The health of children and adolescents with a migration background in Germany - Results of the cross-sectional KiGGS Wave 2 study

Abstract

Over a third (36.5%) of young people living in Germany have a migration background. Based on the data of the second follow-up to the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS Wave 2, 2014-2017), the health situation of 11- to 17-year-olds with and without a migration background is described using selected indicators. In order to account for the diversity among children and adolescents with a migration background, the health indicators used in this study are stratified by migration background but also by additional migration-related characteristics. In addition, the results from the various subgroups are also stratified by sociodemographic characteristics. No differences in self-assessed general health or the outpatient utilisation of paediatric and general medical services were identified between 11- to 17-year-olds with and without a migration background. However, migration-related differences were identified in health behaviour: whereas children and adolescents with a one- or two-sided migration background are more frequently overweight (including obesity), they consume risky amounts of alcohol less often than those of the same age without a migration background. Finally, the outcomes of the indicators also vary according to migration-related and sociodemographic characteristics.

Keywords: HEALTH MONITORING; HEALTH REPORTING; KIGGS; MIGRATION; MIGRATION BACKGROUND.

Figure 1

Prevalence of overweight (including obesity) among 11- to 17-year-olds by sociodemographic and migration-related characteristics (n=3,010 girls, n=2,751 boys) Source: KiGGS Wave 2 (2014-2017)

Figure 2

Prevalence of risky alcohol consumption among 11- to 17-year-olds by sociodemographic and migration-related characteristics (n=3,098 girls, n=2,797 boys) Source: KiGGS Wave 2 (2014-2017)