Due to the ongoing Syrian conflict, Syrian migrants represent the third-largest group of immigrants in Germany. They are, therefore, potential addressees for health-promotion programs, such as physical activity (PA). Thus, this study aimed to explore the relevance of PA, how PA may change with increasing length of stay and what are the facilitators and barriers of PA in the host country. Using a longitudinal, qualitative study design, 30 semi-standardized qualitative interviews with Syrian migrants were conducted in 2018 and 17 migrants could be followed-up after 12 months in 2019 and were asked for changes in their PA-behavior. Interviews were conducted in German, English or Arabic, transcribed and translated into English if necessary. For analysis, an abbreviated version of the Grounded Theory was used. We identified three PA phases that Syrian immigrants underwent during their first years in Germany. Phase 1 includes bureaucratic matters. Health-promoting behaviors, such as PA, are not relevant. Phase 2 comprises the establishment of basic structures. PA can gain importance and (new) behaviors can be established. In Phase 3, immigrants feel under pressure to successfully complete an (academic) education in Germany. Feelings toward PA can become ambivalent. Overall, health-promoting behaviors, such as PA, are often of secondary priority and factors influencing PA are heterogeneous not only on an individual but also societal and institutional level. PA-programs should be advertised bilingually, offered low-threshold and at low cost in order to reach the target group. In addition, there is a high demand for mental health services.
Keywords: Syrian migrants; health behavior; immigrant health; longitudinal qualitative research; physical activity.
Due to the ongoing Syrian conflict, Syrian immigrants represent the third-largest group of immigrants in Germany and are, therefore an important target group for health-promotion programs, such as physical activity (PA). To better understand, how important PA is for Syrian migrants, how their PA-behavior in Germany differs compared to Syria and what factors have an impact on PA, we conducted 30 interviews with Syrian migrants. After 12 months, we re-contacted the same 30 people, to ask for a second interview, of whom 17 agreed. All 47 interviews were conducted in German, English or Arabic, transcribed and translated into English if necessary. The interview narratives reveal that health-promoting behaviors, such as PA, are often secondary priorities. This is not only true for the beginning of migrants’ stays in their host country, but also as the duration of their stays increases. Processing major life changes and traumatic experiences, meeting acculturation requirements and managing everyday life in a foreign country require migrants’ full attention. Public health efforts must be more responsive to Syrian migrants’ specific needs. Future research should continue to focus on Syrian migrants’ living, working and social conditions and their impacts on health-related behaviors.
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