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The Health of Children in Immigrant Families: Key Drivers and Research Gaps Through an Equity Lens.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Ayalew, B; Dawson-Hahn, E; Cholera, R; Falusi, O; Haro, TM; Montoya-Williams, D; Linton, JM
Published in: Acad Pediatr
July 2021

OBJECTIVE: The United States benefits economically and socially from the diverse skill-set and innovative contributions of immigrants. By applying a socioecological framework with an equity lens, we aim to provide an overview of the health of children in immigrant families (CIF) in the United States, identify gaps in related research, and suggest future areas of focus to advance health equity. METHODS: The literature review consisted of identifying academic and gray literature using a MeSH Database, Clinical Queries, and relevant keywords in 3 electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and BrowZine). Search terms were selected with goals of: 1) conceptualizing a model of key drivers of health for CIF; 2) describing and classifying key drivers of health for CIF; and 3) identifying knowledge gaps. RESULTS: The initial search produced 1120 results which were screened for relevance using a meta-narrative approach. Of these, 224 papers were selected, categorized by topic, and reviewed in collaboration with the authors. Key topic areas included patient and family outcomes, institutional and community environments, the impact of public policy, and opportunities for research. Key inequities were identified in health outcomes; access to quality health care, housing, education, employment opportunities; immigration policies; and inclusion in and funding for research. Important resiliency factors for CIF included strong family connections and social networks. CONCLUSIONS: Broad structural inequities contribute to poor health outcomes among immigrant families. While resiliency factors exist, research on the impact of certain important drivers of health, such as structural and cultural racism, is missing regarding this population. More work is needed to inform the development and optimization of programs and policies aimed at improving outcomes for CIF. However, research should incorporate expertise from within immigrant communities. Finally, interventions to improve outcomes for CIF should be considered in the context of the socioecological model which informs the upstream and downstream drivers of health outcomes.

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Published In

Acad Pediatr

DOI

EISSN

1876-2867

Publication Date

July 2021

Volume

21

Issue

5

Start / End Page

777 / 792

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • United States
  • Racism
  • Pediatrics
  • Humans
  • Emigration and Immigration
  • Emigrants and Immigrants
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Child
  • 3213 Paediatrics
  • 1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
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Ayalew, B., Dawson-Hahn, E., Cholera, R., Falusi, O., Haro, T. M., Montoya-Williams, D., & Linton, J. M. (2021). The Health of Children in Immigrant Families: Key Drivers and Research Gaps Through an Equity Lens. Acad Pediatr, 21(5), 777–792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acap.2021.01.008
Ayalew, Betlihem, Elizabeth Dawson-Hahn, Rushina Cholera, Olanrewaju Falusi, Tamar Magarik Haro, Diana Montoya-Williams, and Julie M. Linton. “The Health of Children in Immigrant Families: Key Drivers and Research Gaps Through an Equity Lens.Acad Pediatr 21, no. 5 (July 2021): 777–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acap.2021.01.008.
Ayalew B, Dawson-Hahn E, Cholera R, Falusi O, Haro TM, Montoya-Williams D, et al. The Health of Children in Immigrant Families: Key Drivers and Research Gaps Through an Equity Lens. Acad Pediatr. 2021 Jul;21(5):777–92.
Ayalew, Betlihem, et al. “The Health of Children in Immigrant Families: Key Drivers and Research Gaps Through an Equity Lens.Acad Pediatr, vol. 21, no. 5, July 2021, pp. 777–92. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/j.acap.2021.01.008.
Ayalew B, Dawson-Hahn E, Cholera R, Falusi O, Haro TM, Montoya-Williams D, Linton JM. The Health of Children in Immigrant Families: Key Drivers and Research Gaps Through an Equity Lens. Acad Pediatr. 2021 Jul;21(5):777–792.
Journal cover image

Published In

Acad Pediatr

DOI

EISSN

1876-2867

Publication Date

July 2021

Volume

21

Issue

5

Start / End Page

777 / 792

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • United States
  • Racism
  • Pediatrics
  • Humans
  • Emigration and Immigration
  • Emigrants and Immigrants
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Child
  • 3213 Paediatrics
  • 1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine