Diversity and Health in the Population : Findings on Russian, Somali and Kurdish origin populations in Finland
Year: 2018
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The health of individuals and populations is in many ways affected by migration. Migration impacts not only individual persons and families moving from one country to another, but also communities and populations in origin, destination and transit countries, and even successive generations. Empirical evidence on the health of migrants is abundant, but mixed. Large differences are found both between and within migrant populations. One challenge in migration and health research is using categorizations that produce relevant knowledge rather than false generalizations. This study uses data from the Migrant Health and Wellbeing Study (Maamu, 2010–2012) to examine three significant population groups in Finland. Categorized based on birthplace and mother tongue, the studied populations were considered to consist of three different population groups: persons of Russian, Somali and Kurdish origin. The studied groups comprise more than one fourth of the foreign-born population in Finland, and include persons with various reasons for migration. A comparison group from the general population was selected from the Health 2011 Survey. The aim of this study is to improve knowledge on populations of Russian, Somali and Kurdish origin in Finland. This study specifically examines mobility limitations, mental health symptoms and perceived discrimination. This is the first dissertation to examine the health of foreign-born populations in Finland using survey data. The focuses of this study were chosen based on the preliminary findings of the Maamu Study. The findings of this study suggest certain concerns in the health of Russian, Somali and Kurdish origin populations in Finland. First, this study demonstrates that mobility limitations are more prevalent among Somali and Kurdish origin populations compared to the general population in Finland. Second, the prevalence of mental health symptoms was found to be significantly higher among Russian origin women and Kurdish origin men and women than in the general population. Adjusting for sociodemographic factors showed some reductions in the sizes of the increased odds for mobility limitation and mental health symptoms. An association between mental health symptoms and mobility limitation was also demonstrated. Last, perceived subtle discrimination was found to be more common than experiences of overt discrimination. Perceived discrimination increased the odds for poor self-reported health, limiting long-term illness or disability and mental health symptoms, also for those reporting subtle discrimination only. The high prevalence of mobility limitation and mental health symptoms among the studied populations demonstrates a need for health promotion. Actions should be comprehensive and promote physical activity, healthy diet and social participation, but also address needs related to employment, social security and health services. Efforts against racism and discrimination are also highly needed, as perceived discrimination was shown to be associated with poor health outcomes. Supporting the wellbeing of diverse populations in Finland should include firmer advocacy of shared belonging. This study encourages future research to recognize the constructed and changing nature of groups and explore population health beyond the dichotomist frame of “us” and “them”.
Source: Työväentutkimus Vuosikirja
Author: Shadia Rask
Language: English
Topic: Migration, Health and Trauma
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Helsingin Yliopisto
OpenAlex ID: W2796222885