In Hindsight

Abstract

Objective: This study examines sex differences in the association between migration and exposure to an urban environment and overweight, hypertension and diabetes in later life. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 3,604 adults aged 50 and older in the Mexican Family Life Survey (MxFLS). Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between previous migration, urban exposure, and risk of overweight, hypertension, and diabetes. Results: Migration itself was not associated with health outcomes after controlling for urban exposure. The risk of overweight and diabetes associated with urban exposure appeared to be greater for men. Sex differences were found in the covariates that helped explain differences in health between those with high and low urban exposure. Discussion: These findings underscore the need to consider heterogeneity in health by urban exposure and by sex.