Diversity and Alberta Health Services

Diversity Resources

Health and Diverse Populations

Health and Immigrants in Canada

Overview
Healthy Immigrant Effect
The Healthy Immigrant Effect
Canadian Evidence of the “Healthy Immigrant Effect”
Immigrant Overshoot
Health Status of Immigrants in Canada
Mental Health
Communicable Diseases
Health Status of Immigrant Children
Child Mental Health
Academic Achievement
A Profile of Immigrants in Calgary
Family Violence and Immigrant Women
References, Reports and Websites

Overview

Research in the area of Health status of Canadian immigrants is of increasing importance considering Canada’s rapid immigration rates and increasing ethno-cultural diversity. Immigration trends over the past hundred years have shifted dramatically. Before 1970, the majority of immigrants came from Europe. However, post-1970 statistics reveal that now the majority of immigrants are coming from Asia (Citizen and Immigration Canada, 2004). Each year, Canada welcomes between 200,000 to 300,000 immigrants and refugees into the country. Immigrants represent a large composition of the Canadian population, making the health of this population at the time of arrival as well as over time very important and interesting.

In 2001, the total number of immigrants in Canada was estimated at 5.4 million, representing approximately 18.4% of Canada’s total population (Statistics Canada, 2005). Individuals migrate to Canada for a number of reasons. Some come as skilled workers, investors, entrepreneurs, to be with family members, or as refugees leaving countries due to political and/or economic turmoil in their country of origin.

Canadian immigrants are an extremely diverse group in regards to their country of origin, length of stay, socioeconomic status and reasons behind migration. These factors are important to consider when investigating the health of this population as they can have a significant impact on the health and lifestyle of an individual. Regardless, immigrants tend to have an overall health status that is better than the Canadian-born population. In general, research shows that immigrants have a lower prevalence of chronic illness, depression and alcohol dependency compared to the Canadian-born population (Perez, 2002; Ali, 2002). However, certain chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension and heart disease have been reported at higher prevalence among the immigrant population compared to the Canadian-born population (Perez, 2002).

Research shows an interesting phenomenon involving the health of immigrants over time. The common trend is termed “healthy immigrant effect” and involves a deterioration of immigrant health status over time as migration increases. Upon arrival in Canada, immigrants are relatively healthy. Research has reported that new immigrants in general, have fewer chronic illnesses, and less disability compared to Canadian-born and long-term immigrants. However, as the time since immigration increases, so does the prevalence of certain chronic and mental health conditions. Over time, the prevalence of certain health conditions tends to mirror that of the Canadian-born population.

Contributing factors such as poverty, unemployment, discrimination, difficulties accessing services and language barriers, have the potential to accelerate the deterioration of immigrant health status to a point worse than the general population. This phenomenon is called immigrant overshoot.

This document will explore the current Canadian research surrounding the health of immigrants in Canada. In addition, the healthy immigrant effect and immigrant overshoot will be explained.

Remarkable reviews of the Health of Immigrants and Refugees in Canada is available at the following references:

Health Canada. (2001). Immigrants and Health.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Beiser, M. (2005). The health of immigrants and refugees in Canada. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 96 (Sup 2), S30-S44. Available at

View the Health Canada Document “Canadian Research on Immigration and Health” by clicking the following link.http://dsp-psd.communication.gc.ca/Collection/H21-149-1999E.pdf

Statistics Canada. (2003). Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada. Available at http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/89-611-XIE/article.htm

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Healthy Immigrant Effect

The healthy immigrant effect suggests that upon arrival in Canada, immigrants are typically healthier compared to the general Canadian population, however, over time this health status advantage decreases as immigrants health status converge with the host population. There are many thoughts as to why this occurs; 1) younger, healthy and well-educated individuals with a high level of motivation may be more likely to relocate to another country, and 2) the Canadian Immigration Act specifies certain health requirements among its immigrants (Oxman-Marinez, Abdool, Loiselle-Leonard, 2000). Over time, the immigrants may adopt certain lifestyle practices, such as smoking and dietary habits that are common in the host country, thereby resulting in similar health status (Ali, 2002).

Canadian Evidence of the “Healthy Immigrant Effect”

A number of studies have investigated the healthy immigrant effect in Canada, resulting in findings consistent with the phenomena (Perez, 2002; Ali, 2002; Chen, Ng, & Wilkins, 1996; Gee, Kobayashi, & Prus, 2003).

Chen, Ng & Wilkins (1996) analyzed the data from the 1994/1995 National Population Health Survey to determine if there was a difference in health status among recent immigrants (<10 years in Canada) and long-term immigrants (>10 years in Canada). In general immigrants were less likely to have a chronic diseases compared to the general population, 50% versus 57% respectively. For newly arrived immigrants, the age-standardized prevalence of chronic disease was particularly low at 37%. However, for those who immigrated more than 10 years ago, had chronic disease profiles similar to the general Canadian population, 51% versus 57%. The prevalence of disability was also significantly lower among the immigrants compared to the general population; however the prevalence of immigrant disability increased as time since immigration increased. This study was able to show evidence of the healthy immigrant effect in Canada.

A study by Gee, Kobayashi, & Prus (2003) investigated whether the healthy immigrant effect applies equally to middle-aged immigrant individuals (aged 45-64) and older-aged immigrant individuals (65 years +). Data from the 2000/2001 Canadian Community Health Survey was used in this study. Immigrants were defines as those born outside of Canada and included refugees, landed immigrants, and non-permanent residents. The length of stay in Canada was separated in two categories; 0-9 years and 10 years and over. Findings from the study showed that recent immigrants from both age groups were less likely to smoke, drink excessively, and be overweight or obese compared to the immigrants that have been residents of Canada for 10 or more years. Recent immigrants from the 45-64 age group were less 45% less likely to have a physical disability compared to the Canadian-born population. In addition, the recent immigrants from the 45-64 age group had significantly higher Health Utility Index outcomes compared to Canadian born individuals. In contrast, longer term immigrants from the 45-64 age group had an equal level or disability and Healthy Utility Index (overall functional health) to the Canadian-born population. This suggests that the health immigrant effect may be occurring in Canada and the health of immigrants aged 45-64 is deteriorating with time since immigration. The healthy immigrant effect was not apparent among the immigrants aged 65 years and over. The level of disability, overall functional health and self-rated health status were no different depending on the length of stay. Actually, the health of older immigrants tended to deteriorate faster than the Canadian-born counterparts the longer the stay in Canada. For example, immigrants 65 years and over had significantly lower overall functional health (HUI) and were found to be more likely to have a physical disability compared to Canadian-born individuals the same age. For more detailed information about this study, refer to the following link http://socserv2.socsci.mcmaster.ca/~sedap/p/sedap98.pdf

For more information on Acculturation and the Healthy Immigrant Effect refer to the following Health Canada article http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/

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Immigrant Overshoot

The health of the immigrant does not always deteriorate to a level equal to the health of Canadian society; it is possible that the health of immigrants may get worse, a phenomenon termed Immigrant Overshoot. An immigrant may be healthy upon arrival; however, poverty, unemployment, and lack of accessible services during resettlement can have an undesirable impact and lead to accelerated deteriorated health status to a point worse than the general population.

Poverty is a reality for many immigrants, especially during the first 10 years after arrival. Generally, when immigrants arrive to a country, they may experience a drop in socio-economic status following migration and accept employment of lower than average incomes. Over time, the majority of immigrants can adjust to the labor markets and in most cases their incomes increase (Lee, 2000). Newly arrived immigrants may face many barriers to economic success, including unrecognized foreign education, language barriers and discrimination in the hiring process. These barriers impact employment, and in turn, their level of income.

In general, immigrants are more likely to live in poverty compared to Canadian-born individuals (Lee, 2000). In 1995, the immigrant poverty rate in Calgary was estimated at 26.7%; this is significantly higher than the rate among the Canadian-born population in Calgary of 18.7% (Canadian Council on Social Development, 1996). The general trend indicates that the poverty rate among immigrants decreases as the time since immigration increases. As individuals adapt to the lifestyle and labor market in their new country and language skills improve their chances of finding better employment increases.

The poverty rates are significantly higher among the immigrant population compared to the Canadian-born population (Lee, 2000). Moreover, poverty increases exposure to risk factors for disease, causes added stress as well as impacts access to services. Research shows that poverty is associated with poor health status (Phillips, 2003). Immigrants may come to Canada healthy, but the poverty and common socioeconomic conditions often experienced shortly after arrival have the potential to cause significant deterioration in health to a point far worse than the general population.

For more information on the relationship between immigrants and poverty review the following documents:

The Face of Poverty in Canada: An Overview
http://www.napo-onap.ca/

CBC article: Paid to be Poor
http://www.cbc.ca

Immigrant Poverty in Canada: Focus on Toronto. (2000).
http://www.fsatoronto.com/policy/Immigrantpoverty.pdf

Urban Poverty in Canada. (2000).
http://www.ccsd.ca/pubs/2000/up/

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Health Status of Immigrants in Canada

The healthy immigration effect explains the deterioration of immigrant health as they integrate into their new country and adopt behaviours with potentially adverse health consequences. However, the process of immigration itself can be stressful and cause significant disruption in an individual life, which in turn can impact ones health. Immigrants may have left a solid support system behind when they moved. Further, language barriers, financial constraints and employment problems can impact ones health. Immigrants are a diverse group of individuals, each experiencing unique barriers and challenges. Research shows that the health of immigrants tends to deteriorate over time, to a point similar to the overall general population (Chen, Ng, & Wilkins, 1996; Gee, Kobayashi, & Prus, 2003; Perez, 2002; Ali, 2002). However, after controlling for age, socioeconomic status, and time since immigration, immigrants tend to be physically and mentally healthier compared to the Canadian-born population. Some specific health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and hypertension have been reported to be more prevalent among immigrants compared to the general population (Perez, 2002).

The two Statistics Canada national surveys, Canadian Community health Survey and the National Population health Survey, have investigated a wide spectrum of health indicators among Canada’s immigrants; these include physical health, mental health, health behaviours and health service utilization.

Perez (2002) analyzed data from the 2000/2001 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) to determine the health status of immigrants based on a number of health outcomes and behaviours. This study examined how the health of immigrants compared with Canadian-born individuals as the time since immigration increased. Various chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and heart disease and lifestyle factors such as smoking and physical activity were explored. Consistent with findings from previous studies (Chen, Ng, & Wilkins, 1996), immigrants in general were healthier compared to the Canadian-born population. For example, the prevalence of chronic disease among the immigrant population was significantly lower compared to the Canadian-born population, 59.6% and 65.2% respectively. Further, when immigrants were separated based on the length of stay in Canada, results indicated that the health of immigrants became progressively worse as the length of stay in Canada increased. Although the overall prevalence of chronic disease was lower among Canadian immigrants, prevalence for certain chronic diseases were found to be higher among immigrants compared to the Canadian-born population. The prevalence of heart disease was significantly higher among immigrants (5.9%) compared to Canadian-born individuals (4.9%). Diabetes prevalence was significantly higher among immigrants (5.0%) compared to the Canadian-born population (3.9%). The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher among immigrants (15.2%) compared to the Canadian-born population (12%). Cancer was higher among the immigrant population (1.9%), however, this was not found to be significant (1.7%). It must be noted that the prevalence of each of these chronic conditions increased in immigrants as the length of stay in Canada increased; suggesting a deterioration of health.

Perez (2002) also investigated the prevalence of certain health behaviours such as smoking, excessive drinking, overweight and obesity, and physical activity. Overall, immigrants were 50% less likely to smoke regularly compared to Canadian-born individuals. However, the odds of smoking for immigrants increased as the time spent in Canada increased. The prevalence of obesity and overweight among immigrants (42.5%) overall were significantly lower compared to the Canadian-born population (45.3%). However, over time the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased steadily in the immigrant population. Interestingly, immigrants who had lived in Canada for over 30 years had a significantly greater prevalence rate for overweight and obesity (54.7%) compared to the general population (45.3%). Excessive drinking was less common among the immigrants (1.5%) compared to the general population (3.7%). Again, however, prevalence increased among the immigrants as time in Canada increased. Even after controlling for age, socioeconomic status and education, this study revealed a strong gradient of worsening immigrant health as time since immigration increased. However, the evidence of adoption of unhealthy behaviour is weak and requires further research. A longitudinal study is needed among Canadian immigrants.

Ng, Wilkins, Gendron and Berthelot (2005) investigated the health impacts of immigration by comparing changes in self-reported health status, health-related behaviours and health care utilization between immigrants and Canadian-born citizens over an eight year period. The National Population Health Survey was used in this study. Individuals were grouped under two categories, 1) European immigrant and 2) non-European immigrant. Findings from this study indicated that non-European immigrants were twice as likely to experience health deterioration between 1994/1995-2002/2003 compared to Canadian-born citizens. Interestingly, no statistical difference in self-reported health status was present between European immigrants and Canadian-born citizens. During the eight year period, non-European immigrants were 1.5 times more likely to visit the doctor frequently (>6 times in the past year). There was no significant difference between European immigrants and Canadian-born citizens in their likelihood of visiting a doctor.

A study by Wu, Penning, & Schimmele (2005), investigated whether immigrant status was a risk factor for unmet health care needs. Results of the 2000/2001 Canadian Community Health Survey was used in the study. 11.6% of immigrants and 13.6% of Canadian-born individuals reported having an unmet health need. The most common reason for an unmet health need by both the immigrant and non-immigrant population was long waiting time. Significantly more immigrant individuals reported language problems as a reason for unmet health needs compared to the Canadian-born individuals; 2.4% and 0.18% respectively. Further, more immigrants did not know where to go to access services compared to Canadian-born individuals. The relatively low level of unmet health care needs among Immigrants suggests that the health care system is rather efficient in fulfilling their needs. However, accessibility barriers can vary depending on the individual immigrant.

In April 2001, the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada was conducted to determine how immigrants adjust over time. Approximately 12,000 immigrants and refugees over the age of 15 years, who arrive to Canada between October 2000 to September 2001, were interviewed three times at 6 months, 2 years and 4 years to gather information on their resettlement experience. For more information on this survey and to view the results of the first interview visit the following website http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/89-611-XIE/article.htm

Health Canada. 2001. Immigration and Health.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Health Canada. (1999). Canadian Research on Immigration and Health. http://dsp-psd.communication.gc.ca/Collection/H21-149-1999E.pdf

The Health of Canada’s Immigrants 1994-1995. Available at http://www.statcan.ca/english/studies/82-003/archive/1996/hrar1996007004s0a03.pdf

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Mental Health

The resettlement experience of the immigrant can exert enormous stress on an individual and thereby influence their mental health. A number of factors have been identified to negatively impact an immigrant’s adjustment and increase the risk of mental health problems in a new country. These include; difficulties speaking and understanding the dominant language in the new country, being separated from family, lack of social support, drop in socio economic status following immigration, discrimination in host country, poverty, unemployment, a traumatic experience prior to immigration (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2003). Before arriving to Canada, many immigrants and refugees may have experienced trauma such as a natural disaster, war, repression, and torture thereby impacting their mental health.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (2003), immigrants and refugees have relatively similar mental health issues compared to the general Canadian population. With one exception, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has been reported at higher prevalence rates among immigrants and refugees compared to the general population (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2003). Immigrant women and seniors are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems due to the loss of independence and social support often experienced.

Limited research exists on the mental health of immigrants in Canada. Ali (2002) investigated depression and alcohol dependence among Canadian-born populations and immigrant populations in Canada. The 2000/2001 Canadian Community Health Survey revealed that the incidence of depression and alcohol dependence is lower among the immigrants compared to the Canadian-born population. Prevalence of a major depressive episode in the past 12 months was significantly lower among immigrant population (6.2%) compared to the Canadian-born populations (8.3%). Similarly, alcohol dependence rates were lower among the immigrant population (0.5%) compared to the Canadian-born population (2.5%). Newly arrived immigrants tended to have the low rates of depression and alcohol dependence. Immigrants who lived in Canada for 30 years or more reported a higher prevalence of depression compared to the Canadian –born population. Further, although immigrant were less likely to report alcohol dependency, the rates increased steadily as the time since immigration increased. Inclusion of both employment status and language were added to the analysis to determine if these factors had an impact on the rates of depression and alcohol dependency among the immigrant population. Findings indicated that these factors did not change the risk for depression or alcohol dependency among the immigrant population. This study provides evidence of a health immigrant effect for mental health.

These findings were consistent with the results of a 2002 study by Wu, & Shimmele. Wu & Shimmele investigated the relationship between immigrant status and mental health. Mental health in this study was measured through the prevalence of and risk factors for a major depressive episode. Approximately 70,000 men and women between the ages of 18-64 were involved in this study. The results of the National Population Health Survey were the data source for this study. Findings from the study indicated that generally, immigrants reported fewer depressive symptoms compared to the non-immigrant populations. Further, the mental health status of the immigrant population worsened as the length of time since immigration increased. For a more comprehensive summary of this study visit the following web link http://www.cihi.ca/cihiweb/en/downloads/cphi_Immigrants_e.pdf

Mental Health service utilization among Chinese immigrants has been investigated in two recent Canadian publications (Chen, & Kazanjian, 2005; Lai, 2000). These studies suggest a high level of mental health need among Chinese immigrants, but low utilization of mental health services.

Chen, & Kazanjian (2005) conducted a study that investigated Chinese immigrant utilization of mental health services in British Columbia. Information was taken from a database of immigrants who came to Canada between 1985 and 2000. This information was compared to a general population control. The findings were interesting. Women in both the Chinese immigrant and general population groups had higher rates of mental health visits compared to males in each category. Visits to a physician or psychiatrist for consultation or treatment in regards to a mental health issue were significantly lower among the Chinese population. This difference was even more exaggerated with the Chinese men. Chinese men had approximately 7 times fewer mental health visits to a physician and approximately 10 times few visits to a psychiatrist compared to the general male population. This study suggested that the underutilization of mental health services may reflect better health status, or the presence of barriers to access.

A research study by Lai (2000) investigated the rate of depression among a Chinese elderly population in Calgary, Alberta. The tool used to measure depression among this population was the Chinese version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (Lai, 2000). The results indicated that 9.4% of the elderly Chinese population were mildly depressed and 11.5% of the elderly Chinese population were moderately or severely depressed. Depression among the female elderly was significantly greater than that of the male, 28.8% and 10% respectively. This study suggests that mental illness is a considerable issue for elderly Chinese in Canada. Language barriers may exist preventing elderly Chinese Canadians from accessing services. Culturally appropriate mental health services are required for this high-risk population.

Canadian Mental Health Association. (2003). Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health. Available at http://www.cmha.ca/citizens/immigrationENG.pdf

What Happens to the ‘Healthy Immigrant Effect’: The Mental Health of Immigrants to Canada (2005). Available at http://sociology.uwo.ca

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Communicable Diseases

Immigrants are at greater risk of having a communicable disease mainly because of the greater likelihood of exposure while in their country of origin (Health Canada, 1999). Individuals are able to carry communicable diseases without the presence of symptoms and are therefore at risk of transmitting and re-activation of disease. Previous infection can become re-activated many years after migration. Although studies are limited, tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and parasites have been cited in the literature as communicable diseases that immigrants are at high risk of carrying (Health Canada, 1999). Healthcare service providers must be aware of the high risk of communicable diseases among immigrants.

A study by Cowie and Sharpe (1998) investigated the incidence of tuberculosis occurring among immigrants to Canada. Further, they explored the time interval between arrival to Canada and tuberculosis diagnosis. Findings indicated that of the 351 Tuberculosis diagnosis in Southern Alberta between 1990 and 1994, 248 or 70.6% of the cases were among immigrants. The majority of these immigrants diagnosed with TB were of Asian origin (61%). The average length of time between immigration and diagnosis was 11.2 years; however, the average length of time among the Asian population was 9.1 years. To review the full report, visit the following website http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/reprint/158/5/599

Wilkins (1996) investigated the prevalence of tuberculosis among Canada’s immigrant population. Her findings indicated that of the 2,074 cases of tuberculosis in Canada in 1994, 57% of the cases were among foreign-born immigrants. To access the full document, visit the following web link http://www.statcan.ca/english/studies/82-003/archive/1996/hrar1996008001s0a03.pdf

A study by Remis, & Whittingham (2000) investigated the HIV epidemic among individuals living in Ontario who were born in countries where the HIV prevalence is very high (such as the Caribbean and Sub-Saharan Africa). Findings indicated that 17% of all AIDS cases in Ontario in 1998 were among individuals from a HIV-endemic region. This study concluded in saying that individuals who immigrate to Ontario from an HIV-endemic country represent an important component of the Ontario epidemic. There is a need for epidemiological research in this area to better understand HIV transmission among Canadian immigrants. To review the full report visit the following website http://www.phs.utoronto.ca/ohemu/doc/technical%20reports/Endemic+tables+figs.pdf

In 2002, Remis and Merid applied a mathematical model and reported an estimated 2,627 individuals from HIV-endemic countries are living with HIV in Ontario alone. This represented 11% of the total HIV cases in Ontario. This is surprisingly high considering that 2.6% of the Ontario populations are immigrants from a country where HIV is an endemic.

For more information on HIV/AIDS surveillance among persons from countries where HIV is an endemic visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website through the following link http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/epiu-aepi/epi-1205/pdf/epi_updates05_e.pdf

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The Health of Immigrant Children

Among the 1.8 million immigrants and refugees who arrived to Canada during the 1990’s, approximately 17% of them were children between the ages of 5 and 16 years (Statistics Canada, 2004). Therefore, immigrant children and children of immigrants represent a significant proportion of the Canadian population; making their health issues important and in need of attention. Immigrant children are particularly vulnerably in regards to their health. The medical examinations that take place during the recommendation process provide medical screening that can optimize their health care as they make the transition to life in Canada. Research suggests that immigrant and refugee children experience a wide range of mental health problems. Further, physical health and psychopathology among immigrant children is impacted by the child’s experiences both prior and post immigration.

When immigrant children arrive to a new country, they may be exposed to local pathogens they have not built immunity for. In addition, dietary changes can lead to food allergies (Hull, 1979).

A study by Oxman-Martinex, Gravel, Gagnon, Lacroix, & Lefebvre (2005) investigated the mental and physical health, social functioning and school performance of immigrant and refugee children in Montreal, Quebec. A total of 459 immigrant children between the ages of 11-13 years were involved in the study. 85% of these children reported living in a two-parent family. A total of 66% of the immigrant children were living in families where the income was below the poverty line. Findings indicated the 25% of immigrant children had never accessed health care services in the past 12 months. The immigrant children were generally very healthy and very few showed long term health conditions. The prevalence of asthma was low among the group at 5%. 71% of the immigrant children reported having six or more close friends. 26% of immigrant children receive an overall A in their academic performance, 51% obtained a B, 19% a C and 4% a D or less. For more information on this study, review the full document located at the following link. Immigrant Children’s Health: A snapshot from Montreal. (2005). http://www.toronto.ca/metropolis/

An outstanding review of the Health of Immigrant Children is available at the following link:

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Child Mental Health

Children who have experienced psychological stress as a result of natural disasters, war, repression, and witnessing violence may consequently produce adverse mental health problems such as depression, anger, post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety (SITE). In addition, poverty creates an additional mental health risk for a child. Poverty is a reality for many immigrant families after their arrival to Canada. According to the Longitudinal Study of Children and Youth, immigrant Children are more likely to live in poverty compared to their non-immigrant counterparts. Further, 36.4% of immigrant children live in families where they annual income falls below the poverty line compared to 13.3% of non-immigrant children (Beiser, Hou, Hyman, Tousignant, 2002). However, a study by Beiser, Hou, Hyman, & Tousignant (2002) investigated the effects of poverty on mental health status of immigrant children, children of immigrant parents and children of non-immigrant parents. Interestingly, despite the increased rate of poverty among immigrant children, they have better mental health compared to their non-immigrant counterparts. It is suggested that the immigrant mental health advantage may be a result of the immigration selection process.

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Academic Achievement

Children of Immigrants: How well do they do in School?
http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/81-004-XIE/200410/immi.htm

Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth was analyzed to determine how children of immigrant parents perform in school compared to the general population. A child’s ability in reading, writing, math and overall aptitude was measured. Overall children of immigrants perform just as well in school compared to children of Canadian-born parents. However, children of immigrant parents whose first language is either French or English have higher reading and writing performance outcomes compared to children of parents whose first language is something other than French or English; there was no difference in math outcomes. To review the entire document, visit the following website School Performance of the Children of Immigrants in Canada. (2001)
http://www.statcan.ca/english/research/11F0019MIE/11F0019MIE2001178.pdf

Research shows that immigrant children and children of immigrants are performing well at school. This shows that immigrant children and children of immigrants are able to adapt well to the Canadian School systems. This is important because immigrant children make up a serious proportion of the future Canadian population.

Related Reports:

Immigrant Youth in Canada. (2000). Canadian Council on Social Development. Available at http://www.ccsd.ca/subsites/cd/docs/iy/index.htm

The Health and Well-Being of Young Children of Immigrants. (2004). http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/311139_ChildrenImmigrants.pdf

Government of Canada. Healthy Immigrant Children : A demographic and Geographic Analysis 1998. Available at http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/

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A profile of Immigrants in Calgary

According to 2001 Census, approximately 197,410 Calgarians were immigrants and therefore born outside of Canada. This amounts to approximately 20% of the total population of Calgary. Roughly 35% of Calgary’s immigrant population arrived to Calgary during the 10 year period between 1991 and 2001. An estimated 6,904 new immigrants moved to Calgary every year over the past 20 years. Nearly 57% of the new immigrants that moved to Calgary in 2002 came from Asia, more specifically, India, China and the Philippines. The age range of the immigrants when they migrated was between 26 and 35 years of age. Interestingly, 49.2% of Calgary Immigrants were not fluent in either French or English at the time of arrival. Calgary immigrants are relatively well educated. 47.6% of new immigrants over the age of 18 years in 2002 had a bachelors degree or higher. For more detail information on Immigrants in Calgary refer to the City of Calgary- Facts about Calgary Immigrants at the following web link
http://www.calgary.ca

The following are local and regional websites for Immigrants in the region:

Alberta Network of Immigrant Women
(link not available)

Calgary Immigrant Educational Society
http://www.immigrant-education.ca/

Calgary Immigrant Women’s Society
www.ciwa-online.com

Calgary Mennonite Centre for Newcomers
http://www.cmcn.ab.ca/

Margaret Chisholm Resettlement Center
http://www.ccis-calgary.ab.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=26

Calgary Immigrant Aid Society
http://www.calgaryimmigrantaid.ca/

Calgary’s Catholic Immigration Society
http://www.ccis-calgary.ab.ca/

Calgary Multicultural Centre
http://www.cmcn.ab.ca/

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Family Violence and Immigrant Women

Every individual regardless or race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender or age are at risk of becoming a victim of violence or abuse. Immigrant and refugee women however, are at increased risk of becoming victims of violence and abuse particularly because they may experience high levels of isolation and dependency. Isolation is one factor that puts individuals at risk for being victims of abuse or violence. Immigrant and refugee women have the potential to experience language and cultural barriers, lack of social support, economic difficulties and racism, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation within their environment and increased dependency on their partners or spouses.

Immigrant and refugee women may have unique fears in regards to the consequences of reporting the violence or abuse. Fears of deportation, breaks in sponsorships and economic difficulties have been expressed by vulnerable immigrant women (McLeod, & Shin, 1990). Many women may not be aware of their rights; in addition, they may fear authority because of their experiences in their country of origin.

Although prevalence rates are difficult to measure, immigrant and refugee women are at increased risk of becoming victims of abuse or violence. Therefore, culturally appropriate services specific for immigrant and refugee women are essential in breaking the cycle of violence and providing women with the support required to leave the violence.

For more information on Violence and Abuse among Immigrant and Refugee women, refer to the following documents located at the web sites below

MacLeod, L. Shin, M. (1990). Isolated, Afraid and Forgotten. The Service Delivery Needs and Realities of Immigrant and Refugee Women Who Are Battered. Available at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ncfv-cnivf/familyviolence/html/femisol_e.html

Canadian Council on Social development. (2004). Nowhere to turn.
http://www.ccsd.ca/pubs/2004/nowhere/voices.pdf

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References and Reports:

1. Gee, E., Kobayashi, K., Prus, S. (2003). Examining the “Healthy Immigrant Effect” in Later Life: Findings from the Canadian Community Health Survey. Available at http://socserv2.socsci.mcmaster.ca/~sedap/p/sedap98.pdf

2. Ali, J. (2002). Mental Health of Canada’s Immigrants, Health Reports, volume 13, Statistics Canada, Catalogue 82-003. http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/82-003-SIE/2002001/pdf/82-003-SIE2002001.pdf

3. Dunn, J.R. and I Dyck. (2000). Social determinants of health in Canada’s immigrant population: Results from the National Population Health Survey. Social Science and Medicine, 51: 1573- 93

4. Hyman, I. (2001). Immigration and Health. Ottawa: Health Canada. Available at http://www.yorku.ca/gmcr/race_gender_class/health_files/Hyman2001.pdf

5. Oxman-Martinez, J., Abdool S. and Loiselle-Léonard, M. (2000). Immigration, Women and Health in Canada. Canadian Journal of Public Health, Nov/Dec:394-395.

6. Perez, C.E. (2002). Health Status and Health Behaviour Among Immigrants. Health Reports, volume 13, Statistics Canada, Catalogue 82-003.
http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/82-003-SIE/2002001/pdf/82-003-SIE2002001.pdf

7. Cowie, R., & Sharpe, J. (1998). Tuberculosis among immigrants: interval from arrival in Canada to diagnosis: A 5-year study in southern Alberta. Available at http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/reprint/158/5/599

8. Wu, Z., Penning, M., Schimmele, C. (2005). Immigrant Status and Unmet Health Care Needs. Canadian Journal pf Public Health. 96(5), 369-373.

9. Lee, K., (2000). Urban Poverty in Canada: A statistical profile. Available at http://www.ccsd.ca/pubs/2000/up/

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12. Citizen and Immigration Canada. (2004). Facts and Figures 2004. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pub/facts2004/index.html

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14. Wilkins, K. (1996). Tuberculosis 1994. Available at http://www.statcan.ca/english/studies/82-003/archive/1996/hrar1996008001s0a03.pdf

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32. Hull, D. (1979). Migration, adaptation, and illness: A review. Social Science and Medicine, 13A, 25-36.

Websites:

Citizens and Immigration Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.html

Canadian Ethnocultural Council
http://www.ethnocultural.ca/

Canadian Council on Social Development
http://www.ccsd.ca/

Alberta Government Immigrant Servicing Agencies
http://www3.gov.ab.ca/hre/immigration/agencies.asp

Alberta Network of Immigrant Women
(link no longer available)

Calgary Immigrant Educational Society
http://www.immigrant-education.ca/

Calgary Immigrant Women’s Society
www.ciwa-online.com

Calgary Mennonite Centre for Newcomers
http://www.cmcn.ab.ca/

Margaret Chisholm Resettlement Center
http://www.ccis-calgary.ab.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=26

Calgary Immigrant Aid Society
http://www.calgaryimmigrantaid.ca/