Internal migration

Internal migration has been studied in 4 papers since 2021: 4 observational studies in people; 2 in the past year. The newest story, Nov 6, 2026: “Heat linked to higher respiratory death risk in Brazilian migrants”.

Exposure

4 papers study it4 findingsUpdated Oct 27, 2026

1 new paper in 30 daysSee all 4 papers on internal migration

At a glance

The findings reach people, from one lab or study. 2 independent labs in 3 countries.

“Multivariate analyses revealed that individuals with early-life migration experiences had higher baseline prevalence and a faster accumulation of chronic diseases over time.”

How early migration shapes chronic disease progression in later life: longitudinal evidence from rural ChinaThe journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences2026doi:10.1093/geronb/gbag061

None of its findings points the other way.

2 independent labs in 3 countries

Funders: European Commission and others

Humans4

What did studies of internal migration find?

Studies of internal migration measured 2 outcomes; the most studied are chronic disease (1 study) and longevity (1).

Chronic disease

upin humans1

1 study

Internal migration is linked with higher chronic disease in rural older adults.
“Multivariate analyses revealed that individuals with early-life migration experiences had higher baseline prevalence and a faster accumulation of chronic diseases over time.”
Humansin rural older adults2011-2020
How early migration shapes chronic disease progression in later life: longitudinal evidence from rural China
The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciencesApr 8, 2026

What is internal migration linked with?

Studies link internal migration with 2 measures, most often chronic disease (1 study) and mortality (1).

Chronic disease

upin humans1

1 study

Internal migration is associated with chronic disease in humans (more frequent, earlier, and longer-distance moves).
“More frequent, earlier, and longer-distance migration were each linked to worse health trajectories.”
Humansmore frequent, earlier, and longer-distance moves2011-2020
How early migration shapes chronic disease progression in later life: longitudinal evidence from rural China
The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciencesApr 8, 2026

Latest

2 papers in 12 months

Lancet Regional Health AmericasNov 6

Heat linked to higher respiratory death risk in Brazilian migrants

Against the temperature linked to lowest mortality, extreme heat was associated with respiratory death relative risks of 1.32 among internal migrants and 1.06 among…Against the temperature linked to lowest mortality, extreme heat was associated with respiratory death relative risks of 1.32 among internal migrants and 1.06 among non-migrants.

Case-control study in peopleRespiratory disease