Background. Female migrants have multiple psychosocial and economic loads which often affect their health status negatively. The present study investigates, whether these women use the offers of health service, which barriers in the utilisation of health service female migrants have, and which strategies of health promotion are needed to reach female migrants. Material and methods. 989 women (814 born in Austria, 108 born in one of the countries of Ex-Yugoslavia, 67 born in Turkey) completed a 35-items paper-pencilquestionnaire about their utilisation, barriers and needs concerning health system offers. The statistical analysis focuses on the correlation of socioeconomic factors and individual well-being of women. Results. Women born in Austria have significantly better socioeconomic conditions than female migrants born in Ex-Yugoslavia or Turkey. This inequity of life circumstances is reflected in the health status, psychosocial status and health behaviour of female migrants. The main barriers in the utilisation of the health system by female migrants are language and limited time. Conclusion. After discussing the results of empirical analysis with health promotion experts strategies to reduce barriers of female migrants towards utilisation of health system were suggested. The main strategy is now as before the reduction of barriers in communication, language and analphabetism, but there are also a multitude of cultural and structural barriers to overcome. Extensive promotion of culture-sensitive strategies on a low level of access for the different communities of female migrants is suggested.

Health promotion Barriers in health service utilisation female migrants

health service female major clinical study social psychology health care system Austria health promotion Article health care utilization interpersonal communication human migration