​Authors study the impact of premigration circumstances on postmigration psychological distress and self-rated physical health among Latino immigrants.

For both Latino men and women, immigration-related stress was significantly associated with psychological distress, but not with self-rated health. Having to migrate was associated with increased psychological distress for Puerto Rican and Cuban women respondents and with poorer physical health for Puerto Rican migrant men. Unplanned migration was significantly associated with poorer physical health for all Latina women respondents.   Authors recommend consideration of the varied immigrant health by migration circumstances, including the context of exit and other immigration-related stressors.  

Publication Authors:

• Jacqueline Torres, MPH, MA
• Steven P. Wallace, PhD