Health, health care utilization, and social capital: a microeconometric analysis of immigration-related inequalities.

Summary This research proposes to study the inequalities in health and health care utilization between the native and immigrant populations. Particular attention is paid to the role of social capital, which implies an influence of social networks or social interactions on health status and health care utilization. We adopt a micro-econometric approach and build our reflection around three themes: (i) the identification of immigration-related inequalities in health status and health care utilization, (ii) the understanding of the mechanisms that generate these inequalities, and finally (iii) the evaluation of the causal impact of social capital on the health status and health care utilization of immigrants. In terms of public policy, analysis of the mechanisms generating inequalities suggests that several levers of action are possible. Given the protective role of social capital on health, the development of specific local actions appears necessary to increase social integration and social support for immigrants. The importance of supplementary health coverage in determining inequalities also demonstrates the need to simplify access to State Medical Aid and Universal Health Coverage in order to promote prevention and access to care for immigrants.