Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz
Volume 58, Issue 6, 2015, Pages 577-583

Strengthening Health Literacy of People with Migration Background. Results of a Qualitative Evaluation [Health Literacy von Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund in der Patientenberatung stärken. Ergebnisse einer qualitativen Evaluation] (Article)

Horn A.* , Vogt D. , Messer M. , Schaeffer D.
  • a Fakultät für Gesundheitswissenschaften AG6, Universität Bielefeld, Postfach 100 131, Bielefeld, 33501, Germany
  • b Fakultät für Gesundheitswissenschaften AG6, Universität Bielefeld, Postfach 100 131, Bielefeld, 33501, Germany
  • c Fakultät für Gesundheitswissenschaften AG6, Universität Bielefeld, Postfach 100 131, Bielefeld, 33501, Germany
  • d Fakultät für Gesundheitswissenschaften AG6, Universität Bielefeld, Postfach 100 131, Bielefeld, 33501, Germany

Abstract

The concept of “health literacy”, which has gained attention in English-speaking countries during the last decade, is becoming increasingly popular in Germany. While studies on an international level indicate that people with migration background are often limited in their health literacy, there is a lack of empirical data on that topic in Germany. However, it is well known that they are exposed to health-related risks and problems comparatively often whereas they use health care services less frequently. This article focuses on the native speaking counseling services of the Independent Patient Counseling Germany (UPD gGmbH) as an example of good practice and introduces the results of the evaluation of this counseling service. Qualitative interviews were conducted with UPD-consultants as well as with users of the services. It became apparent that Turkish and Russian-speaking immigrants often have limited health-related literacy. Therefore, support and counseling services should focus not only on issues concerning language and cultural aspects. Furthermore, strategies strengthening the health literacy of persons with migration background are required. Therefore, instruments and strategies will be developed in cooperation with the UPD which aim to improve such skills of the UPD-consultants. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2015.

Author Keywords

Expert interviews Patient counseling Health literacy Migrants

Index Keywords

education consumer health information Germany health promotion human epidemiology middle aged statistics and numerical data Aged procedures Young Adult Humans Adolescent male female Aged, 80 and over very elderly organization and management program evaluation adult migration utilization Transients and Migrants health literacy Healthcare Disparities health care disparity Health Services Accessibility health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84938059765&doi=10.1007%2fs00103-015-2147-0&partnerID=40&md5=c0385219074bd186749001494362b3b2
DOI: 10.1007/s00103-015-2147-0
ISSN: 14369990
Cited by: 10
Original Language: German