[Self-assessed health status among young people from ethnic minorities living in Denmark].

INTRODUCTION

Only a few studies on the health status of ethnic minorities in Denmark have been carried out. These studies have shown a higher mental and physical morbidity rate and an increased prevalence of social problems among adults. The purpose of this study was to compare the self-reported health status of ethnic Danish youths and young first- and second-generation immigrants from non-Western countries to establish whether there is an association between ethnicity and "belief in the ability to affect one's own health".

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We surveyed a cohort of 6,203 ninth-grade students (aged 15 to 16 years), including 264 first-generation and 391 second-generation immigrants from non-Western countries. Self-reported health and self-efficacy, defined as the belief in the ability to affect one's own health, were included in the analyses, using SPSS cross-tabulations and logistical regression analysis.

RESULTS

A direct association between ethnicity and self-reported health status was found. Both first- and second-generation immigrants rated their health worse than did ethnic Danish youths. The association was statistically significant for first-generation immigrant girls when controlling for relevant risk factors for ill health. Significant associations between self-reported health status and belief in the ability to affect one's own health were found for both first- and second-generation immigrants of both sexes, compared to ethnic Danish youths.

CONCLUSION

Factors related to immigration and immigrants' social conditions may partially explain the ethnic differences in self-reported health status. However, cultural differences may influence the ethnic and gender differences in health status and self-efficacy, as ethnic minorities are less likely to believe in their ability to affect their own health. It is recommended that this knowledge be implemented when developing health promotion programs in the public schools.