Utilization of health promotion and preventive programs for people with migration background A qualitative study with professionals of migrant self-organizations

Objective People with a migration background are a heterogeneous population that differs from people without migration background in terms of health status and health behavior, e.g., in terms of lower utilization of health-promoting and preventive measures. The present study examines concerns as well as hindering and facilitating factors that influence the use of health-promoting and preventive services by people with a migration background. Methods Problem-centered expert interviews were conducted with seven professionals of migrant self-organizations in Germany and examined with structured content analysis. Results The analyses revealed that existential hardships, lack of trust, cultural barriers, communication problems, knowledge deficits, feelings of shame, and experiences of discrimination, and violence as barriers that hinder migrants to make use of and benefit from health-promoting and preventive measures. The experts emphasized the importance of low-threshold offers, culturally sensitive public relations, and sustainable networking with the communities. Conclusions The results confirm known challenges and, in addition, provide further indications for the implementation of health-promoting and preventive measures for migrants.