmüller
Healthcare 2024, 12(15), 1525; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12151525 - 31 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1678
Abstract
Objectives: The issue of oral health problems among refugees, not only during their journey but also once they arrive at their destination, is a current one. This study aimed to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of refugees, with the intention [...] Read more.
Objectives: The issue of oral health problems among refugees, not only during their journey but also once they arrive at their destination, is a current one. This study aimed to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of refugees, with the intention of highlighting a potential need for improved education and easier access to dental care. Materials and methods: A questionnaire based on the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was distributed via hyperlink on social media, targeting individuals with a refugee background to collect data on their OHRQoL. Results: A total of 401 participants completed the questionnaire. The median OHIP score for all participants was 8 (IQR 2–17) out of a maximum of 56, with 0 representing the best possible OHRQoL. The median OHIP score was 6 (IQR 2–16) for male and 8 (IQR 2–18) for female participants. Conclusions: A comparison of the OHIP score from this study with reference values from non-refugee populations shows an elevated score and, thus, a lower oral quality of life. Clinical relevance: The findings of this study indicate a clear need for enhanced access to dental care for refugees, coupled with an educational initiative aimed at fostering an appreciation of the importance of daily dental hygiene. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Migration, Health and Equity)
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14 pages, 686 KiB  
Review
Characteristics of Sexual Health Programs for Migrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers: A Scoping Review
by Angelina Bolyta Inthavong and Davoud Pourmarzi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(8), 961; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21080961 - 23 Jul 2024
Viewed by 2167
Abstract
Background: Social, cultural, and structural determinants of health for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers can contribute towards poorer sexual health outcomes. People from migrant, refugee, and asylum seeker backgrounds usually use less mainstream sexual healthcare services and have lower levels of sexual health [...] Read more.
Background: Social, cultural, and structural determinants of health for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers can contribute towards poorer sexual health outcomes. People from migrant, refugee, and asylum seeker backgrounds usually use less mainstream sexual healthcare services and have lower levels of sexual health literacy compared with the destination countries’ general population. However, there is little collated knowledge about sexual health programs that have been implemented to improve sexual health among these groups. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of programs for improving sexual health among migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Methods: This study was a scoping review in which Scopus and PubMed were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English since 2010 from countries similar to and including Australia such as New Zealand, the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, and European Union countries). The final search of databases was performed on 26 June 2023, and resultant studies were inputted into Endnote and Covidence systematic review software to remove duplicates before screening. The study utilised a qualitative approach using inductive thematic analysis of the content of the studies to extract and categorise the characteristics of the program. Results: A total of 3044 articles were screened and 20 were included for data extraction. The included studies were conducted in six countries (the United States of America, Australia, France, Italy, Denmark, and Belgium). The key characteristics of sexual health programs identified included consumer consultation and engagement, cultural appropriateness, language support, peer education, self-directed learning, group learning, financial support, and outreach services. the programs had a combination of these characteristics to ensure that they can improve target population engagement with educational materials and decrease barriers to accessing sexual healthcare. Conclusion: Consideration of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers’ culture, language, socioeconomic characteristics, and access to information and services in the design of the sexual health programs may improve sexual health outcomes among these groups. However, further research is needed to assess the importance and implementation feasibility of the identified characteristics for sexual health programs in specific context. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Migration, Health and Equity)
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13 pages, 271 KiB  
Article
Preventive Healthcare Utilization among Asian Americans in the U.S.: Testing the Institute of Medicine’s Model of Access to Healthcare
by Siryung Lee, Hyunwoo Yoon, Soondool Chung, Yuri Jang and Mitra Naseh
Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(7), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070338 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 2296
Abstract
The current research, guided by the intersectionality theory and the Institute of Medicine’s healthcare access model, explored the determinants of preventive care utilization within the Asian American community. Analyzing data from the Asian American Quality of Life Survey (with a sample size of [...] Read more.
The current research, guided by the intersectionality theory and the Institute of Medicine’s healthcare access model, explored the determinants of preventive care utilization within the Asian American community. Analyzing data from the Asian American Quality of Life Survey (with a sample size of 2535), logistic regression models were employed, incorporating various factors: demographic variables, immigration-related variables, health and access, and patient–provider relationship. Results revealed that longer stays in the U.S., having health insurance coverage, having a usual source of care, and higher satisfaction levels with prior healthcare services were associated with increased odds of utilizing preventive healthcare. These findings contribute to our comprehension of preventive care utilization among Asian Americans and offer practical insights for targeted interventions in social work and public health and strategic healthcare planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Migration, Health and Equity)
14 pages, 253 KiB  
Article
Factors That Contribute to the Mental Health of Black Youth during COVID-19 Pandemic
by Bukola Salami, Aloysius Nwabugo Maduforo, Olivia Aiello, Samah Osman, Oserekpamen Favour Omobhude, Kimberly Price, Jo Henderson, Hayley A. Hamilton, Janet Kemei and Delores V. Mullings
Healthcare 2024, 12(12), 1174; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12121174 - 11 Jun 2024
Viewed by 2193
Abstract
Background: The mental health of Black youth during the COVID-19 pandemic is potentially influenced by various systemic factors, including racism, socioeconomic disparities, and access to culturally sensitive mental health support. Understanding these influences is essential for developing effective interventions to mitigate mental health [...] Read more.
Background: The mental health of Black youth during the COVID-19 pandemic is potentially influenced by various systemic factors, including racism, socioeconomic disparities, and access to culturally sensitive mental health support. Understanding these influences is essential for developing effective interventions to mitigate mental health disparities. Methods: Our project used a community-based participatory (CBP) research design with an intersectional theoretical perspective. An advisory committee consisting of fourteen Black youth supported all aspects of our project. The research team consisted of experienced Black researchers who also trained six Black youths as research assistants and co-researchers. The co-researchers conducted individual interviews, contributed to data analysis, and mobilized knowledge. Participants were recruited through the advisory committee members and networks of Black youth co-researchers and sent an email invitation to Black community organizations. Forty-eight Black identified were interviewed between the ages of 16 and 30 in Canada. The data was analyzed thematically. We kept a reflexive note throughout all aspects of the project. Results: Participants reported significant challenges with online schooling, including a lack of support and access to resources. Lockdowns exacerbated stress, particularly for those living in toxic living/home environments. Financial burdens, such as food insecurity and precarious employment, were prevalent and exacerbated mental health challenges. Additionally, experiences of anti-Black racism and police brutality during the pandemic heightened stress and anxiety among participants. Conclusions: The findings underscore the complex interplay of systemic factors in shaping the mental health of Black youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions that address structural inequities and provide culturally competent support to mitigate the impact on mental well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Migration, Health and Equity)
10 pages, 704 KiB  
Article
The Association of the Publication of a Proposed Public Charge Rule with Preterm Births among Uninsured Foreign-Born Latinx Birthing People in the United States
by Sung W. Choi
Healthcare 2023, 11(14), 2054; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11142054 - 18 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1171
Abstract
Following the inauguration, the Trump administration authorized a series of anti-immigrant policies, including modifications to the public charge regulation. This study analyzed the effect of the publication of a proposed public charge rule in 2018 on the risk of preterm birth between uninsured [...] Read more.
Following the inauguration, the Trump administration authorized a series of anti-immigrant policies, including modifications to the public charge regulation. This study analyzed the effect of the publication of a proposed public charge rule in 2018 on the risk of preterm birth between uninsured and privately insured Latinx birthing people in the United States by using natality files from the National Center for Health Statistics. In total, 1,375,580 Latinx birthing people reported private insurance as their primary source of delivery from 2014 to 2019, while 317,056 Latinx birthing people reported self-pay as their primary source of delivery during the same period. After the publication of the proposed public charge rule in 2018, the odds of preterm birth among uninsured foreign-born Latinx birthing people increased by 6.2% compared with privately insured foreign-born Latinx birthing people (OR: 1.062; 95% CI: 1.016, 1.110). On the other hand, the odds of preterm births among uninsured US-born Latinx birthing people did not significantly increase after the publication of the proposed rule compared with privately insured US-born Latinx birthing people. These findings suggest the publication of the public charge rule proposed in 2018 may be associated with adverse birth outcomes among uninsured foreign-born Latinx birthing people in the United States. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Migration, Health and Equity)
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