The Health of First Generation Caribbeans Across the Diaspora: Findings from 2000-2005 Population Data Surveys from Guyana, Jamaica, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom

The scientific literature continues to recognize the changing health status of migrants residing in geographic destinations outside their homeland. However, very little research has compared the health of Caribbean residents within their homeland with those across various diasporic destinations. This five-country study examined the physical and mental health of Caribbeans within the region and those in host countries, and whether the length of time in host countries is associated with declining health. We analyzed population-based data collected in Jamaica (2005), Guyana (2005), Canada (2000/2001, 2003, and 2005), the United States (2001-2003), and England (1998-2000). Parallel descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the health status of first-generation Caribbeans. The study revealed that Caribbean people within the region generally maintained a higher degree of health advantage compared to Caribbean migrants in North America and England. Length of time was associated with physical and mental health problems within certain host countries. Sociodemographic factors contribute to health. The findings suggest that first-generation Caribbeans might initially lose certain health benefits in host countries, although we find trends for improved cardiovascular health over time in Canada. Further exploration of other influences on health among Caribbeans across the diaspora is needed.