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Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at several public health high schools where surveys were collected on 10thgrade students (n=612). Comparisons between immigrant and non-immigrants adolescents, as well as comparisons by gender were made to examine the dependent variable health status. Analyses included cluster analysis and logistic regression models. Significance was declared at p<0.05. SAS version 9.3 was used.
Results: Bivariate results indicate that of the four adolescent groups (male immigrants, female immigrants, male non-immigrants and female non-immigrants), excellent health status was reported least by male adolescent immigrants (p<0.05). Patterns of health behaviors varied among the four groups. Female immigrants compared to three other groups of adolescents (i.e., male immigrants, male non-immigrants and female non-immigrants) were more likely to smoke (p<0.01) and reported the highest number of hours on the internet (p<0.0001). However, male compared to female adolescents (in both immigrant and non-immigrant groups), reported exercising more frequently (p<0.0001); no differences were found by immigrant status. Female adolescents (in both immigrant and non-immigrant groups), scored higher on mental health problems (p<0.0001); and again, no differences were found by immigrant status. Yet, when logistic regression models were adjusted by these variables, male adolescent immigrants compared to the other groups remained least likely to report excellent health status.
Conclusion:
Male immigrant adolescents reported the poorest health status compared to all other groups (female immigrants, male non-immigrants and female non-immigrants), despite the finding that female immigrants had more mental health problems. Studies have shown that health status for adolescents denotes mental and social health as well as physical health; thus, the finding that male immigrant adolescents, compared to females, were more likely to report “less than excellent” health is an indicator of risk. Female adolescent immigrants also may be at risk as they reported more mental health problems; however, the socialization provided by high rates of internet use may contribute to reducing their health status risk. It is important to note that studies differ in their findings regarding health status among adolescent immigrants. However, consistent with our findings, a large US study reported that the health status of male immigrants was lower than female immigrants. Additionally, male immigrant adolescents had higher rates of internalized problems and lower social capital compared to both female adolescent immigrants and to male adolescents non-immigrants. This finding may contribute to male adolescent immigrants feeling less healthy. Since social connection and peer relationships are vital to adolescent development, gender-specific interventions are indicated.
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