Neighborhood characteristics could influence the health of refugees

Refugees assigned to live in disadvantaged neighborhoods have a higher risk of health problems than those place in more affluent areas, according to new research. The study pulled from data on nearly 50,000 refugees in Denmark; the country saw a surge in refugees between 1986 and 1998, and implemented a policy under which refugees were assigned to different neighborhoods to ensure that no one area was inundated with an influx of newcomers. At follow-up, those placed in disadvantaged neighborhoods — with higher rates of unemployment, lower average income, etc. — had a higher risk of hypertension, diabetes, and heart attack. The results only establish an association, not a cause, but the authors hypothesize that a lack of job opportunities in disadvantaged areas, for example, could be stressors on health. The lack of healthy outlets, such as diminished walkability, could also disadvantage residents of these areas.