[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].
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


OBJECTIVE
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.
Aparicio
Mary Luz
ML
Institut für Gesundheitsökonomie und Management im Gesundheitswesen, GSF-Forschungszentrum für Umwelt und Gesundheit, Neuherberg-München, Deutschland.
Döring
Angela
A
Mielck
Andreas
A
Holle
Rolf
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors