Population estimates and mental health of migrants - Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using data linkage to obtain accurate population estimates of migrants in Northern Ireland and their needs for and use of mental health and social care
IRAS ID
172417
Contact name
Tania Bosqui
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queens University Belfast
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
15/WM/0212, West Midlands-Solihull
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 3 days
Research summary
This study aims to fill a gap in our understanding about the migrant population in Northern Ireland by exploring analytically relevant datasets and the extent to which these data and their linkages are capable of providing accurate estimates and a valid population profile particularly regarding mental health status and access to services. The use of data linkage, using the 2011 Census and health care data, provides an opportunity to assess the quality, coverage and accuracy of available data; to explore primary health care utilisation amongst migrant groups; to determine if health and mental health inequalities exist between migrant communities and the majority settled population and to identify individual and neighbourhood factors that are likely to contribute to inequalities based on past research, such as socio-economic status, area deprivation, sectarianism and racist hate crimes in the local neighbourhood.
Migrants’ healthcare registration, service utilisation and mental health will be compared to the population of Northern Ireland’s residents who were born in the UK or Republic of Ireland. A migrant is defined as a person who is foreign-born, which excludes UK or RoI born ethnic minorities or foreign nationals born in the UK or RoI, and are categorised as either a short-term or long-term migrant. It is important to note that migrants do not form a homogenous group and major health disparities have been observed between different migrant groups. However, given the sensitivity of analysing small populations, analysis will focus on only the largest migrant groupings living in Northern Ireland: Polish (19,700), other Eastern European (12,300), North American/Canadian (6,600), south Asian (4,800) and Chinese (2,200). In addition, numbers permitting, refugees and asylum seekers (2,000) will be analysed as a distinct category given the similarity in migration process and low numbers impeding a more discrete analysis based on country of birth.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/WM/0212
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion