Citation

Becher H, Razum O, Kyobutungi C, Laki J, Ott JJ, Ronellenfitsch U, Winkler V. Dtsch Arztebl Ausg A 2007; 104(23): A1655-A1661.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Deutscher Ärzte-Verlag)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: More than 2 million resetters of German origin have migrated from the former Soviet Union to Germany since 1990. Since mortality in the country of origin is very high, and since migration implies a physiological and psychological challenge, an increase in mortality, in particular for cardiovascular diseases and non-natural deaths was hypothesized.

METHODS: A cohort of immigrants (n = 34 393) was followed up from January 1st 1990 until December 31 2002. Standardized mortality ratios for the cohort were calculated in comparison to German rates for all causes of death, selected cancers, cardiovascular diseases, external causes of death such as suicides, accidents, other external causes and deaths attributable to psychoactive substance use.

RESULTS: Immigrants have a significant lower overall mortality than native Germans, which is particular low for cardiovascular diseases in both sexes and for cancer in females. The risk of death due to non-natural causes is significantly higher among males.

DISCUSSION: The increased mortality due to non-natural causes highlights underlying integration problems.

RESULTS for cardiovascular death sare are contrary to expectations. Causal factors for this pattern are not known and require further investigation.

Language: de

Keywords

human; Epidemiology; USSR; Mortality; Germany; Cohort study; cause of death; mortality; risk assessment; article; psychotropic agent; follow up; cardiovascular disease; immigrant; Migration; Migrant