MIGRATION AND ITS IMPACT ON HEALTH
MIGRATION AND ITS IMPACT ON HEALTH

Summary/Abstract: The systematic review examines the health status of migrant populations, with a specific focus on Eritreans, as documented in international academic literature. The studies reviewed reveal that the health outcomes of migrants vary significantly depending on geographical origin, socioeconomic status, and the nature of their migration experiences. Migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, as well as South and Southeast Asia are frequently the focus of research. However, the health status of Eritrean migrants–a group often underrepresented in research–remains insufficiently explored. The findings underscore that migration exerts detrimental effects on both mental and physical health, attributed to factors such as socioeconomic instability, traumatic migration experiences, and limited access to culturally competent healthcare services. Barriers related to language, cultural differences, and mistrust of healthcare systems in host countries lead many migrants to rely predominantly on informal support networks within their communities, which are often inadequate in addressing their complex health needs. The “Healthy Migrant Effect”, which posits that migrants initially present with better health than the native population, tends to diminish over time due to stress, substandard living conditions, and restricted healthcare access. This phenomenon emphasizes the necessity for targeted health interventions. The review calls for more nuanced research into the health needs of diverse migrant populations, with particular attention to Eritreans, considering their distinct migration trajectories, health beliefs, and sociocultural contexts. Such insights are critical for informing the development of inclusive health policies and interventions that promote equitable healthcare outcomes for all migrant groups.

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