Salma Kikhia1, Ghaith Gharib2, Alexandra Sauter3, Natalia Caldeira Loss Vincens4, Julika Loss5. 1. Medical Sociology, Regensburg University, Regensburg, Germany. Salmakikhia27@gmail.com. 2. Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany. 3. Medical Sociology, Regensburg University, Regensburg, Germany. 4. Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden. 5. Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In the recent years, the number of Syrians living in Germany increased drastically due to the massive displacement caused by the Syrian conflict. Syrian migrant women in Germany are challenged by both the migration process and the changing of social roles. Seeking out healthcare may be hampered by linguistic and cultural barriers, but the new context may offer opportunities for health and well-being (free access to health care, civil/human rights). Little is known about how Syrian women manage their health after their resettlement in Germany. METHODS: In depth interviews in Arabic were conducted with 9 Syrian women who were recruited through purposive sampling (18-55 years, migrated in 2011-2017, different education levels), focusing on capabilities to control one's health and to navigate the German healthcare system, and social/environmental barriers and facilitators to effectively manage their health. Interview transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The women reported their health to be impaired by post-migration stressors, such as perceived discrimination, loss of social status and worrying about the future. Many interviewees felt disempowered and incompetent to successfully and actively navigate the German healthcare system, lacking information and not understanding their rights and options under the health insurance plan. The language barrier added to feeling vulnerable. Many women experienced doctors declining to treat them for capacity reasons; when treated, they often did not feel taken seriously or were dissatisfied with the emotional/cultural aspects of care. If possible, Arabic doctors were sought out. Some women, however, described improved resources for health, and appreciated better women's rights as a source of power. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of information about the structure and offers of the German healthcare system, language and culture specific barriers as well as socio-cultural challenges are undermining the ability of Syrian women to manage their health effectively after their resettlement in Germany. Providing tailored information on the German healthcare system, creating a health-literacy supportive environment, and improving cultural sensitivity in healthcare provision could help Syrian women better utilize medical care offered in Germany.
BACKGROUND: In the recent years, the number of Syrians living in Germany increased drastically due to the massive displacement caused by the Syrian conflict. Syrian migrant women in Germany are challenged by both the migration process and the changing of social roles. Seeking out healthcare may be hampered by linguistic and cultural barriers, but the new context may offer opportunities for health and well-being (free access to health care, civil/human rights). Little is known about how Syrian women manage their health after their resettlement in Germany. METHODS: In depth interviews in Arabic were conducted with 9 Syrian women who were recruited through purposive sampling (18-55 years, migrated in 2011-2017, different education levels), focusing on capabilities to control one's health and to navigate the German healthcare system, and social/environmental barriers and facilitators to effectively manage their health. Interview transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The women reported their health to be impaired by post-migration stressors, such as perceived discrimination, loss of social status and worrying about the future. Many interviewees felt disempowered and incompetent to successfully and actively navigate the German healthcare system, lacking information and not understanding their rights and options under the health insurance plan. The language barrier added to feeling vulnerable. Many women experienced doctors declining to treat them for capacity reasons; when treated, they often did not feel taken seriously or were dissatisfied with the emotional/cultural aspects of care. If possible, Arabic doctors were sought out. Some women, however, described improved resources for health, and appreciated better women's rights as a source of power. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of information about the structure and offers of the German healthcare system, language and culture specific barriers as well as socio-cultural challenges are undermining the ability of Syrian women to manage their health effectively after their resettlement in Germany. Providing tailored information on the German healthcare system, creating a health-literacy supportive environment, and improving cultural sensitivity in healthcare provision could help Syrian women better utilize medical care offered in Germany.
Entities:
Keywords:
Access to healthcare; Germany; Immigrant health; Post-migration stress; Resilience; Syrian women
Authors: Walter Devillé; Tim Greacen; Marija Bogic; Marie Dauvrin; Sónia Dias; Andrea Gaddini; Natasja Koitzsch Jensen; Christina Karamanidou; Ulrike Kluge; Ritva Mertaniemi; Rosa P i Riera; Attila Sárváry; Joaquim J F Soares; Mindaugas Stankunas; Christa Strassmayr; Marta Welbel; Stefan Priebe Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2011-09-13 Impact factor: 3.295