Abstract
BackgroundThe few previous studies investigating acculturation and self-management have suggested that increased participation in (or adaptation to) the host culture is associated with better health and disease management. However, research on the relationship between acculturation strategies (attachment to the Dutch and Turkish cultures) and broader self-management abilities among older Turkish immigrants in the Netherlands is lacking. This study aimed to investigate this relationship in this population.MethodsTurkish immigrants aged > 65 years and residing in Rotterdam, the Netherlands (n = 2350), were identified using the municipal register. In total, 680 respondents completed the questionnaire (32% response rate).ResultsThe average age of the respondents was 72.90 (standard deviation, 5.02; range, 66–95) years and 47.6% of respondents were women. The majority (80.3%) of respondents reported having low educational levels. Women, single individuals, less-educated respondents, and those with multimorbidity experienced lower levels of attachment to the Dutch culture and reported poorer self-management abilities. Slightly stronger relationships were found between self-management and attachment to the Dutch culture than attachment to the Turkish culture. Multimorbidity negatively affected the self-management abilities of older Turkish people living in the Netherlands.ConclusionsThe study findings indicate that especially attachment to the Dutch culture matters for the self-management abilities of older Turkish immigrants in the Netherlands. Given the high prevalence of multimorbidity in this population, investment in their self-management abilities is expected to be beneficial. Special attention is needed for women, single individuals, less-educated people, and those with multimorbidity. Interventions aiming to better integrate these groups into Dutch society are also expected to be beneficial for their self-management abilities.
Highlights
The few previous studies investigating acculturation and self-management have suggested that increased participation in the host culture is associated with better health and disease management
The results of this study demonstrate the importance of attachment to both the Turkish and Dutch cultures for the self-management abilities of older Turkish immigrants in the Netherlands
Stronger relationships were found between self-management and attachment to the Dutch culture than attachment to the Turkish culture
Summary
The few previous studies investigating acculturation and self-management have suggested that increased participation in (or adaptation to) the host culture is associated with better health and disease management. Investing in older people’s self-management abilities is expected to help prevent further declines in functioning and well-being [12, 13] Most such efforts target the physical health aspects of ageing and dealing with chronic diseases (e.g. treatment adherence, physical exercise, and healthy diet); the latest evidence, shows that care and support should target broader self-management abilities to maintain overall well-being, such as initiative taking, investment behaviour (e.g. maintaining contact with loved ones, pursuing interests, and keeping busy), and self-efficacy (e.g. belief in one’s ability to achieve goals and express care for others) [14, 15]. Given the vulnerability of older Turkish people in the Netherlands, enhancement of this group’s broader self-management abilities is expected to help them deal with the ageing process.
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