Health Status Change of English, French and Chinese Immigrants in Ottawa and Gatineau, Canada

Abstract

Background: Health status change of the immigrants is of particular interest to health researchers and policy-makers, because it can impact population health outcomes; English, French and Chinese speaking immigrants are main immigrant sub-groups in Canada. Objectives: The multicultural study aims at examining general Health Status Change of English, French and Chinese speaking immigrants in Ottawa and Gatineau, Canada, and identifying demographic factors that correlate with the change and impact the change. Methods: In total, 810 English, French and Chinese speaking immigrants in Ottawa and Gatineau, Canada were recruited by purposive-sampling. Using self-reports, respondents answered questions regarding general Health Status and Demography in a Multicultural Lifestyle Change Questionnaire of English, French or Chinese version. Data in Health Status Change were analyzed statistically in percentage, significance of difference, correlation and regression. Results: Immigrants of different gender, language and category sub-groups exhibited different Health Status Change Rates, Health Status Improving Rates and Health Status Declining Rates, but no statistical difference between the rates. Immigrant general Health Status Change was correlated positively with Age and Primary Occupation, and negatively with Income. Mother Tongue, Primary Occupation and Income significantly impacted Health Status Change. Conclusion: Immigrants of different sub-groups in Canada experienced different health status change. The results supported “healthy immigrant effect”. The “decline in immigrant health status” over time existed in some of immigrant sub-groups. Data of immigrant health status change can provide evidence for health policy-making and policy-revising in Canada.