Differences in chronic health issues between refugees and other migrants: a cross-country study in the EU

This study investigates chronic health disparities between refugees and other migrants in Europe. While economic migrants often benefit from positive health selection, refugees face unique challenges related to trauma and vulnerabilities associated with forced displacement. Using data from the EU-MIDIS II survey (2015-2016), we analyze chronic health conditions by migration status. Descriptive results show variation in the distribution of health issues across a range of individual and contextual characteristics, including age, socioeconomic conditions, length of residence and context of destination. Regression analyses do not show statistically significant differences in the likelihood of reporting long-term health problems between refugees and other migrants. These findings highlight the importance of addressing migrant health disparities through targeted policy interventions, with a particular attention to on socio-economic integration, equitable access to healthcare services, and the role of family support in improving health outcomes across Europe.