[Illness in emigration--a study of Turkish patients in general practice from the psychosomatic viewpoint]

The study investigates psychosomatic disturbances in Turkish women patients treated in general practices. Our research-tools were the Giessen-List of psychosomatic complaints and the doctors' charts. 25 patients were extensively interviewed. The whole sample was divided into one subgroup of more, one of less acculturated women. There were significant differences between the groups: in the non-acculturated group we found more psychic symptoms (depression, loss of interest, hypersensitivity). Acculturated women tend to see the physician more frequently and are more often certified ill for physical symptoms. Compared with a German sample the Turkish women showed a significant higher prevalence of somatic complaints.