Societal context and the production of immigrant status-based health inequalities: A comparative study of the United States and Canada

BACKGROUND: We compare disparities in health status between first generation immigrants and others in the U.S. and Canada. METHODS: We used data from the Joint Canada-United States Survey of Health. Regression models adjusted for demographics, socioeconomic status, and health insurance (U.S.). RESULTS: In both nations, the health advantage belonged to immigrants. Fewer disparities between immigrants and those native-born were seen in Canada versus the U.S. Canadians of every immigrant/race group fared better than American native-born whites. DISCUSSION: Fewer disparities in Canada and better overall health of all Canadians suggest societal context may create differences in access to the resources, environments and experiences that shape health and health behaviors