Micronesian migrant health issues in Hawaii: Part 1: Background, home island data, and clinical evidence.

Up to 15,000 or more Micronesian migrants currently live in Hawaii. Factors driving this recent emigration include inadequate employment opportunities, a limited economic base, and insufficient health and educational infrastructures in the U.S. affiliated Micronesian island entities in the Western Pacific. The aim of this study was to examine reasons why Micronesians were relocating to Hawaii, since there was evidence of healthcare related migration. This study provides the results of an assessment of health and key social determinants among Micronesian migrants conducted in 2007. Results show that diabetes is the most prevalent reported medical condition (35%) among adults >40 years of age. Micronesian migrants in Hawaii report coming to Hawaii for health care, but also for educational and employment opportunities.