PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

Definition of the problem People with a Turkish migration background are one of the largest population groups with migration background in Germany. Compared to the autochthonous population, they have a higher prevalence of certain chronic diseases, which is partly due to a low socioeconomic status. In addition, they encounter different barriers in the health system with respect to access and effectiveness of health care. These barriers result from needs and expectations of patients which are not sufficiently considered by health care institutions. This lack of patient-oriented health care may affect therapy and appropriate disease management, particularly in chronically ill individuals. Conclusion In order to provide patient-oriented health care, patients' illness perceptions also need to be considered. For this purpose, health care providers must be made aware of their patients' diverse beliefs. On the patients' side, illness perceptions which support coping with an illness need to be supported. Simultaneously, patients should be empowered to critically reflect on their own perceptions that affect adequate coping with illness. This can be facilitated by means of interventions such as storytelling, which is based on the exchange of knowledge and experiences.