Health care needs among recently arrived refugees in Germany: a cross-sectional, epidemiological study

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study is to investigate current needs for physical and/or mental health treatment in recently arrived refugees’ by considering socio-demographic, flight, and mental health-related characteristics as well as different social care needs based on epidemiological data. METHODS: The study was conducted in a reception facility for asylum-seekers in Leipzig, where 569 newly arrived adult residents participated. The questionnaire included socio-demographic and flight-related questions as well as standardized instruments for assessing mental health symptoms. Logistic regression models were conducted to predict current needs for treatment of self-rated physical and mental health status. RESULTS: Greater numbers of traumatic events, positive screening results for at least one mental disorder, and a current need for assistance navigating the health care system were found to be significant predictors for current mental and physical health treatment needs. In addition, males are more likely to report current treatment needs for mental health symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Health-related characteristics do predict newly arrived refugees’ treatment needs, and socio-demographic and flight-related characteristics do not. The results provide both academia and policy makers with first implications for improving health care for refugees in need as quickly as possible.