1422 – Culture Sensitive Analysis Of Psychosomatic Complaints In Migrants In Germany

Abstract

Background

To ensure an adequate health care of migrants, differentiated information on the association of cultural background and migration related factors and psychosomatic complaints are necessary.

Method

Cross-sectional questionnaire based survey regarding psychosomatic complaints of migrants from Turkey (n = 77), Italy (n = 95), and Spain (n = 67) and ethnic German resettled from the states of the former Soviet Union (n = 196). Questionnaires distributed by non-health specific counselling agencies of welfare associations.

Results

The cultural background was a relevant factor for psychosomatic complaints, showing Turkish and ethnic German resettled migrants a higher likeliness, also compared to a sample of age corresponding Germans. Whereas Spanish and Italian migrants showed a lower risk for psychosomatic complaints. Also gender, feeling unwell in Germany and fatalism showed a significant association with psychosomatic complaints.

Conclusion

Migrants in Germany do not have per se a higher risk for psychosomatic complaints. A distinct differentiation by cultural background is necessary.