Australian health inequalities: birthplace

Persons born overseas generally enjoy better health than Australia-born persons do, if gauged by such measures as mortality and hospitalisations rates and the prevalence of lifestyle-related health risk factors. These inequalities are largely explained by the 'healthy migrant effect', which ensures that, for the most part, only those migrants in good health migrate to Australia. Inequalities in health status by birthplace, and changes in health advantage among migrants after arrival in Australia, provide insight into the effect of lifestyle-related health risk factors on health outcomes. They might also guide health professionals in targeting education, screening and other health interventions.