Health and demographic surveillance systems: contributing to an understanding of the dynamics in migration and health

Abstract

BackgroundMigration is difficult to measure because it is highly repeatable. Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSSs) provide a unique opportunity to study migration as multiple episodes of migration are captured over time. A conceptual framework is needed to show the public health implications of migration.Objective/designResearch conducted in seven HDSS centres [International Network for the Demographic Evaluation of Populations and Their Health (INDEPTH) Network], published in a peer-reviewed volume in 2009, is summarised focussing on the age–sex profile of migrants, the relation between migration and livelihoods, and the impact of migration on health. This illustrates the conceptual structure of the implications of migration. The next phase is described, the Multi-centre Analysis of the Dynamics In Migration And Health (MADIMAH) project, consisting of workshops focussed on preparing data and conducting the analyses for comparative studies amongst HDSS centres in Africa and Asia. The focus here is on the (standardisation of) determinants of migration and the impact of migration on adult mortality.ResultsThe findings in the volume showed a relatively regular age structure for migration among all HDSS centres. Furthermore, migration generally contributes to improved living conditions at the place of origin. However, there are potential negative consequences of migration on health. It was concluded that there is a need to compare results from multiple centres using uniform covariate definitions as well as longitudinal analysis techniques. This was the starting point for the on-going MADIMAH initiative, which has increased capacity at the participating HDSS centres to produce the required datasets and conduct the analyses.ConclusionsHDSS centres brought together within INDEPTH Network have already provided strong evidence of the potential negative consequences of migration on health, which contrast with the beneficial impacts of migration on livelihoods. Future comparative evidence using standardised tools will help design policies for mitigating the negative effects, and enhancing the positive effects, of migration on health.

Migration, sexual behaviour, and HIV risk: a general population cohort in rural South Africa

“…The detailed demographic, migration, and HIV data available in several population-based cohorts and demographic surveillance systems have provided analysts with a valuable source of data for HIV risk studies. 10 However, with a few exceptions, HIV surveys in these study populations have been restricted to adults who are residents in the study area. 11–13 …”

Research on the Move: Exploring WhatsApp as a Tool for Understanding the Intersections between Migration, Mobility, Health and Gender in South Africa

“…Longitudinal research on migration and health tends to make use of repeated quantitative measures collated in a single geographic location that rely on participant recall of experiences, time, and place, such as through Demographic Health Surveillance Surveys (DHSS) (38). While qualitative approaches for exploring migration and health over time largely rely on repeated face-to-face interactions between the researcher(s) and participants at different moments, or make use of mobile technology to remain in contact, conduct interviews or, increasingly, explore the potential of mobile technology for participatory research (39).…”

The INDEPTH Data Repository

“…In addition, datasets from multi-center studies conducted in INDEPTH member HDSSs are shared on the repository. Examples of such datasets include the cause-specific mortality dataset ( Streatfield et al, 2014 ) and soon to be released datasets from the Migration and Urbanization working group ( Gerritsen et al, 2013 ). Table 1 lists the HDSSs that have released core micro datasets on the repository.…”