Utilization, satisfaction and barriers of medical care among adults of Turkish descent in Germany

Abstract

Abstract Background The growing proportion of people with a migration background poses major challenges for public health and the health care system in Germany. People of Turkish descent represent the largest group within this specific population. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the use and satisfaction of medical services and barriers to health care access among adults of Turkish descent in Germany. Methods A cohort study of a group of nearly 1200 Turkish adults in Berlin and Essen constitutes the basis of this analysis. The baseline examination was carried out as part of the pretests of the German National Cohort study. This follow-up survey assessed utilization, satisfaction and subjectively perceived barriers in the German health care system, as well as socio-demography, lifestyle, health status and quality of life via self-report (paper based or online) in Turkish or German. Descriptive preliminary results are presented in this abstract. Results The first 287 participants interviewed until December 31, 2018 were on average 49 years old, with 64% being female. 90% of the participants had a family doctor and in the last 12 months, 17% were in a hospital for in-patient treatment and 23% in an emergency room. The use of screening programs varied from 15% (skin cancer screening) to 87% (mammography). The most frequently visited physician was the general practitioner (86%). The participants were satisfied regarding many aspects, with the best values for the communication with their doctor. However, 22% reported problems or barriers in the context of medical care in the last five years. Conclusions These preliminary results provide a first insight into the utilization behaviour among adults of Turkish descent, their satisfaction as well as barriers with the German health care system. However, possible consequences of our study should only be discussed after all analyses have been completed. Key messages This is one of the few cohort studies in a migrant population in Germany. Knowledge of barriers could provide indications of problems of adults of Turkish descent in the German health care system.