[How do Migrant Women with Depression Experience Access to Care in Germany? A Qualitative Interview Study on...

The aim of the study was to find out how migrant women experience access to care for depression, what difficulties they have and what improvements they want.

Content analysis of twelve partially structured qualitative individual interviews with first-generation migrant women who were treated for depression in Germany.

Difficulties with accessing care included a lack of knowledge about symptoms of depression and treatment options, dealing with stigmatization and prejudices, lack of treatment coordination and professional advice, especially regarding outpatient psychotherapy, long waiting times and difficulties in communication. To improve access to care, patients suggested destigmatizing public information campaigns on depression, better information material, more and improved counseling options for patients as well as language support especially at the beginning of treatment.

There is room for improvement regarding access to care for migrant women with depression. Their difficulties and wishes should be given more consideration when planning care services and treatment.