The utilization of healthcare services by migrants in Germany is a critical issue, influenced by systemic and personal barriers that affect access to care. Approximately 16.1 million individuals in Germany have direct migration backgrounds, representing about 19% of the population. These migrants often face challenges in accessing primary care and specialist services due to factors such as language barriers and unfamiliarity with the healthcare system.
A study aimed to analyze the associations between healthcare service utilization and migration-related characteristics among individuals with direct migration backgrounds in Germany. The German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) provided the data for this comprehensive analysis. The study utilized data from the SOEP, supplemented with migrant samples collected in 2013 and 2015, focusing on adults with direct migration backgrounds who had complete data on primary care visits and hospitalizations. Participants reported the number of visits to primary care physicians in the previous three months and the number of nights spent in the hospital within one year.
Analyzing Migrant Healthcare Utilization in Germany
Migration-related characteristics such as country of birth, time since migration, main reason for migration, connectedness with the country of birth, feeling German, experiences of disadvantages due to origin, and oral German language skills were analyzed. Generalized linear models and logit models were used to examine the associations between healthcare service utilization and these migration-related characteristics, adjusting for current health status and sociodemographic factors.
The sample consisted of 4,206 individuals, with an average age of 39 years. Most participants were born in Russia, Turkey, Romania, or Kazakhstan, with a mean duration since migration of 13 years. The main reasons for migration included family/partnership (49%), economic reasons (32%), and political reasons (12%). Approximately 64% reported very good or good health. The mean number of visits to primary care physicians was about two in three months, with 8% of participants hospitalized in the past year.
Migrants born in countries other than Russia had higher primary care utilization, while strong connectedness with the country of birth and good oral German skills were associated with more primary care visits. However, no significant migration-related determinants of hospitalization were identified, except for the country of birth. Individuals born in Turkey had higher odds of hospitalization compared to those born in Russia, and political reasons for migration were associated with lower odds of hospitalization. Excluding data from 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, did not alter the results, confirming the robustness of the findings.
The study highlighted that certain migration-related factors, such as country of birth, connectedness with the country of birth, and language skills, influence primary care utilization among migrants, though these factors did not significantly impact hospitalization rates. To address the lower utilization of primary care services among migrants with poor German language skills, providing healthcare information in multiple languages and ensuring access to translation services are essential.
Improving Healthcare Access for Migrants
Policymakers should focus on reducing cultural and language barriers to improve healthcare access for migrants. The study’s strengths include the representative sample and the comprehensive analysis of migration-related characteristics, but it is exploratory, and causal relationships cannot be established. The findings suggest that migration-related characteristics such as country of birth, connectedness with the country of birth, and language skills are significant determinants of primary care utilization among migrants in Germany.
Addressing these factors through targeted policies can enhance healthcare access for this population. Further research is needed to explore these associations in greater detail and develop effective interventions. The results underscore the importance of considering cultural and linguistic factors in healthcare policy to ensure equitable access to services for all population segments. Policymakers must prioritize creating an inclusive healthcare system that caters to the diverse needs of migrants.
This includes not only language support but also culturally sensitive healthcare practices and policies that address the unique challenges faced by migrant populations. Such efforts will contribute to improved health outcomes and a more equitable healthcare system in Germany. Additionally, ongoing monitoring and evaluation of healthcare utilization patterns among migrants will be crucial in identifying gaps and areas for improvement, ensuring that healthcare policies remain responsive to the evolving needs of this population.
By implementing these recommendations, Germany can move towards a more inclusive and effective healthcare system that supports the health and well-being of all its residents, regardless of their migration background. The study’s insights provide a valuable foundation for policymakers and healthcare providers to develop targeted strategies that address the specific barriers faced by migrants, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and a more equitable healthcare system.
Resource: SPRINGER LINK, July 18, 2024
This article has been prepared with the assistance of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author.
