Comparing Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors in Asian Migrants and Native Koreans

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Abstract Importance Regarding international migrants, the theories of healthy migration effect and sick migration effect both exist; thus, assessing the health of international migrants is crucial in the Republic of Korea, Asia, and even worldwide. Objective To compare non-communicable disease risk factors among Asian migrants in Korea and the Korean population. Design A cross-sectional (2015) and longitudinal (2009□2015) observational study. Setting Population-wide analysis using the National Health Information Database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service for 2009□2015. Participants Asian migrants (n=987,214) in Korea and Korean nationals (n=1,693,281) aged ≥20 years were included. In addition, Asian migrants were divided into Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, and other Asian migrants. Exposure The nationality of Asian migrants compared with Koreans. Main Outcomes and Measures The prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors, such as current smoking, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, in 2015 was analyzed. Regarding the age-adjusted prevalence, direct age standardization was conducted separately by sex using 10-year age bands; the World Standard Population was used as the standard population. Results Among participants aged ≥20 years, the age-adjusted prevalence of current smoking was higher among Chinese migrant men than among Korean men (P<0.001) and among other Asian migrant women than among Korean women (P<0.001). The age-adjusted prevalence of obesity was higher in Chinese, Filipino, and other Asian migrant women than in Korean women (P<0.001, P=0.002, and P<0.001, respectively). Among participants aged 20–49 years, the age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes and hypertension was higher in Filipino migrant women than in Korean women (P=0.009 and P<0.001, respectively). Conclusion and Relevance The current status of smoking and obesity among Asian migrants of specific nationalities is worse than that among native Koreans. Moreover, the health inequalities among Filipino migrant women in Korea, especially those aged 20–49 years, should be addressed. Key Points Question Do international migrants in Korea have a health advantage regarding non-communicable disease risk factors? Findings Among participants aged ≥20 years, the problem of current smoking among Chinese migrant men and other Asian migrant women and that of obesity among Chinese, Filipino, and other Asian migrant women in Korea needs to be addressed. The prevalence of diabetes and hypertension was higher among Filipino migrant women than among Korean women in the 20–49-year age group. Meaning The relationships between Asian migrant nationality and non-communicable disease risk factors provide evidence for targeting high-risk groups and improving policy development in Korea.

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