Chronic Disease Mortality in Migrants from the Former Soviet Union
Author Information
Author(s): Ott Jördis J, Paltiel Ari M, Winkler Volker, Becher Heiko
Primary Institution: Department of Tropical Hygiene and Public Health, Medical Faculty of the University of Heidelberg
Hypothesis
What is the mortality related to infectious diseases among migrants from the Former Soviet Union in Israel and Germany?
Conclusion
Migrants from the Former Soviet Union have higher mortality from cancers associated with infection and from viral hepatitis compared to their destination populations.
Supporting Evidence
- FSU-migrants in Germany had a significantly higher risk of dying from viral hepatitis compared to Germans.
- Stomach cancer mortality was significantly higher among migrants in Israel with shorter durations of residence.
- Overall mortality of FSU-migrants was lower than that of the resident populations in both countries.
Takeaway
People who moved from the Former Soviet Union to Israel and Germany are more likely to get sick and die from certain infections and cancers than the people who live there.
Methodology
The study used population-based data and calculated standardized mortality ratios for selected causes of death among migrants from the Former Soviet Union.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to differences in health-seeking behavior and diagnostic practices between migrants and host populations.
Limitations
The study relies on official death certificate data, which may not capture all chronic conditions involving infectious agents.
Participant Demographics
Migrants from the Former Soviet Union, primarily Jewish and ethnic Germans, aged 15 and older.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
1.25–1.53
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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