Self-rated health and lifestyle behaviours in Second-Generation Migrants and Italians, 2015-2022

Second-generation migrants represent a growing demographic in Italy, yet evidence on their health status and health-related behaviours remain limited. The aim of this study is to investigate differences in self-rated health and lifestyle behaviours among children, adolescents, and young adults with at least one foreign-citizen parent compared to those with Italian-citizen parents. Data from the Italian Daily Life Aspects cross-sectional surveys (2015-2022) conducted by National Institute of Statistics (Istat) were analysed, including participants aged 0-29 years. Multivariable logistic regression models with household-clustered standard errors were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for non-good self-rated health, overweight/obesity, sedentary lifestyle, low fruit and vegetable consumption, at-risk alcohol use, and smoking, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, household, and contextual factors. 84,797 participants were included (77,097 with both Italian parents and 7,700 with one foreign-citizen parent). No significant differences were observed in self-rated health between the two groups (aOR 1.05; 95% CI 0.93–1.18). Individuals with at least one foreign-citizen parent showed higher odds of overweight/obesity (aOR 1.15; 95% CI 1.07–1.24) and sedentary lifestyle (aOR 1.73; 95% CI 1.59–1.87). Both of these outcomes increased after the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022). Conversely, they had lower odds of at-risk alcohol use (aOR 0.66; 95% CI 0.58–0.75) and smoking (aOR 0.85; 95% CI 0.76–0.95). No clear differences were found in fruit and vegetable consumption. While self-perceived health appears similar, young people with foreign-citizen parents in Italy exhibit a distinct behavioural profile, combining higher risks of physical inactivity and excess weight with lower substance use. Culturally sensitive public health interventions should address behavioural risks while reinforcing existing protective factors within migrant families.

Key messages

• Second-generation migrants in Italy show higher odds of overweight and sedentary lifestyle, but lower odds of smoking and at-risk alcohol use than their Italian peers.

• Despite a distinct behavioural risk profile, no significant difference in self-rated health was found, highlighting a potential perception gap.