Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the relations between developmental environments and health status among immigrant children living in areas of low immigrant ethnic density. As the number of immigrant workers increases, improving their living situations, which are often considered to be socially excluded, has become urgent. In particular, compared with ethnic enclaves, areas with low immigrant ethnic density are often characterized by more difficulty obtaining sufficient support from compatriots and the government. Thus, it is likely that the developmental environments of immigrant children living in these areas are also impoverished. We obtained and analyzed health checkup data, including health status and developmental environment factors, for all 3-year-old children living in an area of low immigrant ethnic density. The results showed that an impoverished environment is associated with health sequelae such as tooth decay. In particular, the occurrence of caries was significant among children living in low-income, socially isolated immigrant households. In contrast, this association was not observed in immigrant households with a high degree of social integration. Thus, immigrant households that are socially excluded are less likely to receive adequate family and social support. This context may worsen the developmental environment and lead to child health problems.
