Explaining the travelling behaviour of migrants using Facebook audience estimates.

The paper explores the travelling behaviour of migrant groups using Facebook audience estimates. Reduced geographical mobility is associated with increased risk of social exclusion and reduced socio-economic and psychological well-being. Facebook audience estimates are timely, openly available and cover most of the countries in the world. Facebook classifies its users based on multiple attributes such as the country of their previous residence, and whether they are frequent travellers. Using these data, we modelled the travelling behaviour of Facebook users grouped by countries of previous and current residence, gender and age. We found strong indications that the frequency of travelling is lower for Facebook users migrating from low-income countries and for women migrating from or living in countries with high gender inequality. Such mobility inequalities impede the smooth integration of migrants from low-income countries to new destinations and their well-being. Moreover, the reduced mobility of women who have lived or currently live in countries with conservative gender norms capture another aspect of the integration which is referring to socio-cultural norms and gender inequality. However, to provide more solid evidence on whether our findings are also valid for the general population, collaboration with Facebook is required to better understand how the data is being produced and pre-processed.

Breast cancer by migrant background in Belgium: Lower risk, but worse survival in women of non-European origin.

Foreign and native populations differ in terms of breast cancer outcomes. Studies rarely distinguish between premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer, although the risk profile is different; nor between migrants of the first and second generation (FG and SG), which is crucial to examine genetic and environmental influences on breast cancer. This research fills these gaps by investigating patterns in breast cancer incidence and survival in different migrant groups by menopausal and migrant generational status, taking various risk factors into account. To this end, individually linked data from the 2001 census, the Belgian Cancer Registry and the Crossroads Bank for Social Security are used. Age-standardised incidence rates and incidence rate ratios are calculated by migrant background group, stratified according to ages 30-50 (premenopausal) and 50-70 (postmenopausal). Incidence rate ratios are examined with and without taking reproductive factors and socioeconomic position (SEP) into account. Relative survival percentages and relative excess risks of dying among premenopausal and postmenopausal patients are computed with and without controlling for the stage at diagnosis and SEP. Premenopausal breast cancer is further examined by migrant generational status. Breast cancer incidence is lower among non-European migrants compared to Belgians. Keeping SEP and known risk factors constant reduces much, but not all of the observed discrepancies. A risk convergence between SG migrants and Belgians for the development of premenopausal breast cancer is observed. Premenopausal breast cancer survival is worse among Moroccan patients due to a higher stage at diagnosis. This disadvantage is concentrated in the FG.

Mitogenomes illuminate the origin and migration patterns of the indigenous people of the Canary Islands.

The Canary Islands' indigenous people have been the subject of substantial archaeological, anthropological, linguistic and genetic research pointing to a most probable North African Berber source. However, neither agreement about the exact point of origin nor a model for the indigenous colonization of the islands has been established. To shed light on these questions, we analyzed 48 ancient mitogenomes from 25 archaeological sites from the seven main islands. Most lineages observed in the ancient samples have a Mediterranean distribution, and belong to lineages associated with the Neolithic expansion in the Near East and Europe (T2c, J2a, X3a…). This phylogeographic analysis of Canarian ancient mitogenomes, the first of its kind, shows that some lineages are restricted to Central North Africa (H1cf, J2a2d and T2c1d3), while others have a wider distribution, including both West and Central North Africa, and, in some cases, Europe and the Near East (U6a1a1, U6a7a1, U6b, X3a, U6c1). In addition, we identify four new Canarian-specific lineages (H1e1a9, H4a1e, J2a2d1a and L3b1a12) whose coalescence dates correlate with the estimated time for the colonization of the islands (1st millennia CE). Additionally, we observe an asymmetrical distribution of mtDNA haplogroups in the ancient population, with certain haplogroups appearing more frequently in the islands closer to the continent. This reinforces results based on modern mtDNA and Y-chromosome data, and archaeological evidence suggesting the existence of two distinct migrations. Comparisons between insular populations show that some populations had high genetic diversity, while others were probably affected by genetic drift and/or bottlenecks. In spite of observing interinsular differences in the survival of indigenous lineages, modern populations, with the sole exception of La Gomera, are homogenous across the islands, supporting the theory of extensive human mobility after the European conquest.

Applying a typology of health worker migration to non-EU migrant doctors in Ireland.

BACKGROUND: Research on health worker migration in the Irish context has categorized migrant health workers by country or region of training (for example, non-EU nurses or doctors) or recruitment mechanism (for example, actively recruited nurses). This paper applies a new typology of health worker migrants - livelihood, career-oriented, backpacker, commuter, undocumented and returner migrants (European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and WHO, vol. 2:129-152, 2014) - to the experiences of non-EU migrant doctors in Ireland and tests its utility for understanding health worker migration internationally. METHODS: The paper draws on quantitative survey (N = 366) and qualitative interview (N = 37) data collected from non-EU migrant doctors in Ireland between 2011 and 2013. RESULTS: Categorizing non-EU migrant doctors in Ireland according to the typology (European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and WHO, vol. 2:129-152, 2014) offers insight into their differing motivations, particularly on arrival. Findings suggest that the career-oriented migrant is the most common type of doctor among non-EU migrant doctor respondents, accounting for 60 % (N = 220) of quantitative and 54 % (N = 20) of qualitative respondents. The authors propose a modification to the typology via the addition of two additional categories - the family migrant and the safety and security migrant. CONCLUSIONS: Employing a typology of health worker migration can facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the migrant medical workforce, a necessary prerequisite for the development of useful policy tools (European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and WHO, vol. 2:129-152, 2014). The findings indicate that there is some fluidity between categories, as health worker motivations change over time. This indicates the potential for policy levers to influence migrant health worker decision-making, if they are sufficiently "tuned in" to migrant health worker motivation.

Maternal health and pregnancy outcomes comparing migrant women born in humanitarian and nonhumanitarian source countries: a retrospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between migration and pregnancy outcomes is complex, with little insight into whether women of refugee background have greater risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes than other migrant women. This study aimed to describe maternal health, pregnancy care, and pregnancy outcomes among migrant women from humanitarian and nonhumanitarian source countries. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study of singleton births, at a single maternity service in Australia 2002-2011, to migrant women born in humanitarian source countries (HSCs, n = 2,713) and non-HSCs (n = 10,606). Multivariable regression analysis assessed associations between maternal HSC-birth and pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: Compared with women from non-HSCs, the following were more common in women from HSCs: age < 20 years (0.6 vs 2.9% p < 0.001), multiparity (51 vs 76% p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 (38 vs 50% p < 0.001), anemia (3.2 vs 5.9% p < 0.001), tuberculosis (0.1 vs 0.4% p = 0.001), and syphilis (0.4 vs 2.5% p < 0.001). Maternal HSC-birth was independently associated with poor or no pregnancy care attendance (OR 2.5 [95% CI 1.8-3.6]), late first pregnancy care visit (OR 1.3 [95% CI 1.1-1.5]), and postterm birth (> 41 weeks gestation) (OR 2.5 [95% CI 1.9-3.4]). Stillbirth (0.8 vs 1.2% p = 0.04, OR 1.5 [95% CI 1.0-2.4]) and unplanned birth before arrival at the hospital (0.6 vs 1.2% p < 0.001, OR 1.3 [95% CI 0.8-2.1]) were more common in HSC-born women but not independently associated with maternal HSC-birth after adjusting for age, parity, BMI and relative socioeconomic disadvantage. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest areas where women from HSCs may have additional needs in pregnancy compared with women from non-HSCs. Refugee-focused strategies to support engagement in pregnancy care and address maternal health needs would be expected to improve health outcomes in resettlement countries.

Inserción productiva y condiciones de vida de la fuerza de trabajo migrante en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires / Productive insertion and living conditions of the migrant workforce in the City of Buenos Aires

En el presente informe técnico se analizan las particularidades y condicionamientos de la inserción laboral y las condiciones de vida de la población migrante en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires en el año 2012 comparándola con las de los nativos de la Ciudad. Para ello, se utilizan los datos de los últimos censos nacionales de población y, específicamente, los relevados por la Encuesta Anual de Hogares 2012 que permite un análisis a nivel de unidades socioespaciales menores, de modo de poder captar diferencias y particularidades soslayadas en los promedios del total de la Ciudad y que resultan en una mayor comprensión del fenómeno abordado. (AU)

Global spatio-temporal patterns in human migration: a complex network perspective.

Migration is a powerful adaptive strategy for humans to navigate hardship and pursue a better quality of life. As a universal vehicle facilitating exchanges of ideas, culture, money and goods, international migration is a major contributor to globalization. Consisting of countries linked by multiple connections of human movements, global migration constitutes a network. Despite the important role of human migration in connecting various communities in different parts of the world, the topology and behavior of the international migration network and its changes through time remain poorly understood. Here we show that the global human migration network became more interconnected during the latter half of the twentieth century and that migrant destination choice partly reflects colonial and postcolonial histories, language, religion, and distances. From 1960 to 2000 we found a steady increase in network transitivity (i.e. connectivity between nodes connected to the same node), a decrease in average path length and an upward shift in degree distribution, all of which strengthened the 'small-world' behavior of the migration network. Furthermore, we found that distinct groups of countries preferentially interact to form migration communities based largely on historical, cultural and economic factors.

A comparison of female migrant workers' mental health in four cities in China.

BACKGROUND: There are approximately 47.5 million female migrant workers living in major cities in China. Numerous studies have documented the marginalized living conditions confronting migrant workers in cities, such as employment difficulties, unjustifiably demanding working conditions, lack of medical insurance and social provision, poor housing conditions, unfavourable educational arrangements for migrant children, and discrimination by urban residents. In addition, female migrant workers may suffer from discrimination, exploitation and oppression. AIM: This study aimed to explore the difficulties and perceived meaningfulness of migration and their effect on the mental health status of female migrant workers in Shanghai, Kunshan, Dongguan and Shenzhen. METHODS: A total of 959 female migrant workers from 12 factories completed the questionnaires, which included the Brief Symptom Inventory, the Migration Stress Scale and the Meaning in Migration Scale. RESULTS: The findings indicate that 24% of female migrant workers could be classified as having poor mental health and the percentage in Shenzhen (35%) was far greater than in the three other cities in China. 'Financial and employment-related difficulties', 'cultural differences', gender-specific stressors and 'better future for self and children' significantly accounted for the mental health outcomes of female migrant workers. CONCLUSION: Recommendations for policy change and service initiatives targeted at improving the mental health of female migrant workers are discussed.

[Improved opportunities for the identification of people with a migrant background for mortality research using the example of Bremen]. / Verbesserte Möglichkeiten zur Identifikation von Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund für die Mortalitätsforschung am Beispiel Bremens.

BACKGROUND: 19.6% of Germany's population has a "migrant" background. Comprehensive epidemiological research on health and health development of this large, heterogeneous and increasingly important population group in Germany is still deficient. There is a lack of results on mortality and morbidity, particularly concerning chronic diseases and disease processes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to combine and to compare already applied methods with new methodological approaches for determining the vital status and the mortality of immigrants from Turkey and the former Soviet Union. METHODS: For this purpose we used data from the state of Bremen (666 709 residents, last update 2010). We examined 2 methodological aspects: (i) possibilities for identifying immigrant background in the data of residents' registration office with different methods (onomastic, toponomastic, etc.) and (ii) opportunities for record linkage of the obtained data with the Bremen mortality index. RESULTS: Immigrants from Turkey and the former Soviet Union were successfully identified in databases of the residents' registration office by a combination of different methods. The combination of different methodological approaches proved to be considerably better than using one method only. Through the application of a name-based algorithm we found that Turkish immigrants comprise 6.9% of the total population living in Bremen. By combining the variables "citizenship" and "country of birth" the total population proportion of immigrants from the former Soviet Union was found to be 5%. We also identified the deceased immigrant population in Bremen. The information obtained from residents' registration office could be successfully linked by death register number with the data of the Bremen mortality index. This information can be used in further detailed mortality analyses. CONCLUSION: The results of this analysis show the existing opportunities to consider the heterogeneity of the German population in mortality research, especially by means of combination of different methods to identify the immigrant background.

[Identification and sampling of people with migration background for epidemiological studies in Germany]. / Identifizierung und Rekrutierung von Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund für epidemiologische Studien in Deutschland.

In 2009, 19.6% of the population of Germany either had migrated themselves or were the offspring of people with migration experience. Migrants differ from the autochthonous German population in terms of health status, health awareness and health behaviour. To further investigate the health situation of migrants in Germany, epidemiological studies are needed. Such studies can employ existing databases which provide detailed information on migration status. Otherwise, onomastic or toponomastic procedures can be applied to identify people with migration background. If migrants have to be recruited into an epidemiological study, this can be done register-based (e. g., data from registration offices or telephone lists), based on residential location (random-route or random-walk procedure), via snowball sampling (e. g., through key persons) or via settings (e. g., school entry examination). An oversampling of people with migration background is not sufficient to avoid systematic bias in the sample due to non-participation. Additional measures have to be taken to increase access and raise participation rates. Personal contacting, multilingual instruments, multilingual interviewers and extensive public relations increase access and willingness to participate. Empirical evidence on 'successful' recruitment strategies for studies with migrants is still lacking in epidemiology and health sciences in Germany. The choice of the recruitment strategy as well as the measures to raise accessibility and willingness to participate depend on the available resources, the research question and the specific migrant target group.

Elaboration on the association between immigration and schizophrenia: a population-based national study disaggregating annual trends, country of origin and sex over 15 years.

PURPOSE: Generally, immigrant status and male sex are separately documented to increase the risk of schizophrenia; although population-based risk trends by sex and immigration over time have not been examined. This study aims to examine the extent to which immigration acts as a risk factor for schizophrenia, delineated by origin, sex and year, using national population-based data over 15 years. METHOD: Data on all first psychiatric admissions from 1978 to 1992 (n = 10,892) from the National Psychiatric Hospitalization Case Registry of the State of Israel were merged with aggregate national data from the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics. RESULTS: Compared to native-born Israelis, people who migrated prior to the age of 15 (n = 2,335) were at a greater risk of schizophrenia (n = 8,557; RR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.53; 1.68), particularly those from Far Eastern (RR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.91; 3.1) and Caribbean and South American (RR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.51; 2.51) countries. Aggregate risk was higher among female than male immigrants and over the 15-year study immigration-related risk declined across the sexes. CONCLUSION: The current findings replicate past research showing that immigrants, particularly from a social minority, as suggested by the social defeat-hypothesis, are at an increased risk of schizophrenia, and extend past findings to show that risk at least in Israel has decreased with time irrespective of sex.

Risk of psychiatric treatment for mood disorders and psychotic disorders among migrants and Dutch nationals in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

PURPOSE: While there are consistent reports of a high psychosis rate among certain groups of migrants in Europe, there is little information on their risk for mood disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of receiving psychiatric treatment for mood disorders or psychotic disorders, comparing migrants and Dutch nationals in an ethnically mixed catchment area. A second aim was to calculate the 1-year prevalence rates of psychotic disorders in first-generation migrants. METHOD: A psychiatric registry provided information on treatments at all in- and outpatient facilities. Statistics Netherlands provided annual population figures. RESULTS: The risk of receiving treatment for unipolar depressive disorder was increased for the Turkish-Dutch (first and second generation combined; age- and sex-adjusted relative risk 4.9; 95% CI: 4.4-5.5), Moroccan-Dutch (RR = 3.6; 3.3-4.0) and Surinamese-Dutch (RR=1.8; 1.5-2.2). The risk of being treated for bipolar disorder was not significantly increased for any group, except for the Turkish-Dutch of the second generation. The risk of treatment for non-affective psychotic disorder was very high for the Turkish-Dutch, Moroccan-Dutch and Surinamese-Dutch of the second generation. There was a large difference in the relative risk of this disorder between the Turkish-Dutch of the first (RR = 1.3; 1.0-1.8) and the second generation (RR = 8.7; 5.5-13.9). The 1-year prevalence rates of treated psychotic disorders were highest for Surinamese-Dutch (2.1%) and Moroccan-Dutch males (1.2%) of the first generation. Migrants from western-European countries were not at increased risk for any of these disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The stressful position of non-Western migrants in Dutch society has negative consequences on their mental health.

Juvenile obesity and its association with utilisation and costs of pharmaceuticals--results from the KiGGS study.

BACKGROUND: According to a national reference, 15% of German children and adolescents are overweight (including obese) and 6.3% are obese. An earlier study analysed the impact of childhood overweight and obesity on different components of direct medical costs (physician, hospital and therapists). To complement the existing literature for Germany, this study aims to explore the association of body mass index (BMI) with utilisation of pharmaceuticals and related costs in German children and adolescents. METHODS: Based on data from 14, 836 respondents aged 3-17 years in the German Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS), drug intake and associated costs were estimated using a bottom-up approach. To investigate the association of BMI with utilisation and costs, univariate analyses and multivariate generalised mixed models were conducted. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between BMI groups regarding the probability of drug utilisation. However, the number of pharmaceuticals used was significantly higher (14%) for obese children than for normal weight children. Furthermore, there was a trend for more physician-prescribed medication in obese children and adolescents. Among children with pharmaceutical intake, estimated costs were 24% higher for obese children compared with the normal weight group. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to estimate excess drug costs for obesity based on a representative cross-sectional sample of the child and adolescent population in Germany. The results suggest that obese children should be classified as a priority group for prevention. This study complements the existing literature and provides important information concerning the relevance of childhood obesity as a health problem.

El virus de la hepatitis B en niños recién inmigrados / Hepatitis B serology in immigrant children

Fundamento. La inmigración es importante en nuestro medio. Algunos protocolos de atención al niño inmigrante incluyen la determinación del estado serológico respecto al virus de la hepatitis B (VHB). Objetivo. Valorar la conveniencia de la determinación sistemática del antígeno de superficie (HBsAg), anticuerpo contra el core (HBSerologia del virus de l’hepatitis B en infants recentment immigrats Ana Estabanell 1, Rosa M. Masvidal 2, Elisa de Frutos 2, Dolors Riera 3, Cecilia Cruz 1, Beatriz Miguel 2 1 CAP Gòtic (annex Rull). ABS Gòtic. Institut Català de la Salut. Barcelona. 2 CAP Dr. Lluís Sayé. ABS Raval Nord. Institut Català de la Salut. Barcelona. 3 CAP Drassanes. ABS Raval Sud. Institut Municipal d’Assistència Sanitària de Barcelona. cAc), anticuerpo contra el Ag de superficie (HBsAc), en niños inmigrantes. Determinar la prevalencia del HBsAc positivo en los vacunados contra el VHB. Método. Se determinaron HbsAg, HBsAc, HBcAc en niños de 6 meses a 15 años procedentes de países de baja renta que habían llegado hacía menos de 12 meses. Se registró su estado vacunal. Se estimó la prevalencia y el intervalo de confianza del resultado. Resultados. De los 1.226 niños/as, se determinó el HbsAg en 1.098 (89,5%), siendo 8 positivos: 0,79% (intervalo de confianza (IC) 95%: 0,37-1,43), dos de éstos constaban como vacunados para el VHB. En 1.024 se determinó el HBcAc, siendo el único marcador positivo en 7 casos: 0,98% (IC 0,47-1,80); el HBsAc se determinó en 987 y fue positivo en el 33,23%. De los 333 niños vacunados con tres dosis, en 267 se determinó el HBsAc, siendo positivo en el 59,9% (IC 95%: 55,15-64,45). Conclusiones. Consideramos indicada la determinación del HbsAg a los niños inmigrantes, incluyendo los que aportan datos de vacunación del VHB completa. No creemos justificado solicitar el HBcAc de manera sistemática. En niños inmigrantes vacunados puede estar indicado determinar los HBsAc(AU)

Background. Immigration is an important phenomenon in our environment. Some guidelines for the care of the immigrant child include the evaluation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serology. Objective. To evaluate the need for the systematic measurement of surface antigen (HBsAg), core antigen antibody (HBcAb), and surface antigen antibody (HBsAb) in young immigrants, and to determine the prevalence of HBsAb in those who receive HBV vaccination. Method. HBsAg, HBsAb, and HBcAb values were determined in children from 6 months to 15 years of age who emigrated from low-income countries within the prior 12 months. The prevalence and confidence intervals were calculated. Results. Of the 1,226 children evaluated, HBsAg was measured in 1,098 (89.5%) and was positive in 8 (0.79%, CI 0.37-1.43), including two cases in whom vaccination had been documented; HBcAb was measured in 1,024 and was the only positive HBV marker in 7 cases (0.98%, CI 0.47-1.80); and HBsAb was measured in 987 and was positive in 33.26%. In 30.8% of the children, the only positive marker was HBsAb. Of the 333 children Background. Immigration is an important phenomenon in our environment. Some guidelines for the care of the immigrant child include the evaluation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serology. Objective. To evaluate the need for the systematic measurement of surface antigen (HBsAg), core antigen antibody (HBcAb), and surface antigen antibody (HBsAb) in young immigrants, and to determine the prevalence of HBsAb in those who receive HBV vaccination. Method. HBsAg, HBsAb, and HBcAb values were determined in children from 6 months to 15 years of age who emigrated from low-income countries within the prior 12 months. The prevalence and confidence intervals were calculated. Results. Of the 1,226 children evaluated, HBsAg was measured in 1,098 (89.5%) and was positive in 8 (0.79%, CI 0.37-1.43), including two cases in whom vaccination had been documented; HBcAb was measured in 1,024 and was the only positive HBV marker in 7 cases (0.98%, CI 0.47-1.80); and HBsAb was measured in 987 and was positive in 33.26%. In 30.8% of the children, the only positive marker was HBsAb. Of the 333 children(AU)

Migration and illicit drug use among two types of male migrants in Shanghai, China.

Large-scale internal migrations within China have led to speculation of increased drug use, but with little empirical evidence. This cross-sectional study examines the association between migration characteristics and illicit drug use in 100 general male migrants and 239 "money boys" (i.e., male migrants engaging in same-sex transactional sex) in Shanghai, China. Only three general male migrants reported any drug use. Among money boys, lifetime illicit drug use was 12%; Ecstasy and methamphetamine appeared to be the most popular drugs. In addition, depression prevalence was very high among both types of male migrants. Depression was associated with lifetime soft- and hard-drug use, while earning a higher income was associated with lifetime soft-drug use. These findings provide the first set of quantitative evidence of illicit drug use among Chinese male migrants. Although illicit drug use among male migrants is low compared to Western countries, its resurgence after 30 years of drug control gives cause for concern.

Health care utilization among migrant Latino farmworkers: the case of skin disease.

CONTEXT: Skin diseases are common occupational illnesses for migrant farmworkers. Farmworkers face many barriers in accessing health care resources. PURPOSE: Framed by the Health Behavior Model, the purpose of this study was to assess health care utilization for skin disease by migrant Latino farmworkers. METHODS: Three hundred and four migrant and seasonal Latino farmworkers in North Carolina were enrolled in a longitudinal study of skin disease and health care utilization over a single agricultural season. Self-reported and dermatologist-diagnosed skin condition data were collected at baseline and at up to 4 follow-up assessments. Medical visit rates were compared to national norms. FINDINGS: Self-reported skin problems and diagnosed skin disease were common among farmworkers. However, only 34 health care visits were reported across the entire agricultural season, and none of the visits were for skin diseases. Nevertheless, self-treatment for skin conditions was common, including use of non-prescription preparations (63%), prescription products (9%), and home remedies (6%). General medical office visits were reported in 3.2% of the assessments, corresponding to 1.6 office visits per person year. CONCLUSIONS: The migrant farmworker population consists largely of young men who make little use of clinic services. Skin conditions are very common among these workers, but use of medical services for these conditions is not common. Instead, farmworkers rely primarily on self-treatment. Clinic-based studies of farmworker skin conditions will not account for most injury or disease in this population and have the potential for biased estimates.

A comparison of health-risk behaviors of rural migrants with rural residents and urban residents in China.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether rural-to-urban migrants in China are more likely than rural and urban residents to engage in risk behaviors. METHODS: Comparative analysis of survey data between migrants and rural and urban residents using age standardized rate and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence and frequency of tobacco smoking, alcohol intoxication, and commercial sex involvement among migrants were generally lower than or equal to those among the 2 comparison groups. Gender, education, and income were associated with risk behaviors in most cases. CONCLUSION: Socioeconomic status appears to be more important than migration or residential locations in affecting risk behavior.

Necesidades de asistencia urgente a los inmigrantes ilegales recién llegados en cayuco a Tenerife / Nonhospital emergency care required by illegal immigrants arriving in small boats on Tenerife island

Objetivos: Determinar las características de la primera asistencia y las patologías atendidas de los inmigrantes que llegan de forma irregular por vía marítima a la Isla de Tenerife, en un nuevo tipo de embarcación, el cayuco. Método: Estudio transversal. Los puntos de asistencia de campaña fueron atendidos por personal del Servicio de Urgencias Canario (SUC) y Cruz Roja Española (CRE), y también por el equipo de Atención Primaria (AP) si el número de inmigrantes supera bala capacidad habitual de respuesta. Se incluyó a todos los inmigrantes que llegaron a la isla de Tenerife (Canarias, España) desde el 22 de octubre de 2005 al 21 de octubre de2006 (1 año). Se consignaron las patologías diagnosticadas al llegar a la isla, las derivaciones realizadas y su causa. Resultados: Se registró la llegada de 17.184 inmigrantes. Todos ellos se valoraron en el primer triaje, y precisaron de asistencia sanitaria 649 (3,7%). De ellos, 447 (68,9%)fueron tratados in situ y 202 (31,1%) tuvieron que ser trasladados a diferentes centros sanitarios. In situ se trataron 103 pacientes por hipotermia (23%), 79 por hipoglucemia(17,6%), 37 por erosiones (8,2%), 21 por traumatismos leves (4,6%), 15 por sarna(3,3%), y 14 por dolor abdominal (3,1%); no se registró el diagnóstico en 16 casos(3,5%). Los principales diagnósticos entre los trasladados fueron: la deshidratación en28 casos (13,8%), las heridas en extremidades en 22 (10,8%), las quemaduras en 18(8,9%), la hipotermia en 16 (7,9%), el dolor abdominal en 14 (6,9%), la hipoglucemia en 8 (3,9%), los vómitos en 8 (3,9%), el malestar general en 6 (2,9%), la hipotensión en 3 (1,4%) y el traumatismo torácico 3 (1,4%).Conclusiones: La llegada de inmigrantes en cayucos requiere un importante despliegue sanitario extrahospitalario, aunque la inmensa mayoría de los inmigrantes llegan en aparente buen estado de salud. De los que precisan atención sanitaria, la tercera parte han de ser trasladados a otros centros (AU)

Objectives: To determine the health problems of immigrants arriving on the coast of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain) in small boats, a new means of transport for this purpose, and to describe the type of first aid they require. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study. The first-aid field stations were attended by staff of the Canary Islands Emergency Service and the Spanish Red Cross. Additionally, if the number of arriving immigrants exceeded the ability of the staff to cope, they were joined by a team from a primary care clinic. All immigrants who arrived on Tenerife over a period of 1 year (October 22, 2005 through October 21, 2006) were studied. Data recorded included diagnoses made upon arrival, referrals, and reasons for referral. Results: A total of 17184 immigrants arrived. All were assessed in the initial triage and 649 (3.7%) were found to need medical care. Of those, 447 (68.9%) were treated at the point of arrival, and 202 (31.1%) had to be transferred to health-care facilities. One hundred three patients (23%) received on-site treatment for hypothermia, 79 (17.6%) for hypoglycemia, 37 for skin lesions (8.2%), 21 (4.6%) for minor injuries (4.6%), 15 (3.3%) for scabies, and 14 (3.1%) for abdominal pain. In 16 cases (3.5%) no diagnosis was recorded. The main reasons for transferring patients to health care facilities were dehydration in 28 cases (13.8%), cuts on extremities in 22 (10.8%), burns in 18 (8.9%), hypothermia in16 (7.9%), abdominal pain in 14 (6.9%), hypoglycemia in 8 (3.9%), vomiting in 8 (3.9%), nonspecific malaise in 6(2.9%), hypotension in 3 (1.4%), and chest trauma in 3 (1.4%).Conclusions: The arrival of immigrants in small boats requires considerable deployment of health-care providers outside the hospital setting, even though the great majority of immigrants are in apparently good health. A third of those in need of care must be transferred to health-care facilities (AU)