[Differences between Eastern European immigrants of German origin and the rest of the German population in health status, health care use and health behaviour: a comparative study using data from the KORA-Survey 2000]

Abstract

Differences between Eastern European immigrants of German origin and the rest of the German population in health status, health care use and health behaviour: a comparative study using data from the KORA-Survey 2000

Objectives: To identify differences in health status, health care use and health behaviour between Eastern European immigrants of German origin and the rest of the German population in order to develop new concepts for preventive programs.

Methods: Using data from the KORA-Survey 2000 (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg), immigrants of German origin were compared to the rest of the German population with multiple regression models controlling for sex, age, living with partner, years of education and occupation. Tests of trend were performed for the groups classified according to the year of immigration.

Results: Compared to other Germans, immigrants of German origin consider their health status more often as poor. They were more likely to be obese (OR = 1.95) and have hyperlipidemia (total-cholesterol/HDL-C > 4: OR = 1.71). They were less likely to use cancer screening (OR = 0.41) or to perform sport activities (OR = 0.47). All these differences decrease with the length of residence in Germany.

Conclusions: Concerning their health status, Eastern European immigrants of German origin were identified as a high risk group. They should be considered for specific preventive programs and health care interventions, especially during the first years of immigration.