Investigating the Immigrant Paradox in South Africa: Exploring Reported Health, Depression, and Life Satisfaction

Abstract

The issue of international migration and health has received increased attention since its rise due to empirical studies on the immigrant paradox. Less examined has been research focused on countries in the Global South with growing immigrant population share and contentious debates on implications. Using data from the longitudinal National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) (2008–2017) and panel logistic regression this study focused on evaluating whether reported physical health, mental health, and life satisfaction are all associated with immigrant status in South Africa. Accounting for several sociodemographic factors, results emanating from analysis showed no significant evidence of association between overall immigration status and self-reported health or life satisfaction. This however did not apply to depression as immigrants were found to be significantly less likely to report depressive level scores. Interestingly, preference to migrate was also found to be significantly associated with depression, and life satisfaction. Further evaluation amongst racial groups showed that African immigrants are also significantly more likely to report better health than non-immigrant counterparts. This study argues for the need of contextualisation of the immigrant paradox as evidence thereof varies dependent on specific outcomes and communities. The importance of other associated social determinants of wellbeing is also highlighted since gender, race, age, class, education, relationship status, location, and behavioural factors were found to be significantly associated with wellbeing. Policies should thus be aimed at reducing structural inequalities in broad whilst also introducing social programmes that reduce behavioural or lifestyle activities that have negative implications on wellbeing.

KEYWORDS: :

• Immigration
• immigrant paradox
• health
• life satisfaction
• depression

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Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 2008 Price level: Lower class: R0–R1 399; Middle class: R1 400 – R10 000; Upper class: R10 000+.

2 For the context of this study, physical activity is used as a synonym to exercise.

3 The paradox that women live longer than men yet have higher proportion of poor health over a lifetime.

4 Also referred to as time travel metaphor theory.