The influence of social support on subjective health among people with selected citizenships

Abstract Background Social support as a psychosocial resource has a significant impact on health. However, data on the association between social support and subjective health among people with a migration history is scarce. The aim of this analysis was to examine this association among a sample of people with selected citizenships in consideration of socio-demographic and migration-related factors. Methods Data from the project “Improving Health Monitoring in Migrant Populations (IMIRA)” was used, including people with Croatian, Polish, Romanian, Syrian, and Turkish citizenship. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyse the effect of socio-demographic (gender, age, socio-economic status (SES)) and migration-related factors (length of residence, residence status, German language proficiency) on the association between social support and subjective health (very good/good). Results A total of 60.8% of participants with a low level of social support, indicated good subjective health in comparison to 78.8% among those who reported strong support. Participants with a length of residence of over 20 years (aOR=0,29) and (very) poor German language proficiency (aOR=0,39) were less likely to report good health. A high SES had the strongest impact on good subjective health (aOR=5,42). Conclusions Overall, the results confirm the findings for the general population in a sample of people with selected citizenships. The fact that people with a migration history more often face structural and health related barriers and that the existence of resources is helpful in overcoming these, a differentiated consideration of the relationship between social support and subjective health seems necessary in order to establish targeted prevention measures. Key messages • Among people with selected citizenships, good social support has a positive impact on subjective health. • Results remain consistent when considering socio-economic and migration-related factors.


Background:
Studies show that people with a migration background are often uncertain concerning the kinds of health services that are offered and where to turn to with which health concerns. Some factors, like fears or obstacles (e.g. deductibles), lead to the health system not being used (on time). This is particularly true for those who are socioeconomically or socially disadvantaged. The aim of the project was to get an insight into the information needs of this population group as a basis for producing and disseminating good health information in the future.

Methods:
In this qualitative study co-researchers conducted guided focus groups (separated by sex) or interviews in their first languages. In total, more than 100 people from 16 different countries of origin were involved in the survey.

Results:
In general, a substantial need for multilingual health information prepared in easy-to-understand language was expressed. Some health topics (e.g. the Austrian health system, mental health and available support) were mentioned by many participants. Other issues were relevant for few groups only (e.g. TCM). Gender differences can be seen in some groups but not in all. Besides acquaintances/relatives, general practitioners were named as main source of information. Indications can be derived on how health information should be prepared, designed and distributed. Besides multilingual health information, translation services are needed during appointments but also for the medical reports.

Conclusions:
When searching for health information, but also when trying to understand it, language barriers are a major obstacle. Multilingual and culture-sensitive explainer videos on selected topics are an appropriate medium for reaching a broad group of people. Low-threshold multilingual regional contact points could provide an important contribution to health equity, as a guide in the health system, providing information and translation services, and setting health promotion offers.

Key messages:
Language barriers represent a major obstacle for vulnerable population groups with migration background in all stages of the health care process.
There is a substantial need for adequately prepared multilingual health information.
Abstract citation ID: ckac131.504 The influence of social support on subjective health among people with selected citizenships

Background:
Social support as a psychosocial resource has a significant impact on health. However, data on the association between social support and subjective health among people with a migration history is scarce. The aim of this analysis was to examine this association among a sample of people with selected citizenships in consideration of socio-demographic and migration-related factors.

Methods:
Data from the project ''Improving Health Monitoring in Migrant Populations (IMIRA)'' was used, including people with Croatian, Polish, Romanian, Syrian, and Turkish citizenship. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyse the effect of socio-demographic (gender, age, socio-economic status (SES)) and migrationrelated factors (length of residence, residence status, German language proficiency) on the association between social support and subjective health (very good/good).

Results:
A total of 60.8% of participants with a low level of social support, indicated good subjective health in comparison to 78.8% among those who reported strong support. Participants with a length of residence of over 20 years (aOR = 0,29) and (very) poor German language proficiency (aOR = 0,39) were less likely to report good health. A high SES had the strongest impact on good subjective health (aOR = 5,42).

Conclusions:
Overall, the results confirm the findings for the general population in a sample of people with selected citizenships. The fact that people with a migration history more often face structural and health related barriers and that the existence of resources is helpful in overcoming these, a differentiated consideration of the relationship between social support and subjective health seems necessary in order to establish targeted prevention measures. Key messages: Among people with selected citizenships, good social support has a positive impact on subjective health. Results remain consistent when considering socio-economic and migration-related factors.
iii614 European Journal of Public Health, Volume 32 Supplement 3, 2022