Health at the margins: Refugees and the challenge of health and healthcare in Italy

This study investigates the health status and unmet healthcare needs of asylum seekers and refugees in Italy, a population that remains under-re- searched despite its growing relevance. Unlike other migrant groups, re- fugees often experience forced and unplanned migration, which increases their physical and mental vulnerability. Using data from the ItRAS survey, the analysis explores how age, gender, and other personal and family cha- racteristics influence self-rated and mental health, as well as barriers to healthcare access. Compared with the native population (based on official statistics), the findings reveal persistent health inequalities, though asylum seekers and refugees aged 50 and over show a more polarised pattern, being overrepresented in both good and poor health categories. These results hi- ghlight the need for inclusive and targeted public health policies.