Abstract

Mortality and life expectancy trends and differentials among immigrants and the US-born population are studied based on death certificate and population data from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) and decennial censuses, as well as prospective data from the National Longitudinal Mortality Study (NLMS). Survival regression models, age-specific and age-adjusted death rates, and standard life table methodology are used to analyze the nativity/immigrant differentials. Variations are also examined with respect to nativity discrepancies in health status, chronic disease morbidity, disability, injuries, mental health, health-risk behaviors such as obesity, physical inactivity, diet, smoking, alcohol use, and hypertension, health-care access and use. In the final section of this chapter the authors provide a brief but insightful overview of refugee health in the United States.