Gesundheitswesen 2017; 79(08/09): 656-804
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1605625
Vorträge
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Migration pattern and mortality of ethnic German migrants from the former Soviet Union

S Kaucher
1   Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg
,
H Becher
2   Universitätsklinik Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg-Eppendorf
,
A Deckert
1   Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg
,
V Winkler
1   Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
01 September 2017 (online)

 

Background:

Previous research found differences in German language skills and integration among ethnic German migrants from the former Soviet Union in Germany (called resettlers) depending on their immigration period. We investigated heterogeneity of resettlers by immigration period to examine migration pattern and its association with all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

Methods:

We used combined data from three resettler cohorts (n = 59,390) in Germany. Migration pattern and mortality differences were investigated based on immigration periods (1990 – 92, 1993 – 1995, 1996+) defined by legislative changes. To investigate mortality differences, we calculated age standardized mortality rates (ASRs) and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for resettlers in comparison to the German population, separated by sex and immigration period. Additionally, we modeled ASRs with Poisson regression, using sex, age, calendar year and immigration period as independent variables.

Results:

Heterogeneity by immigration period was found and reflects known Germany-wide trends. Since 1993, the percentage of resettlers from the Russian Federation as well as the number of non-German spouses and their children increased. Higher all-cause mortality was found among resettlers who immigrated after 1996 (ASR 628.1, 95%CI 595.3 – 660.8), compared to resettlers who came before 1993 (ASR 561.8, 95%CI 537.2 – 586.4). SMR analysis further showed higher all-cause mortality among resettler men who immigrated after 1996 compared to German men (SMR 1.11, 95%CI 1.04 – 1.19).

Conclusions:

Heterogeneity and mortality differences by immigration period suggest different risk factor pattern among resettlers and possibly deteriorated integration opportunities. The results contribute to enlighten the picture of migrant health in Germany.