Improving access to migrant populations for epidemiological research-guided interviews with German experts

Abstract

In Germany, reliable information on the health of people with migration background (PMB) is scarce. Therefore, the Robert Koch Institute initiated the project "Improving health monitoring in migrant populations (IMIRA)" to improve the inclusion of PMB into the federal health monitoring. The objective of this article is to identify challenges and strategies in accessing migrant populations with epidemiological research. Atotal of 24 guided interviews with experts from Germany were conducted. Experts were scientists from various disciplines with aresearch focus on migration, civil servants in the area of migration, and experts from the field. The interview focused on challenges and strategies regarding access to migrants in research. The written summaries of the interviews were analyzed. Challenges in accessing PMB include language, sociodemographic and cultural barriers, fears, structural, and practical difficulties. Further challenges arise from the heterogeneity and motivation of the groups. Strategies to increase accessibility among PMB can be found in the research process, methods, communication, and diversity-sensitive research culture. Confidence-building is considered significant. Experts report avariety of strategies that focus on addressing and including PMB directly: strengthening of participatory approaches, new forms of translation, and measures to increase trust in research should be the focus of future efforts. The willingness to participate in epidemiological research can be increased with appropriate strategies and thus data on the health of migrant populations can be improved sustainably.