Migration experience and health status in Indonesia: life history analysis using IFLS Data

Salahudin S. Muhidin, Université de Montréal

Using the IFLS [Indonesian Family Life Survey] data, a longitudinal survey containing extensive histories on one’s life course, this study attempts to examine the link between migration experience and health status among adult and elderly people in Indonesia. Two health measures-- perceived general health status (GHS) and assessed activity of daily living (ADL)—were utilized in the analysis. The results show that migration in Indonesia are negatively associated with the health status. This effect is strong among those who have frequently migrated (3-4 times), with longer distance (inter-provinces/countries), across different environments (urban-rural/rural-urban), and last migration occurred recently (last 3-6 years). Yet, this negative association would be reduced by other factors, such as younger age, higher education, no smoking behaviour, an ideal BMI, currently married and working. As expected, adult population are more likely to have better health status than their counterparts who are elderly.