The health status of first-and second-generation Turkish immigrants in Germany

Abstract

Objectives Since previous research on immigrants' health status is rare, this study focuses on Turkish immigrants currently living in Germany and evaluates their subjective health status using relatively new data from the Generations and Gender Survey (2005/2006). Methods The cross-sectional study includes around 10,000 German natives and 4,000 Turkish immigrants. Logistic regression models are estimated to compare the health of first-and second-generation Turkish immigrants with that of German natives. Additionally, separate models for all three groups are estimated to detect variations in the factors influencing the health status. Results Whereas the descriptive results indicate a worse health status, Turkish immigrants are as healthy as the native German population when different variables related to socio-economic status and coping resources are taken into account. Furthermore, Turkish immigrants in East Germany are healthier than their East German counterparts. The factors influencing the health status do not vary for the observed groups. Conclusions Socio-economic status and coping resources are key determinants of the (subjective) health status of Turkish immigrants. They must be strengthened to improve immigrants' level of health. © Swiss School of Public Health 2011.