International Journal of Public Health
Volume 56, Issue 5, 2011, Pages 541-548

Health care utilization among first and second generation immigrants and native-born Germans: A population-based study in Germany (Article)

Glaesmer H.* , Wittig U. , Braehler E. , Martin A. , Mewes R. , Rief W.
  • a Department of Medical Psychology and Sociology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
  • b Department of Medical Psychology and Sociology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
  • c Department of Medical Psychology and Sociology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
  • d Department of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Erlangen, Germany
  • e Department of Clinical Psychology, Phillips-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
  • f Department of Clinical Psychology, Phillips-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany

Abstract

Objectives There are contradictory findings on health care utilization (HCU) of immigrants compared to nativeborn populations. Our study focuses on this topic using a population-based approach and differentiates generational cohorts of immigrants. Methods In a representative population survey in Germany (N = 2,510), immigrant background/generational cohort and HCU in the preceding 12 months were screened by means of self-rating instruments. Results 11.1% (7.0% first and 4.1% second generation) of the sample are immigrants. No differences have been detect with regard to subjective state of health, satisfaction with life and with health and functional disabilities. First generation immigrants contacted a medical specialist less likely, but they more frequently use general practitioners (GPs) than the native-born Germans and the second generation immigrants. Conclusions First generation immigrants show remarkable differences in HCU compared to the native-born Germans and the second generation immigrants. Their HCU seems to be focused on primary care, and access to secondary care might be complicated. It seems relevant to especially pay attention to HCU of first generation immigrants and to support equal access to care for this subgroup. © Swiss School of Public Health 2010.

Author Keywords

Generational cohorts approach Native population Outpatient care immigrants inpatient care Health care utilization

Index Keywords

Germany health care survey Health Care Surveys Disabled Persons human middle aged disabled person statistics Cohort Studies comparative study Aged ethnology Young Adult Humans Adolescent health services research male Emigrants and Immigrants female Aged, 80 and over questionnaire Article Questionnaires adult migration Utilization Review cohort analysis Delivery of Health Care health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80955172015&doi=10.1007%2fs00038-010-0205-9&partnerID=40&md5=6aa1a43f30eef7d523bb4cdce44f3e53
DOI: 10.1007/s00038-010-0205-9
ISSN: 16618556
Cited by: 21
Original Language: English