Cardiovascular Disease Risk factors in Canadian-born and Immigrant Children and Youth in the Canadian Health Measures Survey

Abstract

Immigrants make up almost 20% of Canada’s population. Recent adult immigrants to Canada are generally in better health than those born in Canada. However, we know little about whether this is also the case in children. We compared mean levels and prevalence of adverse levels of CVD risk factors between immigrant (foreign-born) and Canadian-born children and youth using data from 4211 children and youth aged 6 to 19 years in the Canadian Health Measures Survey cycles 1 and 2 (2007-2009, 2009-2011). Levels of obesity, high waist circumference, elevated blood pressure, and dyslipidaemia were lower in immigrant than in Canadian-born children and youth. However, Canadian-born children and youth reported better health behaviours. Overall, results indicated a trend toward a more favourable CVD risk factor profile among immigrant children and youth in Canada. This study suggests a health advantage in immigrant children and youth over Canadian-born children and youth.